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She poured herself coffee, watching me. “Have you heard anything more about that man? The one who was bothering Jo?”
My jaw tightened. “Not really. He’s hiding out, I believe.”
“Lane—”
“I’m handling it, Mom. I’m making sure Jo is safe. My guys know to be on the lookout for her safety. That’s all you need to know.”
Julia studied me for a long moment, then nodded. “Okay. But you be careful, too.”
“I will.”
Friday finally arrived. But then the hours seemed to drag out. So many tedious, excruciating calls. I checked my watch five million times that day. And of course, at the end of the day, we get this call that threatened to hold me over. A prowler call miles outside of town.
Kenny, my sergeant, waved a hand at me. “Go ahead, boss man. If I need you, I’ll call you. I’ll take Potterson with me.”
Nodding, I took off for home.
I waved at Mom as I walked in the door and headed to my bedroom. Remy came in to criticize my wardrobe choices again. I changed my shirt twice before we both agreed on the dark maroon button-down. I grabbed the colorful Gerbera daisies I’d picked up—Remy had been very insistent about flowers.
I pulled up to Jo’s apartment at exactly six o’clock. She opened the door before I could knock.
The woman took my breath away. She was wearing an olive green dress that hugged her beautiful curves. Her honey-gold hair fell in soft waves down to her breasts. She looked nervous and beautiful and absolutely perfect.
“Hi,” I managed.
“Hi.” Her smile was shy. “You brought flowers.”
“Remy’s orders.” I held them out. “She was very specific.”
She took them from me, and I noticed her nails were freshly done in a color almost identical to the dress. “They’re beautiful. Come in while I put them in water.”
I stepped into her apartment—cozy, warm, full of books and soft lighting. I watched as she arranged the flowers in a vase, her hands slightly trembling. Should I have kissed her hello?
“You okay?” I asked softly.
“Nervous,” she admitted, smiling softly.
“Me too.”
She looked up at me, surprised. “Really?”
“Yes,” I admitted. “I haven’t done this in... a long time. And I really want tonight to be perfect.”
“It already is,” she said softly. “You’re here. That’s all that matters.”
Something in my chest loosened. I crossed to her, taking her hand. Before she could say anything, I leaned down and pressed my lips to hers, giving her a proper hello. Jo groaned, and her soft hand came up to cup my cheek. I wanted to lean in, but I forced myself to stop at the kiss.
“Ready?” Her soft cheeks were flushed, and she blinked at me before nodding.
“Ready.”
Chapter 11
Lane
* * *
The Stave was exactly what I’d hoped—intimate lighting, quiet atmosphere, the smell of garlic and grilling meat filling the air. The hostess led us to a corner table, and I pulled out Jo’s chair before sitting across from her.
