Chapter 18
Nick slid into the front seat of his truck, shut the door.
“You totally lied about seeing someone messing with my Bronco.” Already strapped in, Berkley sounded maybe not shocked, but surprised. And pleased.
Now that they were safely in his truck with no chance of being overheard by the cops or detectives, Nick lifted a shoulder. “I told you I had a plan.”
“I didn’t think that involved you lying to the detectives.”
“Whoever is targeting you isn’t playing by the rules, so we’re not either.” She just stared at him. “What?”
“I just always assumed you were like this…Boy Scout.”
“I’ll break every rule to protect people I care about.
” And she fell into that category, no way around it now.
He’d been so wrong about her—and a giant asshole on top of it for making assumptions based on her ex-husband.
His sister was right about him, and he was making things right, starting with Berkley.
Though that wasn’t the only thing he wanted from her. He liked her at the most basic level. She was funny, kind. And fine, gorgeous. But there was a genuine warmth to her that he found himself drawn to, wanting to orbit around. To keep safe.
She blinked at him, looked as if she might say something but then turned away, her cheeks flushing pink as she strapped in.
Part of him wanted to push her a little, but knew now wasn’t the time. Especially if he wanted to convince her to stay at his place. And by convince, he meant bribe. “So. You’re staying with me. Not Apollo.” Okay, he’d meant to be a whole lot smoother than that.
“What?”
He nodded. “Arlo is going to bring your Bronco to my place.” They’d left her keys with the front desk at the sheriff’s office and Arlo was only five minutes out.
“I think I must need to repeat myself, because what?”
“I talked to Apollo—”
“What? When?”
“When you were talking to the guy at the front desk. He’s got a work emergency and my place is more than secure.
And I’ve got a triple garage so your Bronco won’t be outside where anyone can mess with it.
Sure, it’s drugs today, but what if someone cuts your brake line tomorrow?
It just makes more sense.” When she didn’t say anything, he glanced at her and found her furiously texting.
After a few minutes of clearly angry texts—no doubt with Apollo—she set her phone down and took a deep breath. “While I greatly appreciate you and Apollo going behind my back, as if I don’t have any agency—”
“I only found out ten minutes ago.”
“I will be making my own living arrangements. I’ll just stay at Micah’s.”
“Does he have a garage?”
She clenched her jaw but didn’t respond.
So he decided to push it. Just a little. “I also have a part-time chef who drops off meals four times a week.”
She still didn’t say anything, but he saw a little more interest in those startling green eyes.
“Okay, I have something that might change your mind.” As he pulled up to a stoplight, he unlocked his cell and handed it to her with a picture of Sunshine, the most adorable golden retriever who ever lived.
Sunshine was even smiling at the camera, as if she knew her cuteness was being captured. She probably did.
“Who is this cutie?” Berkley’s voice was softer now, and beyond excited.
“Sunshine. She’s four years old, loves tummy rubs and evening walks.”
“You fight dirty,” she grumbled, but pulled her phone back out and sent a few more texts.
He did when something mattered to him. Or someone. “I take it…you’re staying with me?”
“Oh no. I’m staying with Sunshine.” Berkley sniffed slightly, but he didn’t miss her smile as she looked out his truck window.