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Sounds of Mötley Crüe quietly fuse with our uncomfortable breathing creating an awkward symphony I’m certain neither of us cares for yet can’t seem to interrupt.
It isn’t until our first turn off my official property that I finally speak. “You can’t just walk away from me every time we have a problem.”
“And you don’t get to just declare that we don’t have one.”
My mask covered mouth initially falls to fight; however, I almost immediately decide against it.
Concede.
“You’re right.”
“Often,” she sassily insists on a playful stare my way. “So often in fact that I should be the one wearing the gold gear.”
Cluelessness quickly cakes my barely seen complexion.
“It’s a Star Trek thing.”
“I’ve kind of missed watching that with you.”
Her spaghetti strap bearing shoulders slightly soften. “And I’ve kind of missed letting you watch it with me.”
Gratefulness over the proclamation leads to me shifting my glove covered hand over to her lap. “I’m sorry for the way I reacted regarding this situation with Lauren.” Our fingers fold tightly together. “My actions may have resulted in the death of your father, but I’ll be damned if my inactions cause that of your mother.”
At that, Bryn’s entire frame melts.
Completely faces me.
“You should know that Hill hasn’t reported any suspicious activity to me or Park regarding visitors to her room.”
“I like him,” my girlfriend casually declares. “He reminds me of a nurse shark. Only going to bite if stepped on.”
The comparison feels oddly comforting, and I happily lean into it. “And as for Park’s investigation into suspects, he and his team that are working on the issue have made some significant progress. They’ve used all of the data provided by Hamilton regarding dates and time periods along with access to certain parts of the property to whittle out those that didn’t fit the criteria.”
“And?!”
“And it’s still a long list, baby.”
Her nose noticeably scrunches in unhappiness.
“Patience, okay?” Lifting her hand up to my lips occurs to deliver a kiss to the back of it. “Park is basically working around the clock to get answers.”
“Thank you,” slips loose so unexpectedly it damn near causes me to swerve.
“For?”
“Not ignoring the truth.” She tightens her hold. “Protecting my mom like you promised.” Our eyes momentarily find one another. “Keeping your word about going box jellyfish for me.”
The small reminder of the conversation had right before our first date receives a hearty laugh along with a crooked grin. “Let’s see if that’s how you feel tonight when I threaten your boss for following you a little too closely around the club.”
Her head cocks in surprise and curiosity alike. “Excuse me?”
“I’ll rent a room for work.”
“You can’t just rent a room whenever. It’s not a motel. You have to have booked an event or be a member.”
Additional smugness slyly slips into place at the same time I announce, “I already am.”
Chapter 20
