Page 62 of Shattered Secrets
“Of course, boss,” Bean replied, her fingers already flying over her keyboard.
Letting go of Matt’s hand, Scarlet leaned back in her seat and crossed her arms over her chest. “Why are we ruling out the crimes being related? Couldn’t the mystery guy have broken into my apartment while he was looking for me?”
Gavin pursed his lips, then shook his head. “I don’t think so. If the mystery guy already knows where you live, then why bother with the photo at the diner? He’d be more likely to watch your place, learn your movements, then make his move. Not break in and go around asking about you afterward. Truthfully, the fact that he’s showing your photo around is sloppy.”
Gavin’s explanation made sense. But that meant they were no closer to finding out who the mystery guy was or who had broken into her apartment. Which was terrifying. A shiver ghosted down her spine, and she rubbed her hands over her arms.
“Scarlet, are you okay with me digging into your past?” Bean asked.
No. Not at all. That was the very last thing Scarlet wanted.
Even with the basic information she’d provided everyone, she was certain the other woman’s cyber skills were indeed magic. She worried what Bean would find. But if it kept Daisy safe, Bean could dig all she wanted. Because Daisy was what mattered most. “Go ahead. But please keep what you find need-to-know.”
“Of course,” Bean said, giving her a reassuring smile.
“Ready to get out of here?” Matt asked, laying a hand on her shoulder.
She nodded. “Please.”
After saying thanks to Gavin and Bean, Scarlet followed Matt out to his truck. He passed through the security gates and turned in the opposite direction of his house, where she’d assumed they were going. After a few miles, she realized they were heading back downtown, and she suppressed a sigh. She really didn’t want to return to work, but she still had a few hours until she had to pick up Daisy, so whatever. Might as well. Besides, she was certain Matt had other stuff to do.
She frowned as they passed Ray’s Diner without slowing.
Okaaay.
Spotting Hudson Island Antiques, everything clicked into place. Of course. “I appreciate the ride back to my car...” Her frown deepened as they passed her apartment. She pointed behind them. “Um, Matt, my car is...”
“I’ll have one of the guys bring your car to the house later today.”
She stared at him, but he kept his focus on the road. “Matt, where are we...”
He pulled up in front of Rebecca’s and put his truck in Park. “I don’t know about you, Scar, but I could sure use a quiet afternoon at the house. Especially after hearing Bean explain all the tech she’s implemented. My brain is damn near fried. Whatdo you say we pick up Daisy and do another early dinner and a movie night?”
Her jaw dropped. God, this man was wonderful. “That sounds gre—oh wait! We have to get Daisy’s car seat from my car first.”
“Nah, we’re good,” he said, cutting the engine.
Scarlet spun around, jaw dropping again when she saw the back bench. In the center was a car seat. Swinging her gaze back to Matt, she noticed the slight flush on his cheeks. “How... When did you get that?”
“I can’t take credit for it.”
Her eyebrow arched. She’d beg to differ.
“I don’t know if you’ve met Esme?” When Scarlet shook her head, he continued, “She’s Hudson Security’s go-to person for anything they need.” He shrugged, and the pink tinge on his cheeks deepened. “I may have mentioned that you and Daisy are staying with me for the next few weeks. I told her about Daisy—how even though she’s four, she’s a tiny little thing. I also gave her the brand of car seat you use. It’s no big deal. This way, we don’t have to switch the clunky thing back and forth between our vehicles.”
She bit the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling. No big deal? The man was wonderfulanddelusional.
“Let’s go,” he said gruffly, reaching for the door handle.
She grabbed his arm, stilling him. She waited until he met her gaze, until the heat in his eyes gave her courage. Then she trailed her fingers down his forearm and caught his hand. Bringing it to her lips, she pressed a kiss to his knuckles. “Thank you, Matt.”
His jaw clenched, and she swore he let out a low growl. His voice was like gravel when he whispered, “You’re welcome, sweetheart. Now let’s get Daisy.”
When they met on the sidewalk, he reclaimed her hand. Scarlet’s heart expanded, and she couldn’t have stopped her grin if she’d tried. Who would have thought she’d actually be able to smile after the last couple of hours?
Katie let them in the front door, and two seconds after walking inside, an exuberant “Matty!” greeted their arrival. Her daughter, hot-pink cast and all, shot across the room and threw herself into Matt’s arms.
“Hey, Otter Pop,” he said, catching Daisy with ease. He swung her in a circle before setting her on his hip.
