Page 33 of Fighting For You

I couldn't help it. I chuckled.

"I know. It sounds ridiculous."

"It doesn't sound ridiculous at all."

She looked at me, then took another sip.

"This area's a little far from CCMC," I said. "How are you going to commute?"

"On the days when Lori and I are both on shift, I'll ride with her. It's the days when we're not on together that I have to figure out." She turned her glass on the table. "I'm looking for a car too. Sadly, mine didn't survive the fire."

I leaned back in my chair and thought about it.

"There are a lot of places in Vegas, but you need to know where to go for the good deals. And where you're sure the car isn't stolen."

"How would I know that?"

I shrugged. "I'll go with you. If you want."

She looked at me. For a second I thought she was going to say no.

Then she smiled. "Okay."

I drove them back to Barb's after last call. Lori thanked me at the curb, said goodnight, and walked on ahead.

Nora stayed.

"Thank you. For the window and for tonight. The crew is really cool."

"I'll make some calls to some dealers I know. See what's out there. Then I'll get back to you."

"Thank you, Knox." She smiled. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Nora."

She turned and walked up the path to the front door. I watched her the whole way. Before she went inside, she turned back and waved. I waved back. She smiled and shut the door behind her.

I sat in my truck for a minute before pulling away. I had calls to make. Dealers to check. A whole list of things to do before I could see her again. I was already looking forward to it.

CHAPTER 9

Car Shopping

NORA

Knox picked me up at nine on Saturday morning. He pulled into Barb's driveway in his truck and texted that he was outside.

I'd been ready for twenty minutes. I'd changed twice, which was ridiculous because we were going to used car lots, not dinner. I settled on jeans and a plain top and told myself to stop thinking about it.

"Morning," he said when I climbed in.

"Thank you for doing this."

"I told you I would."

He pulled out of the driveway one-handed, his other arm resting on the open window frame. His sleeves were pushed up past his forearms and I let myself look for exactly as long as I should have looked away.

He pulled a folded piece of paper from the center console and handed it to me. "Three dealerships, two private sellers, and a guy in Henderson who flips cars as a side business."