Page 69 of Her Passionate Hero

“Giving up is not an option, it’s in the SEAL rule book.”

She needed to change the subject.

“Tell me what you found out from Nicolas, after you dropped me off. Did you find Darla?”

This time Hunter blew out a breath. “We’ll get to Darla. First, let’s talk about what we found.”

“How bad?”

“I’ve seen better, I’ve seen worse. He offered us both a snack, and the fridge was full. He suggested we sit down at their dining table, but Zed and I were sure if we sat in the chairs, we’d break them.”

“That bad?”

“These weren’t second-hand. The table and chairs had to have been picked up from the street, but there was a cheery tablecloth on the table and a chipped vase with wildflowers. Even a sunflower.” Hunter grinned up at her when he mentioned that last item.

Aliana chose to ignore him. “You can tell his mom makes sure her children are dressed well for school though. That kind of thing is important to her. Even Mateo was always well dressed. Did Nicolas tell you anything about him?”

“Mateo hasn’t been around much anymore. Nicolas thinks Mateo might actually marry his girlfriend because he didn’t crash at their place the last few months like he used to.”

“I wouldn’t have thought coming home to Mama would have been Mateo’s style,” Aliana commented.

Hunter motioned for Aliana to eat. They munched in silence. Aliana savored her treat, she hadn’t realized how hungry she’d been. Midway through her toast, Hunter got up and retrieved her empty mug and refilled it.

“Here,” he said as he sat back down.

“Do you want another sandwich?” she asked.

“I’m good.”

She finished her toast and cocoa. “Thank you so much. This was just what I needed.”

“You don’t take care of yourself.”

“You sound like Lottie.”

“I like your friend. Zed made a play for her this afternoon when we were asking about Nicolas. She turned him down, said she was dating Ernie. Just made him want her more. We both admired her loyalty.”

She was relieved not to be talking about herself. He put his hand over hers.

“I’m glad you have a friend who worries about you. You have too much responsibility and not enough people watching out for you.”

“Hardly,” she dismissed. “I take care of myself just fine.”

Hunter just gave her a considering look. She took advantage of it and continued.

“Let’s get back to Nicolas and his living conditions. Not only does his mom keep him in clothes and food, he plays an instrument. The rent on those things isn’t cheap.”

“You’re determined not to talk about yourself, aren’t you?” Hunter sighed.

“Yes, I am,” she said firmly. “Tell me about their apartment.”

“Three small bedrooms, one bathroom.”

“How did you find that out?”

“I said I had to use the facilities.”

She should have realized that. “Go on.”