“You need a fresh bandage, and I’ve come prepared.”
“You packed a first aid kit?”
“I’m raising a boy. A first aid kit is considered an essential item.” She grinned.
He sat up, turned, and gave her his hand. She could feel him watching her as she worked. She peeled the tape, and trying not to jostle him too much and irritate the wounds, she gently unwound the gauze from his hand, then tossed it into the nearby trash can. She applied another layer of antibiotic ointment and fresh gauze. Reid spent most of the time staring at her hands, but she caught him studying her face, which made her cheeks grow warm.
“There you go.” She looked him in the eyes. He leaned forward, studying her intently. Would he come close enough to kiss her? Would she let him? There was a current in the air, and breathing became hard. Something sparked. She wanted him to kiss her. They sat, staring at each other, hypnotized by attraction. Or maybe, that was just her.
“Momma.” A groggy JJ ambled into the living room, startling Quinn, breaking their connection.
JJ had had a nightmare. It wasn’t a surprise with all that had happened in the last couple of days. She bid Reid good night, not a moment too soon. She’d been entertaining crazy thoughts about kissing him, and she didn’t need to. The news was full of stories about mothers’ boyfriends or new husbands abusing children. She’d rather be alone the rest of her life than bring someone like that into her son’s life. Besides, she’d loved once, and the only good that came from that was JJ. She didn’t want any more heartbreak.
Reid had put his life on the line. Several times. Maybe, he was different. Maybe, he could be a loving father figure to JJ. But now wasn’t the time to focus on misguided thoughts of her love life.
She climbed into bed with JJ and held him as he fell back to sleep. She wouldn’t be going back out to the living room tonight. Too much electricity in the air. Instead, she used the time to pray.
Thank You, Lord, for Your love and saving grace. Thank You for this.She squeezed JJ.For protecting us every step of the way. Thank You for bringing Reid into our lives. Heal his hand. And his heart. Please continue to keep us safe and help us find who is responsible. Amen.
CHAPTER NINE
The following morning, Reid and Quinnsat in a booth at the Sunrise Café. Considering what happened forty-eight hours ago, Quinn seemed to be holding it together pretty well, being back where it all began. They watched the front door, waiting, while JJ sat in the manager’s office. Apparently, that was his hangout when he visited Quinn at work.
Victoria stepped through the door as the bell above it rang. She scanned the diner and found them. He stood as she got to their booth. “Victoria.”
“Reid.” She shook his proffered hand and slid into the booth. He slid into the small booth next to Quinn, their thighs touching.
“They’re releasing Joe’s body today.” Victoria fiddled with the rolled-up silverware in front of her. “That’s where Andrew is. He agreed to meet with the funeral home for transport. I just couldn’t do it.” A tear slid down her cheek.
“I’m sorry for your loss,” Quinn said.
“Thank you.” Victoria put the silverware down. “How did you know my husband?”
“Um. I met him several years ago.” Quinn’s leg started bouncing under the table.
“So, you were a client?”
“No, ma’am.” Her leg bounced faster.
Reid put his hand under the table and placed it on her knee. His touch had the reaction he was hoping for. Her leg quit bouncing. He, however, hadn’t expected the jolt of electricity that bolted up his arm. He quickly moved his hand.
“I, um, dated him a few years ago.”
Victoria straightened and pulled her shoulders back. “Ah, yes. You must be the indiscretion he told me about.”
“He told you about us?” Quinn’s knee resumed bouncing.
“Yes. He’d come home after an extended case here in town, confessed his weakness, and promised me it meant nothing and that it’d never happen again.” Victoria placed her hands in her lap.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t know he was a married man, or I would have never gotten involved with him.”
“I’m sure you didn’t. Honestly, you weren’t the first one, and I’d be surprised if you were the last.”
Quinn’s leg stopped moving. “He’d cheated on you before?”
Reid was stunned at the revelation. That was so out of character for the man Reid had known. He must have never really known Joe, then.
“Yes, while we were dating. I’d forgiven him then, like I did with you.” She reached across the table and patted Quinn’s hand.
