She was too wired to sleep. “Pasta sounds good but make sure to get salad too.”
“Not a problem.” He pulled into the restaurant parking lot. Out of habit, she scanned their surroundings.
“Maybe I should cut my hair and buy some makeup to try covering my scar.” She fell into step beside him as they entered the restaurant. “I hate knowing you’re a target now, too, just because you’re standing beside me.”
“Don’t cut your hair or hide your scar.” He looked upset at her suggestion. “You’re perfect the way you are. Besides, we’ll be going in at night. That should help.”
She was far from perfect, but his words touched her deep within. She’d gone through life on her own terms, refusing to bend to the will of others. That Jarek accepted her the way she was made her wish for more.
Much more.
“Spaghetti and meatballs?” His blue eyes gleamed. “Please?”
She couldn’t help but laugh. “Sure, why not? Just don’t forget the salad.”
He placed their to-go order, then tugged her off to the side to wait. She tried not to think about how much she liked him. “You know, you could always work for Grayson’s Guardians too. If things don’t work out,” she added. “I’ll do everything possible to protect your career, but it doesn’t hurt to have a backup plan.”
His brow furrowed. “I’ll be fine. Thanks, though. I honestly can’t see myself doing anything else.”
She hid a stab of disappointment. “I understand. Just know Grayson’s a great guy to work for. The job offers a lot of autonomy.”
“I’ll keep it in mind.” His tone was light, and she sensed he didn’t really mean them. But it was her cue to drop the subject.
Rex called just as they were getting settled in their new rental car, the tantalizing scent of tomato sauce and meatballs teased her senses. “Hi, Captain.”
“Okay, I have another place. This one is a bit north of the city. Hope that’s okay, because it’s not as if there are a lot of homes to choose from.”
“North of the city is fine. We have a car.” She glanced at Jarek who nodded. “What’s the address?”
Rex rattled it off. She repeated it for Jarek. “I’ll send the code and the address to this number. Call me if you need anything more.”
“This should hold us for a while. Thanks.” She lowered the phone, then watched the screen for the text message to land. She entered the address on a map app so that she could figure out the best route to get there. “Keep heading north until we reach Cumberland. Then we’ll hang a left.”
“I think staying north of the city is a good idea,” Jarek said as he did as she instructed. “The farther from gang territory, the better.”
“You’re probably right.” She glanced around at their surroundings. “I’m not as familiar with this part of the city.”
“I am. This used to be my patrol route.”
“Really? I’d think you’d be more focused on the south end.”
He frowned. “Narcotics tends to handle that, but as you pointed out, there could be some bad apples in the bunch.”
She felt bad for making him doubt his fellow officers. Just because she was suspicious and wary by nature didn’t mean she was right about Ray and Jeff. Especially Jeff, who had never warmed up to her. Not that she’d cared, unless it was a sign he was dirty.
They found the rental house without a problem. Jarek pulled up to the garage while she got out and used the code to enter the home. He parked in the garage, grabbed their food and the pair of duffel bags, and joined her in the kitchen. She set the table while he unpacked the containers of salad, spaghetti, and meatballs.
As they sat down to eat, Jarek glanced at her. “I’d like to say grace.”
“I know.” She bowed her head and linked her hands in her lap.
“Lord Jesus, we ask You to continue keeping us safe in Your care. We know You are always there for us, no matter what. We need You now more than ever. Please grant us the strength and knowledge to bring the gunmen to justice. Amen.”
“Amen.” She met his gaze as she took a bite of her salad. When she’d swallowed, she said, “Why do I think a big part of that prayer was intended for me?”
“We are all sinners.” His blue eyes were serious. “Trust me, Di. God will be there for you, if you believe.”
She wasn’t sure how to answer that, so she focused on keeping her mouth full of great food.
