He’d come to check on her, but when he saw Reid’s Jaguar parked at the curb, he stayed where he was.
If the lad wasn’t there for the right reasons, Deck would step in.
He waited long enough to see the front door open.
Long enough to see Eleanor standing there—unguarded for once.
Long enough to see Reid lean in and press that kiss to her forehead before he walked away.
Deck grunted softly.
“Well now.”
He watched the Jaguar roll down the street.
Only when Eleanor shut and locked the door did he finally relax.
“About time,” he muttered. “Softening up, are we, lass.”
He leaned back against the seat.
Reid Calloway.
Golden-boy district attorney.
Sharp mind. Clean reputation.
Deck huffed.
“Maybe you’re not all polish after all.”
He reached for the ignition.
“And if you hurt my girl, lad…” he muttered toward the empty street, faint grin tugging at his mouth, “I’ll personally escort you clear to the county line.”
He started the truck.
“No headlines needed for that.”
He pulled away.
Content.
13
Outside Judge Harlan’s Chambers — Next Morning
The hallway outside Judge Harlan’s chambers had gone quiet.
Eleanor stood beside Reid with her file clutched against her ribs, close enough to feel the heat of him through the sleeve of his jacket.
Not touching.
Far too aware of how easily they could.
“You know I won’t take it easy on you in there,” Reid said, low and amused.
She kept her eyes on the file in her hand.
