Instead of driving past her house, the car stopped up the street. Without binos, she couldn’t see the plate. She waited, but no one exited the vehicle.
Am I being paranoid?
In the garage, she watched the door close before walking inside and flipping the bolt. At the moment, she had bigger problems than someone following her home. Carrera had groveled, admitted he still loved her, and was willing to do whatever it took to win her back.
While her heart rejoiced, she was a realist. She would guard her heart, enjoy the hell out of the sex, and work these cases like the pro she was.
Carrera and his profession of love would have to wait.
Her phone buzzed with a text from Carrera.
Make it home okay?
She was surprised he hadn’t driven by to check, but if he had, she probably would have waved him in.
If she told him she thought she’d been followed, he’d attach himself like a leech. Better to keep this to herself, watch her six, and see if it was a one-off.
All good
I’ll miss you tomorrow
Ohmygod, he’s become unhinged.
As she walked upstairs, she couldn’t help but crack a smile.
She’d never stopped loving him either.
Carrera
Carrera almost canceledthe family outing, but he didn’t want Jazz’s outburst at G-ma’s to ruin a fun time. Twice a year, he took his family on a Carrera river cruise. Once in the warmer months, and a second time before Christmas.
This was the first time they’d boated together since Mara’s death.
Sunday morning, he arrived at the marina, boarded the yacht, and checked in with his staff. The chef was prepping for brunch along with a few lunch options. The bar was open, but limited to champagne or mimosas, a white wine, a wine spritzer, and beer on draft. This was a family event, not a booze cruise.
Of all his vessels, this one was the smallest. It capped out at twenty-five guests versus his largest, which could accommodate well over a hundred.
He fished his phone from his pocket, texted Slash.
House is clear if you want to work
Dots appeared.
Just got here. Raiding your fridge. You’ve got a lot of eggs
He smiled as his fingers flew over the keys.
Text me anything you want, and I’ll grab it from the store
When she didn’t reply, he spotted G-ma and walked onto the stern to help her aboard. To his surprise, Jazz was right there by G-ma’s side, offering an assist.
“Be careful, G-ma,” Jazz said as she helped her into the craft.
Once aboard, Carrera pulled his grandmother in for a hug. Over the years, she’d shrunk a little, but she was still a formidable force.
“Thank you, Jazz,” G-ma said. “Check on the food options for me.”
When Jazz disappeared inside, G-ma blew out an exhale. “She’s driving me crazy.”
