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Beau’s smile lit up his face. “When you say it like that, it sounds so sensible and easy. You know they’ve been going through some rough times lately? Luke hates her working alone.”
“I don’t blame him. In fact, I pointed out that he’d feel a lot better if she—”
“Quit her job.”
“Worked with a partner.”
“Hold it, what?”
“You heard me. It makes perfect sense, right?”
“Jesus, yes. Now why didn’t I see that solution?”
“Might be you’re too close.”
“Mellie told me the day of the incident that they fought all the time about Rachel working. That their screaming matches scared her.”
“Then the school shooting happened, and Luke’s worry doubled.”
“You sensed the tension too when we arrived.”
“Like a thick wall of gray.”
Beau pulled his truck over and turned to Lori. “I can’t drive and thank you at the same time. That family means the world to me. Luke’s been my best friend since we were in diapers and those girls make things right in my world. I think after tonight, they may find their way back to each other.”
“If gentle touches on a shoulder and hand holding is any indication, looks like they were headed in the right direction. But the thing that worries me most is what Mellie told me when she caught up with me in the bathroom. You know she asked to talk with me there.”
“Nope. Didn’t know. It must be why she insisted I bring you over.”
“Probably. Seems that one of the girls she’s particularly friends with knew Jessica from before. I guess this girl’s sister had been at the same school as our shooter.”
“Houston East?”
“Yep.”
“Which means that Jessica had specific reasons for revenge toward people in that school.”
“Looks that way.”
“It’s why she chose that particular place to shoot up.”
“See, that’s what I said.”
“Two great minds.”
“Well, one great mind and the other one working at it.” Lori giggled. “I do believe that second glass of bubbly was a mistake.” The smiles slid from her face when Beau moved close.
Beau saw her shock at his temerity. He knew she stayed where she was because she wouldn’t let him see fear. He liked that about Loretta Page… her incredible nerve. “Will you slap me if I kiss you?”
“You bet.”
“Slap away.” His lips moved to hers, and his kiss held all the sweetness he felt. “Thank you for being there tonight.”
***
She should have slapped him, but her arms were too limp to lift, and with her explosion of emotion she couldn’t force a fake mad. His lips tasted hers gently, no macho bullshit, no prolonged forcing to get past her lips. Just a soft emotional touch that left her breathless and wanting more.
Why the hell this Romeo had to put that kind of a move on her, she didn’t know… but it worked. His thanks couldn’t be pushed away with a face-smack like the sentiments didn’t matter. Not when his sincere thank you ended there. He backed away from her and started driving again.
