“True, but I adjusted the cook time to account for it. Hence, perfect kernels every time.”
They both laughed.
“Seriously, buddy.” Chuck smiled. “I can’t remember having this much fun, ever.”
“Me either.” Their college days were great, but this was different. “It’s because of her, you know.”
“Damn right it is. She’s amazing.”
“We need to talk to the sheriff about Soto. He needs to know everything.” Lance felt his pulse get hot, realizing how awful Danielle’s young life had been. “I’d also like to bring in more help. We can hire the best to find the fucker. I don’t want him anywhere near her.”
“I completely agree.” Chuck put some plates on the table. “I like her, Lance. I like her very much.”
“So do I.” He and Chuck were on the same page, and that thrilled him. Now, they could move things forward with Danielle. “I’ve never met anyone who holds a candle to her. After everything she’s gone through, she just keeps on going. Most would’ve crawled into a hole and given up.”
“She’s so funny and beautiful.” Chuck’s tone held a reverence and awe. Like him, Chuck was completely mesmerized by Danielle. “God, listen to us, buddy. We sound like two lovesick school boys.”
“I know.” Is that what we are? Lovesick?
* * * *
Danielle looked at her fingertips, which were wrinkled beyond belief. Her glass of wine was empty and the candle had burned down. The water, which had been very hot, was now cool.
How long have I been in here? Quite long, by the looks of things.
She stood and grabbed a towel.
Drying off, she smelled the aroma of bacon.
After putting on a robe, she walked into the kitchen. Lance and Chuck both gave her a kiss and led her to the table, which was filled with a delicious meal of scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns, and biscuits and gravy.
“This is quite the breakfast you’ve prepared, gentlemen. Thank you. I rarely eat at home since I work at the diner. This is very nice.”
Chuck put his arm around her. “Our pleasure, sweetheart.”
Lance pulled the chair out for her, and she took a seat.
“You two are spoiling me.”
“That’s the plan.” Lance’s sweet side was something she couldn’t get enough of. “Do you feel better after your bath?”
“I do. Very relaxed.” She took a bite of bacon, which was cooked just to her liking. Crispy. “Delicious.”
“Try the orange juice.” Chuck’s gentle strength was intoxicating. “That was my contribution.”
“He pours like a pro, Danielle,” Lance teased. “I can’t wait for you to taste the gravy. My mother was an incredible cook. She taught me how to make it.”
“No time like the present.” She took a big fluffy biscuit and broke it in two. She covered the pieces in Lance’s cream gravy. She took a forkful and brought it to her mouth. It tasted fantastic. “This is the best gravy I’ve ever had. You have to share your recipe with Carlotta and the cooks. It would be a huge hit.” She took another bite.
Lance smiled. “I knew you would like it.”
They finished the meal, laughing and talking. It felt so natural being with Lance and Chuck. They didn’t come off as rich bastards. She believed they could fit in anywhere, here at her kitchen table as well as boardrooms at corporations. Their charm and confidence was so appealing.
“Guys, I want to go see the sheriff.” Sharing everything with Lance and Chuck had opened her up to trust. Sheriff Champion deserved to hear the rest of her story. “He knows some of what I told you, but I need to tell him the rest.”
The sheriff knew her real name and knew about Miguel and her mom. What she hadn’t told him was how really bad it was growing up with those two. He needed to hear all of it. Maybe in some way that would help him and Austin in their mission to bring down the cartel and save not just her, but also poor Trent.
“Sheriff Champion is a good man. Yes, you need to tell him everything.” Lance grabbed her hand and squeezed. “What time do you want to get to his office?”