From This Moment

He laughs at us now. “You actually went shopping with these two?” Josh asks Justin.

“No chance. I’m not brave enough to do that. I’m chauffeur and bodyguard today.”

Josh is serious now. “Good, that’s what’s needed until Nick is in custody.” Josh looks toward me. “You need to make sure someone is always with you.” He nods to Elise. “You as well.”

I shovel another piece of meringue and cream into my mouth, and try to talk between the mouthful. “Don’t worry, between Cade and Jake I think the only place we’ll get to be alone is the bathroom.”

“That’s probably right,” Elise confirms.

After a few moments of silence, while we eat, Josh turns to me. “Where are you from? Sometimes I catch a hint of something else in your accent,” he asks, looking at me with eyes full of interest.

Keeping calm, I reply, “I’m originally from Rhode Island, but I’ve lived in Ireland for the past ten years. What about you?” I avoid looking at Elise because I can feel her eyes on Josh and me.

“Alaska originally, and now, wherever the job takes me,” he replies, giving me a lingering look.

After this question, Justin jumps in asking about law enforcement so that keeps them both busy for a while.

Thank God for Justin.

Josh is an attractive guy. Actually both Josh and Justin are attractive, but Cade is the only guy for me.

Finishing our cakes and coffee, I catch Josh throwing glances at me so I decide a trip to the restroom is in order. “If you’ll excuse me a minute.” I start to stand.

Josh stands as well.

I look at him. “Mmm, I can manage on my own thanks.”

“Nick’s still not caught yet.” His eyes are full of laughter. “I wasn’t exactly planning on joining you in there.”

At this comment, I just catch Elise saying, “You could have fooled me,” under her breath.

I quickly glance over to Elise and then say to Josh, “It

’s just out the door to the left.”

“Let’s go.” Taking my elbow, Josh leads me to the restrooms.

Before I push the door to enter, Josh stops me with his hand. I look up at him. “How involved are you with Cade?”

Oh hell.

Looking at him, I take a breath and answer, “I love him, Josh.”

He nods his head slightly. “I’ll wait here for you.” He pushes the restroom door open for me.

“Thanks.”

Wow!

I don’t actually need the restroom. It’s just an excuse to have a breather. Going over to the vanity area, I drop my purse on top of the counter and look up into the mirror. And freeze.

Oh fuck. Nick!

“Not a word.” He comes up behind me with a gun in his hand.

Standing close to me, he moves the barrel of the gun along my neck, against my hair pinned up.

“Don’t make a sound.”