From This Moment

“We’ve already met.”

I turn to Elise. “Nice to see you again, Elise. Justin.”

“Oh, right.”

“Do you want to join us?” Justin asks.

Not sure whether this is a good idea or not, I reply

, “If you’re sure I’m not interrupting anything.”

“No, take a seat,” Elise invites.

I take the one right next to Rona wondering what the hell I’m doing.

“We’re taking a breather from Rona’s exhausting shopping spree,” Elise laughs.

“Hey, I’m not that bad, besides I’m not the only one who bought a sexy dress!”

Elise blushes.

I look from Elise’s blush to Rona eating her cake. “Sexy dress, huh. You want to try them out on me?” I suggest, knowing I’m not that lucky.

“They’re packed in the car. Sorry,” Rona replies, around a mouthful of cake.

I laugh at them now. “You actually went shopping with these two?” I ask Justin.

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

I put all the joking and flirting to one side. “Good, that’s what’s needed until Nick is in custody.” I look toward Rona. “You need to make sure someone is always with you.” I nod to Elise. “You as well.”

Rona takes another bite from her cake. “Don’t worry, between Cade and Jake, I think the only place we’ll get to go alone is the bathroom.”

“That’s probably right,” Elise confirms.

After a few moments of silence, while we eat, I turn to Rona. “Where are you from? Sometimes I catch a hint of something else in your accent,” I ask, looking at her and unable to hide my interest.

She replies, “I’m originally from Rhode Island, but I’ve lived in Ireland for the past ten years. What about you?”

“Alaska originally and now, wherever the job takes me,” I reply, giving her a lingering glance, wondering what the hell is wrong with me. I’ve never hit on a woman who’s been spoken for before and it’s obvious she’s in love with Cade.

Justin now engages me in talk about law enforcement. Apparently he started out at the police academy until family obligations put a stop to his career as a police officer.

I’m only half listening to Justin while I’m trying to listen to Rona and Elise talk about dresses and killer shoes. Hell, I really need to control my libido.

Finishing our sandwiches, Rona catches me throwing glances at her. I need to take another trip to see Grace. I do feel attracted to Rona, but Grace had me hard as steel the minute our eyes connected. Grace is single whereas Rona isn’t.

Wiping her mouth on a napkin, she drops it to the table. “If you’ll excuse me a minute.” She starts to stand.

I stand as well.

She looks at me. “Mmm, I can manage on my own thanks.”

“Nick hasn’t been caught yet.” My eyes are full of laughter. “I wasn’t exactly planning on joining you in there.”

She quickly glances over to Elise who appears to be snickering. No doubt she’s picked up on my attraction to Rona.

“It’s just out the door to the left,” she tells me.