One to Protect (One to Hold 3)

“Hi, Peg!” My voice is cheerful. I’ve known her since I was a teenager.

Derek scans the laminated menu. “I’ll have a Sawmill Eggs Benedict. Gravy is my favorite hollandaise.”

Giggling, I scan over all the selections. “I want eggs every way. And regular coffee… just this once.”

He shrugs. “I can’t tell you no.”

Peg nods and then shakes her head. We’re sitting on the same side of the booth, which I know is so silly and young-loverish, but I can’t help it. I don’t know if it’s hormones or what, but the situation with Sloan, losing my necklace, none of it seems to dampen how I’m feeling this morning.

Scooting closer to him, I slide the dark hair away from his face as he sips his coffee. “I love having you with me longer than two days at a time.”

He puts the cup down and stretches an arm around my shoulders. “We really need to find a compromise solution to our home-base situation.”

Our blue eyes meet, and I can’t help kissing him. “Then stop fighting me and move here.”

“Melissa…” he groans.

I sit back, crossing my arms. “What’s wrong with Wilmington?”

“Other than the fact there’s not a decent airport for miles, it’s cut off from everything—”

“Like living in Paradise. A dream…”

“For a serial killer. Or any other criminal or societal dropout hoping to escape the long arm of the law.”

“You’ve been working in justice too long.”

“I’ve been very happy Patrick’s here to watch over you for me, but I agree with you.” He lifts my long, dark hair and kisses my cheek. “Being with you even one extra day is so good. I want us to decide now.”

Why did I bring this subject up? I know it’s the one thing we can’t agree on, and it’s also the one thing that could kill my mood. Luckily, the busboys show up at that perfect moment with all our food. Peg’s hanging behind them, making sure they deliver the dishes correctly.

“He’s having the Sawmill B, she’s having all the rest.”

I can’t help laughing as they unload four plates of eggs prepared in a variety of ways for me to sample. “And my bacon!” A plate of bacon appears in front of me.

“Can I get y’all anything else?” Peg waits chewing her gum, unimpressed.

“We’re good, thanks!” I say brightly, and she disappears.

I allow our impasse to give way to the lusciousness of home-cooked breakfast, and we dig in, touching each other every so often as we eat.

“I want to walk on the beach after this,” I manage to say around a bite of bacon and eggs.

He nods. “We’ll need it.” But then his expression turns serious. “I didn’t want to tell you this last night, but Patrick and I need to get on the road for Baltimore by noon.”

And just like that, my happy mood is gone. Disappeared. He’s leaving me in… my eyes wander to the enormous clock hanging in the center of the back wall… two hours.

My chin drops, and his arms are around me just as fast. “I’m sorry.” His breath is against my neck, and it’s almost torture knowing all of this will be over so soon and for who knows how long this time.

“This is part of the plan?” I hear the highness of my voice, the crack as I say the words. It’s pitiful and pathetic, and I don’t care.

He inhales deeply and leans back, concern all over his face. “It is. And I think this time it’s going to work. I’m going to make sure it does, or I promise—”

“Where are you staying? You don’t have a place in Baltimore.” I won’t let him finish what he was trying to say. I also know Patrick won’t let him finish it—we’ve discussed the fact that neither of us will let Derek risk his reputation or his future on someone as worthless as Sloan.

“Patrick started looking for a place last night. I’m sure he’s found something nice.”

Sadness weighs so heavy on my shoulders, I’m no longer hungry. “Let’s get out of here. I want that walk on the beach with you.”