One to Save (One to Hold 6)

“What the hell?” He takes a step forward and stops. “What did you do?”

It’s funny because I’ve known Stuart so long. I can remember a time when his response would’ve been Fuck her. There’s plenty of fish in the sea. I’ll get the boat. Apparently Mariska’s changed everything.

I lean back against the cabinets and take another drink. “She found out about Sloan. Then she found out about Star.”

My friend’s brow lines, and I know he isn’t following me. I’m not making sense. Saying it out loud makes it all sound so stupid to me.

I clear my throat and start over. “She was mad I didn’t tell her about Sloan.”

“You didn’t tell anybody about Sloan. You didn’t even tell me.”

“The fewer people who know about a problem, the better the chance it won’t get discovered.”

“It’s Security 101,” he agrees.

Shaking my head, I wonder why women aren’t as reasonable as men. “Well, my fiancée isn’t in the security business, and she didn’t like that answer.” Taking another sip, I confess. “In fairness, I understand her being mad about it. I should’ve told her. My role in what happened to Sloan impacts her and Dex...”

Stuart doesn’t speak. I can tell he’s waiting for the other shoe to drop.

“I promised not to keep her in the dark on these things anymore.”

He nods, and I see the pieces click together for him. “And then she found out about Star.”

“And then I found all my luggage on her front porch.”

“Shit.” Stuart leans against the opposite cabinets, crossing his muscled arms. On his face is stunned empathy. “You must be going crazy.”

A female voice interrupts us. “What’s up with you guys?” Mariska is standing in the doorway watching, and I don’t care anymore.

“Melissa and I are... taking a break.”

“Oh my god!” Mariska swirls to me in an instant, touching my arm. “Is there anything I can do?”

Stuart leans forward and catches her around the waist, gently pulling her back against his chest. “You could order up some food?” His voice is tender, and he leans down to kiss her ear. I turn away from the sight of her touching his cheek and take another long drink of scotch.

“I’ve done something even better!” She’s smiling when I look up. “I made a big pot of sarmale this afternoon. It’s the ultimate comfort

food.”

“Is that the tomato-cabbage...” Stuart’s still holding her against him.

“Cabbage leaves stuffed with tomatoes and rice and pork... It’ll warm you to your toes.”

“I’m not cold,” I say under my breath.

“It’s delicious,” Stuart says over to me. “Can’t have my CO getting his dinner from a bottle.”

Mariska kisses his mouth briefly before going to the door. She pauses before leaving and looks back. “Derek?” I glance up at her. “It’s going to work out, okay?”

My brows rise briefly. “Thanks.”

She’s gone, but Stuart’s still watching the place where she stood. I’m glad I’m not staying because being around these two still so fresh in love would push me over the fucking edge.

“Take your time,” he says before following the trail she left. “Come over when you’re ready.”

“Thanks,” I nod.

“If you don’t come over, I’ll send a plate with Star and Camille.”