Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense March 2021--Box Set 2 of 2 Dana Mentink (e books free to read TXT) 📖

this meant he didn’t need to explain why he planned to sleep in the parking lot until the case was solved, namely that he still cared and worried about her.

He exhaled. Even now, his fingers itched to dial her on the phone. She should’ve instantly reported a vehicle in the parking lot. He clicked his radio volume a tick louder in case she actually did call the dispatcher. He strained his eyes toward the employee lodge, willing his vision to see farther than natural into the darkness. Maybe he’d see Nora’s light flick on behind the blinds, and know she was safe for the night.

Floodlights burst on from four points of the lodge. He reared back, eyes squeezed shut, and elbowed the console. The sharp plastic edge scratched his arm. “Aw, come on!” His seat vibrated. He looked around, blinking rapidly, and hoped the bright white spots would go away sooner than later so he could find his phone, which had slipped between the seat and the console. His fingers strained through the narrow space, wiggled the phone back out and answered the call, his breath heavy.

“Did anyone ever tell you it’s impolite to spy?” Nora asked.

Henry placed a hand over his closed eyes. “Did anyone ever tell you it’s impolite to blind an officer of the law with floodlights? Any chance you could turn those back off now? They must be brighter than the sun.”

A knock on his window made him flinch. He twisted to find Nora standing at the driver’s-side door. She pressed her lips together, but couldn’t conceal her amusement from him. He clicked off the phone and rolled down his window. “Okay, you caught me. But I was just—”

“Doing your job. Yes, I knew you would say that, but it would’ve been nice if you had let me know first.” She gestured with her chin at the thick blanket and pillow in her arms. “You could either make sure I’m safe from the confines of your uncomfortable truck or do the same thing in an empty room across the hall from me.” Her eyes widened and her forehead creased. “You’re bleeding, Henry. In two places.”

He glanced down. His elbow had the slightest cut and his knee wound had reopened from the nasty jab it’d endured on the boulders. He’d meant to bandage it up after dinner and a shower, but it had stopped bleeding at the time and he’d forgotten. “It’ll be fine.”

“At least come inside and wash the cuts properly.”

He was about to point out that he was a ranger with an amazing first-aid kit in the back when a scent wafted through the open window. He closed his eyes and inhaled appreciatively. “Bobby’s cooking?”

“Training the cooks tonight. Upside-down pineapple cake. I’m sure he’d be willing to give you my piece in exchange for ensuring him a good night’s sleep.”

“I don’t know how you can dislike—”

“Heated pineapple is the worst. Shouldn’t be part of dessert or pizza.”

He fought not to laugh. She only got this worked up when she’d reached the point of exhaustion, which meant next she would either be laughing hysterically or crying. He really didn’t want to push her past the point of no return.

She shifted onto one leg, her other hip jutting out. “Anyway, the point is, do we have a deal?”

“Like I said it’s just—”

“Your job.” Her lips twitched to the side. “Henry, we both know you aren’t doing this as official business, but I…” She took a deep breath and her eyes softened. “I appreciate it. So why don’t you help ease my guilt and sleep with one ear open on a real mattress?”

His back reminded him of all the muscles that were still angry with him due to last night’s ill attempt at sleeping in the truck. “Well, I could take a small break for cake, I suppose.” He reached to open the door. “But there’s no need for guilt.” Nora cared about everyone, almost to a fault. She hadn’t yet learned that being vulnerable only gave people the upper hand. Whether they took advantage of it or not, they had power. Ironically, she was one of the people that had taught him that hard lesson.

“Think of it this way. You might’ve caught the intruder if you were closer last night.”

Despite her monotone, he caught the tiniest bit of a wobble in her voice. “You knew I was out here?”

“I put two and two together this morning.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t catch the guy.”

“You stopped him from hurting me.” She flashed him a wary smile as they walked side by side across the lot.

“So I take it Frank wanted a chat.” He pulled his shoulders back. In the past, she’d vent, he’d give advice, she’d let him know she just wanted him to listen, and he’d fire back that what she really wanted was him to produce chocolate on the spot—which he usually surprised her by doing. Oh, how he’d loved surprising her. She had a special smile reserved for only those moments. A smile he couldn’t help but kiss. The memory caused his heart to squeeze with pain. He shouldn’t have even asked her about Frank. He needed to do a better job at keeping interactions related only to the case.

She opened her mouth as if to spill the beans but then clamped it shut and walked inside the lodge. “Nothing I can’t handle, thanks.” The front door of the employee lodge was not locked during the day, which was part of the reason Henry wanted to stay nearby.

She unlocked the room across the hall from hers. The space wasn’t as nice as Nora’s apartment, but all the furniture and linens appeared to be clean. She disappeared across the hall and returned with two bandages. “Unicorns on rainbows? Or construction equipment?”

“Rainbows,” he answered on instinct. The choices weren’t a surprise; everything about a rafting guide’s appearance had to be fun, even their bandages.

He sat on the edge of the mattress. She sat in the chair opposite and leaned