Page 58 of Sinful Negotiations
It was the hardest moment in his life, especially when he heard her sniffle, but he didn’t look back and left her hospital room not knowing if he’d ever see her or hold her again.
“Are you sure you’re ready to retire, Alex?”
Alex returned to the present and the conversation with his boss. “Yes. This case took something out of me, and this damn leg aches.”
“Why don’t you take more time off? You have quite a bit saved.”
He considered his options, but his thoughts continually strayed to Tessa. He knew she needed time, but it was difficult to accept. He missed her. His heart wasn’t with the FBI any longer. She held it in her palms. He wanted to go to his cabin and lick his wounds. Maybe drink a few beers and fish.
“I can’t see you enjoying retirement, Alex. You’re in the prime of your life and one of the best agents we have. Don’t make a snap decision. Take a break and give it some time. It looks like you have several months coming to you.”
He shrugged, blowing off Lucas and the wisdom in his words. It had been three months since Tessa left. He didn’t know anything about her life, and Lexxa refused to tell him anything other than she was adjusting and okay. The information was easily obtained, but he chose to give her the time, space, and respect she asked for.
“Alex?”
In another place and another time, he wasn’t into this meeting but agreed to time off instead of a resignation. Lucas had been good to him, tolerated his bullshit where Tessa was concerned, and didn’t report the fact he’d gotten involved with someone under his protection. He never asked, and Alex didn’tvolunteer anything. Only Lexxa and his sister knew the real truth, and of course, Tessa.
“Thanks,” he offered, rising from his seat.
Lucas leaned in his chair with his hands linked over his stomach. “I’m here for you, Alex. Remember that.”
A small smile was all he could muster as he left the office but abruptly stopped when Lexxa rounded the corner.
“Hey stranger. Coming back to work?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
Alex ran one hand through his hair. “You know why.”
“Fucking pussy.”
He instantly tensed. “What did you say?”
“You. Look at you. When was the last time you shaved? And those ratty clothes? What the fuck’s wrong with you? Where’s hard ass, take no shit, smartass Alex?”
“Fuck you, Lexxa. You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Lexxa slapped him in the chest with a file. “I know she’s miserable without you. I know she bought a place at Lake Cumberland to be near you, but you’re too pouty to even notice she’s right under your nose. Some sappy shit about the only place that ever felt like home. I know her phone never leaves her side.”
“She asked for time and space, so I gave it to her.”
“Fucking moron. The Alex I know wouldn’t wait on anyone. The Alex I worked with always stayed in the game.”
“Is she okay or not?”
“She’s fine, sitting up there whining over you, and waiting for you to come. I don’t know why though. You’ll have a beer gut before long.”
Alex tilted his head. “Thank you, Lexxa.”
The corners of her lips lifted in an almost smile before she barked again. “Look at the file dumbass,” she shouted over her shoulder and stomped into Lucas’s office.
He opened the file to find one piece of paper with an address and a note that simply read…
“Remember, I will find you.”
Are you lost, Mr. Cross?”