Page 10 of Lost Without You
Her mom nodded and she gave her one last squeeze.
“I’m going to read for a bit and then crash in the spare bedroom. Jet lag is catching up to me,” Rachel murmured.
“Sleep well, querida.”
Rachel got up and left the room, gently closing the door behind her. Walking down the hallway, she entered the guest room and breathed a big sigh. Flopping down on the queen bed, she closed her eyes. Like so many nights, she thought about that family portrait. The way her dad picked her up after the photo was taken, putting on silly faces and making her giggle.
“I’m not giving up, Dad. I’m not giving up.”
That thought settled her and she quietly drifted off to sleep.
****
The next morning, Rachel made herself an egg and cheese quesadilla, then armed herself with an extra-large travel mug filled with her favorite coffee. She’d passed out around 9:30 PM and hadn’t woken until her phone alarm went off at 7:00 AM. Ethan was on his way, this time with a rental car to make today’s schedule easier given their appointments all over the city. Her phone buzzed and she laughed when she glanced at the message.
Ethan:Parked out front, white SUV. Hurry, drivers are giving me dirty looks and honking. Am I not allowed to park here? There are ten signs, and I don’t understand any of them. NYC is scary as fuck.
Rachel:I’ll be there shortly. Ignore them and if they persist, reply with a choice finger
Rachel walked out of the building and spotted Ethan’s car. He had indeed snagged a prime spot, but that was because there was no parking allowed—other drivers and delivery trucks dropping off were undoubtedly annoyed and making him aware.
It was lovely out, sunny and warm, and it helped her mood tremendously.
Her mom was quiet when she woke, not her usual energetic self. And Rachel was concerned about whether she was doing the right thing. Her mom insisted she was to continue on, so she did. Putting aside her guilt, she pulled her sunglasses out of her bag and placed them on her nose as she walked towards the SUV.
Opening the passenger door, she put on her best smile. “We need to haul ass outta here. This is a no parking zone.”
Ethan rolled his eyes. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“And ruin my morning fun?” She laughed as she hopped in and buckled up.
Ethan checked his mirrors and quickly pulled out into the morning rush. A horn behind them blared and Ethan swore.
“Sorry,” Rachel laughed harder. “But there’s a sign right at the corner that clearly saysNo Parking.”
“Really? Tell me where? Cause I saw a dozen fucking signs on the same pole, on the same corner, and I understood none of them because they all contradicted each other.”
“California drivers. You think you can park anywhere.”
“That’s ’cause we do.”
Rachel chuckled again and finally took a longer look at her investigative partner. Ethan was tired, dark circles under his eyes. Probably up all night working. Even exhausted, the man had an intense presence that Rachel couldn’t help being drawn to. She had to admit she was enjoying his company—his intelligence, his compassion, his gorgeous smile…
What?Knock it off Rach, this isn’t an episode of Bridgerton.Head out of the romantic clouds.
That reminder was fine until Ethan turned and gave her a wicked grin that had her stomach flipping over. Easier said than done.
Chapter Six
Ethan
“I’m going to have a full head of white hair by the time today is done,” Ethan grumbled as he weaved in and out of traffic.
He pointed to the two large coffee containers in the cup holders. “I got you an extra tall to make sure you got your caffeine fix.”
“Thanks, but I’ll finish mine first.” She took a sip out of her travel mug. “But I’ll be sure to drink that one later. To keep the beast in check.”
Ethan’s chuckle reverberated in the confines of the car. He grabbed his coffee cup and took a sip, tapping the steering wheel with his other hand. Nerves that had nothing to do with work were fluttering in his belly again, so he forced his attention to their day ahead.