Survival Mission - Chapter 20

Trevor must have drifted thanks to his painkillers, but Valerie’s voice brought him back.

“Where do you live?” His voice sounded stronger to his ears, despite the weakness that kept him lying flat.

She tilted her head, stated an address that surprised him. How could he have lived so close to her and never noticed her, run into her, before? “It’s not far from where I work, in fact, at Cascade Confidential’s headquarters.”

“I know,” he replied. What were the odds that he’d fall for a woman who also worked to help bring down the bad guys? Someone who understood his need to risk in order to serve?

“Why did you ask for my address, Trevor?” From the glint in her eyes, he knew she already had the answer.

“Because I never want to have to wonder where you are in the world, ever again.” He’d never said truer words. They’d only just met, and it probably looked really shaky on paper, this incredible bond they’d formed. But paper, the world’s opinion, didn’t matter. All that mattered was that he listen to his heart.

“I don’t know, you seemed pretty certain that our, what did you call it? ‘Heightened awareness’ due to the circumstances led us to—” Valerie wasn’t letting him off easily. Nor should she.

“No, never. I wanted you to be safe. I should have stayed with you—”

Her fingers were on his lips, silencing him. “No more apologies, no regrets, Trevor.” She kissed him and he wished they were alone. When she lifted her head, he didn’t miss the EMT’s knowing smile as he sat on a seat behind Valerie, trying to appear as if he was minding his own business.

“I regret being stupid enough to get shot.” He groaned as he tried to sit up again.

“Stop it.” Valerie kissed the fingertips of his good hand. “We’re both here now, alive.” The helicopter touched down and the rotor began to power down.

“Aren’t you going to ask me where I live, Valerie?” He watched her, needing to see her reaction.

“Okay, Trevor, where do you live? I assume it’s somewhere nearby or in Seattle, since Glen said you were all out of the Seattle office. Am I right?”

He stated his address. Watched her still, her eyes widen.

“Wait a minute. You mean to tell me—”

“I live in the condo building two blocks up from yours.” He smiled, or at least thought that was what his mouth was doing. The damn painkiller made everything too hazy. Clear and focused was all he ever wanted, ever needed with Valerie. “We were meant to meet, Val.”

“The coffee shop at the bottom of your building is one of my favorites. That might have been a more reasonable meet-cute.” Valerie grinned. The helicopter door opened behind her.

“Time to go, folks,” the EMT prompted. They both ignored him.

“But if we met sooner we might have missed out on the fun we just had in the Cascades.” He watched her glance quickly at the EMT before her gaze rested on him again. Her cheeks were bright red and he loved that he’d made her blush. “Will you meet me for coffee, Val?”

“Let’s see.” She tapped her jaw with a graceful finger. “I’ll want to shower first, and you might need a stitch, or a staple or two. But yes, Trevor, I’ll have coffee with you.”