“I’ve been her friend for several years and know how to do that, but now that we’ve fallen in love, I’m at a loss.”
“In what way?”
“I’m over-protective, controlling, more jealous than I thought possible, and operating at Defcon One. I’m locked and loaded and acting like an ass.”
Feeling the nerves drain away, she rested her head against the couch. “I doubt you were an ass. I bet you were just out of your element and unsure of what to do. The first reaction someone has to a situation reflects their past. It’s the old unevolved gremlin having a heyday. The second reaction reflects the present and how much you’ve learned.”
“I’m sorry for the other night. I don’t think that I even asked how you were feeling.” He gusted out a sigh. “I didn’t need to be a hard ass and hammer you with my concerns two hours after you had a gun waved in your face.”
“Thank you.” A tear slid down her cheek. “I’m sorry too. I never considered that my cavalier attitude would hurt you.”
“If we replayed the day as though we weren’t in a relationship, it probably would’ve ended differently.”
“Absolutely.” Laughing, she dropped the blanket. “You would’ve given me a speech that I ignored.”
“Then we’d have gone out for pizza.”
“Where you would’ve repeated your concerns while I pretended to listen.”
Teague breathed loudly into the phone. “Everything is fraught now. It’s like we’re looking through a new lens that makes everything appear loaded with hidden meanings.”
“It’s an adjustment, and I bet if we act like best friends, the relationship stuff will eventually fall into place.”
“Do you want to do that? Or have I become a boorish ass you want no part of?”
“Oh, I want you, make no mistake.” She waited for a beat. “Are you still interested in a do-gooder that takes risks?”
“I’ve never wanted anyone more.”
“Good,” she said quietly, feeling better than she had in days. “So, how is my cow? Does Dolly miss me?”
“Babe, I’m sorry to report that she’s fallen in love with Jax. She’s been following him around, making the saddest sounds possible.”
“Then we’re definitely getting a boy cow. I can’t have my heart broken again and again if I’m thrown over for any man who happens by.”
“We can talk about it when I get home.”
“And when is that?”
“Jax offered to hang out and take care of the animals. He’s enjoying the peace and quiet and wouldn’t mind staying for as long as we need.”
“I’m going to DC on Monday.”
“Oh.”
She heard the disappointment in his voice. “It’s just for the day. I promised to hear Gretchen out, and I need to satisfy my curiosity.”
“I understand.”
She wasn’t sure that was true but decided debating it made no sense. “I will text you my flight details, so you know where I’ll be.”
“I appreciate it.”
“I love you, Teague.”
“Love you more.”
“Okay, we’ll talk soon.” She ended the call and didn’t think she’d be tempted by the firm’s offer but needed to hear what they had to say. Her heart knew she wouldn’t be able to leave Teague, but her brain wanted another shot at first chair in a case that could save millions of people.