Page 62 of Last Date

Merrick looked dubious. “Is it though?”

Charlene smiled slyly. “You boys have fun.”

My face warmed at her tone. “It’s just lunch.”

“Uh-huh.” She smirked.

Merrick laughed good-naturedly.

Grimacing, I said to Merrick. “Shall we go?”

“Yep.”

Once outside, I stood awkwardly on the sidewalk. Did he want to just meet at the restaurant? Should I offer him a ride in my truck?

Merrick said, “I’ll drive.”

“You sure? I can just take my truck and meet you there.”

“No, I’ll drive.” His voice was firm.

I moved to the passenger side of his sleek sedan, and when the locks clicked, I slid in. The inside of his car smelled like leather mingled with his cologne. I felt a little breathless as he slid in behind the wheel because of the close proximity.

He glanced over, his green eyes alert. “Did my sudden invite surprise you?”

Giving a jagged laugh, I said, “Definitely.”

He smiled and started the car. “I decided it’s time we move our relationship forward.”

“What does that mean?”

A muscle worked in his cheek as he backed out of the parking space. “It means I’m tired of waiting for you to do it first.”

Frowning, I studied his profile. “Do what first?”

He ignored my question and changed the subject. “I’m sure you’ve heard about Elon being attacked?”

“God, yeah.” I stared out the windshield. “Is he okay?”

“Yes. He was lucky. Apparently one of the security guards heard him struggling with his attacker and intervened.”

“How did his assailant get into the house? Did they hack the system?”

He shook his head, slowing down for a red light. “No. Whoever got to Elon knew the security code.”

A chill went through me. “Jesus.”

“Yeah.”

“That’s terrifying. The Greens must have security cameras, right?”

“They do. Unfortunately, the person who attacked Elon wore a mask.” Merrick pulled into the parking lot of the Golden Spoon Family Restaurant. He parked the car and turned off the engine. “There were fresh tire tracks, so that’s something.”

“Do you guys think the person who killed Allister is the same one who attacked Elon?”

He hesitated before responding, “Not sure yet.”

I was surprised at how forthcoming he was being. Maybe it was because this event didn’t involve me personally? Or maybe because of our frank talk the other day, he was trying to be more open with me? I got out of the car, and we walked to the door together. I opened the door, and Merrick put his hand on the small of my back. My stomach did weird somersaults at the feel of his warm hand against my spine.