Shattered Mirror (Eve Duncan #23)(114)

“Holy shit,” she whispered.





ATLANTA AIRPORT


“I saw our plane, Cara.” Michael’s eyes were shining with excitement as he ran back from the observation window to where she was standing with Eve in line at the gate. “They’re loading our luggage. One guy was putting on a crate with a puppy. You said it was a long flight to London. Will the puppy be okay, down there?”

“Fine. It’s just as comfortable for animals as it is in the passenger compartment for us.” She pushed him toward Eve, who was holding the boarding passes. “But stay here now. It’s time to board the flight. You don’t want to miss it.”

“You wouldn’t let me.” He was grinning at her. “Is there a way for me to get down in the cargo compartment from where we’ll be sitting in the—”

“I have no idea. You’ll have to ask the flight attendant. They probably wouldn’t like it.”

“I’ll ask. People can be nice sometimes. I bet that puppy is going to be lonely.”

Yes, people could usually be nice when it came to Michael, she thought. And it was wonderful that he still had that faith in human nature after the nightmare he’d just gone through. “It wouldn’t hurt to ask,” she said gently. “Just don’t be disappointed if it doesn’t work out.”

“I won’t.” He was frowning, trying to puzzle it out. He looked at Eve, who was giving the boarding passes to the flight attendant. “What do you think, Mama?”

Eve pushed him ahead of her in line. “I think that we should worry about getting to our passenger seats before you worry about the cargo hold.” Her gaze shifted to the gate lobby, then she looked at Cara. “And I think that Cara may be too busy to answer questions for the next few minutes.”

Cara stiffened as her gaze followed Eve’s.

Jock.

She whirled and was out of line and beside Jock in the lobby in seconds. “Why are you just standing here? Weren’t you even going to come and say good-bye?”

“Maybe.” He smiled crookedly. “I just got here. And the last time we had an in-depth conversation, you were telling me that you were the one in control of the situation. Yet I notice you didn’t call and let me know that you were going to London.”

“I knew Joe had called you.”

“But Joe isn’t you.” He was silent an instant. “I was surprised you and Darcy hadn’t gone back to school.”

“Darcy did. I’ll go back to New York next week. I thought I should help Eve get Michael settled with Jane. We all need family right now. Joe will be coming in a few days.”

“From what I saw, Michael is doing pretty well.” His gaze was still searching her face. “How are you doing?”

“All bruises healing. Who knows how the inner scars are doing? But they will go away, Jock. So stop looking at me as if I was still that kid you’ve known all these years.”

“I liked that kid,” he said thickly.

“Well, she doesn’t exist any longer. I told you that I was grown-up that night at the summerhouse.” She shook her head. “It wasn’t true. But what I went through with Norwalk gave me my diploma.”

“I know it did. I could see it. I hated it.”

“So did I.” She added fiercely, “But I’m not going to let him ruin one minute of what I want to take forward with me. I thought quite a bit about that when I was in that boat heading toward my personal Armageddon. I want beautiful, splendid music, and a family that will light every darkness, and all the love I can gather and hold.” She punched her finger at his chest. “And I want you, Jock Gavin. I don’t know how I’m going to manage to get you, but it’s going to happen.”

“No, it isn’t,” he said roughly. “I told you that’s not possible. I’m the worst choice you could make. You might have forgotten that you’re also my best friend. That’s allowed, that can’t hurt you.” He added bitterly, “And I won’t destroy my best friend because I want to take her to bed.” He added in frustration, “And, for God’s sake, you’re only eighteen years old. Out of bounds, Cara.”

“Interesting thing about age is that it keeps changing. Going up and up and up.” She shook her head. “I don’t know where we’re going, Jock. But I know we have something wonderful that we can build on. So I’m not letting go.” She met his eyes. “And I don’t think you can let me go. I’ll have to see. Let’s do a trial run.” She moved into his arms. “I don’t know much about this part, but I’m a fast learner.” She kissed him. “I’ll ask Darcy about all the nuances.” She kissed him again. “Unless you’d like to demonstrate.” She looked down at his lower body. “And I think you would, Jock.”

He drew a harsh breath. “Damn you, Cara.”

“I’m not going to let you cheat me.” She took a step back. “But I’ll let you give me a little more time if that’s what’s bothering you. You might need a period of adjustment.”

“I’m not right for you,” he said through set teeth.

“You’re the only one who will ever be right. So get used to it. Find a way to deal with me.” She took another step closer, her voice shaking. “We can do this.”