Chapter Eighteen. Trent was busy unpacking the new delivery of boxes when Elton joined her in the stockroom

Trent was busy unpacking the new delivery of boxes when Elton joined her in the stockroom. Without a word, he began helping her.

“Aren’t you supposed to be on the shop floor? ” Trent peered at him suspiciously.

“I just wanted to see how you were. You’ve been rather quiet since you came in.”

“I didn’t realize my being less than gregarious on a Monday morning was a cause for concern.” Trent leaned back against the shelves she’d been putting games on and waited for Elton to explain.

“Are you still having those nightmares of yours? ” he asked gently.

“No, surprisingly enough I haven’t. And I expected to battle that particular demon last night after I had regaled Juliet with the story of my childhood.”

Elton’s mouth fell open almost comically. “You told Juliet? ”

“She asked about my family and I filled her in.”

“Wow, ” Elton muttered. “You’ve never told anyone before.”

Trent shrugged. “I think it’s safe to say Juliet is different.” And she makes me feel different too, safe enough to talk about the things that no one has known about me in years.

“If she gets you to talk, the woman is a certified miracle worker.”

Trent waved off his awe and turned her attention back to her work. She dug into one box and let out a happy yelp. She held aloft a game case like she’d found the Holy Grail. “It’s about time this was delivered. Dina said she’d sneak me a few copies before release date.”

Elton sighed. “You reveal your deepest, darkest secret to someone and now it’s ‘oh look, a new game’? ”

Trent held out the case to him. “Not just any game, it’s this one.” Her excitement was justified when Elton’s eyes lit up too.

“Well, that’s enough about you and your revelations. This really is more important! ” Elton hugged the game to his chest, but his eyes belied his dismissive words. Trent knew he’d find her again later to make sure she was all right. For now, it was time to forget the past again. “I’d forgotten this was out this week.” He began reading the back cover.

“You’ve been too busy making nice with Ms. Monica. Love has clouded your mind to the important things in life.”

Elton snorted and pushed open the stockroom door. “Reapers! The call to duty has been sounded! ”

Zoe and Rick dropped what they were doing and rushed to the open door. Zoe danced on the spot while Rick tried unsuccessfully to wrestle the game from Elton’s hold.

“Nah ah ah, ” Elton said. “It’s not supposed to be available until Friday, remember? What’s it worth to you for me to allow you to even”—he dangled the case before Rick’s face—“ touch it? ”

Trent punched Elton’s arm gently. “Stop teasing the children. Let him have it.”

“Oh, come on, ” Rick grumbled finally managing to get the game off Elton. “We need to practice this before we take our clan online.” He shared the game with Zoe. They both pored over it, oohing and ahhing.

“When we close up tonight, have your money ready. Dina sent enough for the team.” Trent smiled at the excited squeal Zoe let loose.

“Trent, you know the company policy about selling games before release.” Elton’s official company-line tone was negated by the fact he was digging into his wallet to check how much cash he had. “We’ll send Dina her favorite chocolates again. She’s a good girl and we need to keep her on our side.”

Trent nodded. Dina always made sure they got certain games ahead of release so they could hone their skills. “This Friday night we go online prepared. We have a few days to learn the layout of the maps before this hits the shelves. I’m not stepping into the online community’s sniper sights blind.” She cut Elton a glance. “And company line be damned, they’re quick enough to capitalize on our wins. They get free publicity for every trophy we raise.”

“Eddie and Chris can have their copies when they come on shift tomorrow.” Elton smirked in Trent’s direction. “And I promise to text Eddie later to give him plenty of time to ask his mom for the money.”

Zoe collected Rick’s money along with her own. “We’re all set.” She gave Trent a sweet look. “And just think how beautiful this game will play on my brand-new, bright red pleasure machine.” She mimicked cocking a rifle and taking aim. “Friday night belongs to the Reapers.” She leaned forward to whisper to Trent while Rick and Elton were reading to each other all the new features the game had in store. “Want to join me in some multiplayer action tonight? ”

Trent nodded swiftly. “I’d love to. Just promise you won’t keep me up all night like usual.”

Laughing, Zoe patted Trent on her arm. “Don’t let Juliet hear you say that! Something tells me she’s mighty serious about you and wouldn’t take kindly to another girl getting near you.” Her amusement deepened at Trent’s unashamedly delighted grin. “Geez, you two have got it bad for each other. It’s a pleasure to see and a long time in coming.” Zoe’s attention was caught by a customer. “Dang it, Rick, we need to get back to work.”

As her colleagues rushed to deal with customers, Trent marveled again at what good friends they had all become. Elton invaded her space and nudged her out of her reverie.

“You’ve got tomorrow off. Are you really going to spend it traipsing behind two women picking out flowers? ” Elton was rubbing at his mustache, trying unsuccessfully to hide his enjoyment at her expense.

“I’m told if I want my yard to look presentable, then I need to have some input into its decoration.”

“But you haven’t got a bloody clue about plants.”

“I’ll have Monica and Juliet holding my hand throughout the whole process. I’m sure it will be painless.” Trent slipped back into the storeroom and began picking out the games for her colleagues and leaving them to one side.

“I’m betting you last an hour before you start dragging your feet like an errant four-year-old.”

Trent was tempted to agree with him, but she brightened at a thought. “Maybe, but if I do fall behind, just think of the view I’ll be afforded.” Her sly wink made Elton laugh out loud.

“I love the way your mind works. And your fair lady has a very fine ass—”

“Elton, you’re needed on the floor! ” Zoe called out and cut off whatever comment he was about to finish. He waved at her and turned his attention back to Trent.

“I’m glad you’ve got someone to talk to, Trent. It does my heart good.”

Trent waved him out. “It does mine too, ” she told the empty room. She looked at the last few boxes. “Guess I’ll just unpack these myself, then? ” No one answered her, so she ripped off the tape and continued where she’d left off.

The kiss Juliet greeted her with when Trent opened the front door made her wish someone else wasn’t waiting on them. Juliet’s hand was cupping the back of Trent’s neck as she pulled her closer and kissed her so thoroughly that Trent’s knees actually buckled. Trent grabbed for Juliet’s shoulders to keep both her balance and to stay upright. Juliet sucked Trent’s lower lip between and then nipped it gently. Trent couldn’t hold back her moan as the short, sharp pain was then soothed by Juliet’s teasing tongue.

Juliet’s lips curved with wickedness when she finally drew back. “Good morning, ” she said huskily, running a finger along Trent’s swollen lower lip.

Trent’s tongue slipped out to taste Juliet’s fingertip. She let her tongue swirl along the length of it, then sucked the teasing finger into her mouth. She was satisfied to see Juliet’s eyes darken a shade and her skin release a telltale flush. Slowly, Trent pulled back and let Juliet’s finger slide from her pursed lips suggestively. “Good morning to you too.”

Groaning, Juliet fanned at her face with her hand. “You have no idea what you’ve just done to me.”

“If Monica wasn’t getting ready to lean on the horn, I’d pull you in here to find out.”

Frustration danced across Juliet’s face and Trent forced herself not to just snatch Juliet inside to make good on her words. “If you want my yard to resemble anything like what Monica has in mind, we’d better get down the driveway before I…” Trent’s words ground to a halt as Juliet licked her lips suggestively.

“Before you what? ”

Trent leaned in closer to whisper in Juliet’s ear. “Before I run my tongue around more than just your finger.” Juliet’s breath caught in her chest.

“Don’t make me have reason to hate flowers, ” Juliet said, stepping back with effort and shoving her hands into her jeans pockets. “We have to go to the nursery. We have to finish your yard. God, but I want to finish what you’ve just begun! ”

“What I began? You were the one who kissed me first, if I recall.” She alarmed her house and locked the door behind her. She enjoyed the swing of Juliet’s hips as she walked down the driveway ahead of her. “You have such a sexy walk for a banker.”

Juliet paused and reached out a hand for Trent to hold. “You have to stop saying things like that. Monica is only going to need one look at my face to know how close to the edge I am.”

Trent tugged at Juliet’s hand and pulled her back until their chests pressed together. “How close? ” she asked softly, watching the pulse in Juliet’s neck flutter.

“Close enough that I wouldn’t get as far as your gaming chair this time before I’d be writhing in your lap.”

Trent bit her lip so hard she was certain she’d split the skin. “Like me picking flowers isn’t going to be hard enough without that picture planted firmly in my brain now.” Like it ever left, Trent silently admitted.

Juliet just laughed and pulled Trent after her down the driveway to the car.

“And here was I thinking I needed to get out of the car and come hose you two down.” Monica sat in the backseat, her arm resting out the rolled-down window, eyes hidden by oversized sunglasses. “It’s too early in the morning for you two to be so damn frisky.”

Trent slid into the front passenger seat and greeted Monica. “Are you ready to show me the fascinating world of all things leafy? ”

Monica huffed. “I’m just astounded you actually stepped foot out of the house. I got stood up last night with the excuse of ‘I have to learn the ins and outs of this new game before we kick ass on Friday night.’” She gestured to herself grandly. “If he could turn this down for some game, then I’m even more surprised you’ve stepped away from your console.”

“Believe me, I covered most of the terrain with Zoe until the wee hours of this morning. She has never heard the concept of ‘just one last tour of duty.’” Trent shifted in her seat, angling herself so she could see Juliet. “I have the incentive of being out of the house in the company of two delightful ladies. I think I can manage to put my game on hold for that.”

“Elton would faint on the spot if he heard you utter those words, ” Monica said.

“Yeah, I’m amazed to hear them too, but contrary to what everyone thinks, I’m looking forward to today. I want to know what it is about gardening that makes you two want to be up to your elbows in dirt.”

“If you get too bored, just tell us, okay? ” Juliet said.

“I’ve never been bored in your company yet, ” Trent replied. “Besides, this is your chance to show me why you’re considering packing in a bigwig corporate job for something more”—she searched for the right words, then tried to keep a straight face as the thought struck her—“down to earth, as it were.”

Monica groaned. “Something tells me we should have left her with her console.”

“I can shoot the enemy online at any time. I’m here for you to enlighten me. So enlighten away.” She settled back in her seat, eyes on the road ahead. “Think of this as a ‘take your girlfriend to work’ kind of day.” She cut a sly look at Juliet and warmed at the delight on her face.

Monica chuckled darkly. “I so should have dragged Elton along for this too.”

“When you do his yard you can afford him the same treatment, ” Trent said, “but today is my day out with the girls. Start the engine, Jule. We have plants to buy.”

Juliet unfolded the printed sheet that she and Monica had decided over the previous night. She caught Trent’s expression as she looked from their high vantage point on the steps down to the nursery gardens. Juliet leaned into her gently, enjoying just being near her. Her body absorbed Trent’s natural heat and it made her own temperature rise. “What is going through that head of yours? ” she asked. Trent was taking in the seemingly endless rows of trees and shrubs.

“I’m thinking that’s a whole heap of green.”

Monica joined then, pushing a low riding cart in front of her. “You’re going to need some foliage. I thought small conifers to put along your fencing to give you privacy but not cut out the sunlight again. If you keep them tended you can manage their height.”

Trent frowned at her. “But you could do that, right? I could pay you to keep the yard looking its best? ”

“Geez, you aren’t ever going to have a green thumb, are you? ”

“I’d rather get the right people for the job than make an ass of myself and mess up your hard work. After all, I wouldn’t expect you to be able to sell the right console to someone without knowing what you were selling. Each to their own talents, I always say.”

“Something tells me we’ll have a steady job where your yard is concerned.” Monica tossed a look at Juliet. “Think we can manage? ”

Juliet caught Trent’s eye. “I think I can manage just fine.”

Monica clapped her hands together briskly. “Okay, enough with the talking and the undercurrent of blatant flirting. Let’s go see what they have that we can use to transform Trent’s yard from the Wilds of Borneo to the Garden of Eden.”

Trent’s eyebrows rose. “Just what am I letting myself in for? A simple yard will suffice, thank you.”

Monica’s answering chuckle was dark. “Oh, Trent, hasn’t Elton told you that I never do anything simple? ”

Juliet’s fingers curled around Trent’s hand to hold on to it tightly. “Don’t fret, ” she said. “I’m here to keep her in line and within budget.” She felt Trent relax and return the squeeze with her own hand.

“I trust you, Juliet, ” Trent whispered out of Monica’s hearing. “I’m sure you won’t lead me astray.”

Juliet decided she liked the wicked glint Trent had in her eye. It made her want to drag Trent behind the tallest trees on display and kiss her senseless. With a heartfelt groan at the burst of arousal burning in her chest, Juliet ground out, “Damn flowers.”

Trent swiftly leaned down and quickly pressed her lips to Juliet’s in a kiss that only served to make Juliet even more sensitive to her.

“Damn flowers indeed, ” Trent said. Juliet was comforted to see a dazed look on Trent’s face that no doubt resembled the one she herself wore. “Come on, we’d better go before I drag you behind the bushes and end up scandalizing the nursery staff.”

Juliet loved how Trent’s mind worked.

Monica took the printed sheet from Juliet’s hands and slipped the pen from her unresisting fingers. She placed a check mark against one of the rows. “Conifers chosen. Now we move on to the flowers.”

Distractedly, Juliet took the list back, her attention partly on what Monica was doing beside her with the remainder fixed firmly on Trent, who was standing a few steps away typing on her cell phone. Trent had excused herself briefly after receiving a text message.

“Do you think she’s enjoying herself? ” Monica asked, following Juliet’s line of sight. “She seems like she is.”

Juliet agreed. Trent had astonished them both by asking lots of questions and not being afraid to get in amid the branches to have a closer inspection of what Monica was pointing out. “She’s enjoying seeing us happy. I think that’s where she gets her greatest pleasure from, seeing others enjoying themselves.”

“You’ve got yourself a rare one there, Juliet.”

Silently agreeing, Juliet marveled at Trent’s lean form as she walked back toward them. “Everything okay? ” she asked, drawing Trent close to her side again, having missed her closeness and the clean tangy scent that was uniquely Trent.

“I was just texting Zoe back.”

Juliet’s eyebrow quirked. “Should I be worried? ” Confusion colored Trent’s face before she apparently caught Juliet’s meaning.

“Zoe has somehow managed to wrangle the afternoon off so she can hone her skill at our game, she was asking whether I’d be online this afternoon so we can double team.” Trent looked between the two women. “I said probably yes, seeing as I would only get in the way should I stay loitering in my backyard while you work.”

“You do distract my workers, ” Monica muttered.

“Your worker is a distraction all of her own, ” Trent replied, looking down at Juliet.

“Don’t you go blaming me. I’m just learning the ropes here.” She regarded Trent with a keen look. “Are you ready to pick out plants now that you’ve sorted out your afternoon game plan? ”

Seemingly relieved at Juliet’s teasing, Trent made a show of bracing her shoulders. “Lead on. Show me what I need.”

Handing over the cart to Trent, Monica took the list from Juliet again. “These are the flowers that Juliet and I worked out will fit in your yard and can be left to their own devices to flourish. You need flowers that bloom long, need little attention, and can pretty much look after themselves.”

“And pansies, ” Trent added decisively. Monica stopped in her tracks and turned to stare up at Trent.

“Pansies? ”

Trent nodded. “I like pansies; they have little faces. I’d like pansies in my yard, please. If they’ll fit in with what you have in mind, that is.”

Juliet tried not to react as Monica’s face softened at Trent’s hopeful tone.

“When you ask like that, how could I possibly refuse? Winter flowering pansies will be perfect for a vibrant splash of color.” She gave Trent a radiant smile and carried on with a spring in her step. “We’ll make a gardener of you yet, Trent.”

Although Trent didn’t need the assistance, Juliet helped her push the cart behind an excited Monica. “So, ” she said softly, “pansies, eh? ”

“I like roses too, but the little ones, not the big ones. Do you think Monica will let me have some of those too? ”

Juliet’s heart clenched at the undercurrent of wistfulness just discernable in Trent’s question. “I think if you show her what you like she’ll let you have anything at all.”

Trent gazed down at her. “What are your favorite color roses? ”

Juliet thought for a moment. “I like the pink ones that are tightly budded.”

Nodding, Trent called ahead to Monica. “Hey, Monica, we’ve picked out roses too. Pink ones, if you please.”

Monica turned to walk slowly backward, giving Trent her undivided attention. “You don’t strike me as a pink rose kind of girl.”

“I like pink just fine. We want, maybe, the Bonica Meidomonac, ” Trent very carefully enunciated the last word and Juliet’s whole being wanted to just hold her close and hug her. “Or maybe Pretty Polly, or even Sexy Rexy.” She gave Juliet a saucy wink. “That one was really easy to remember! ”

Monica raised an eyebrow at Juliet. “Have you been giving her crib notes? ”

“No, she knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to ask for it.” Juliet laid her hand over Trent’s fingers as they steered the cart after Monica. She hoped that Trent would never be afraid to ask her for anything because she knew, no matter what Trent wanted, she would move heaven and Earth to bring that rare sweet smile to her face. My lover, and I’m here with her. So much for no strings attached. You’re ready to tie yourself up in red ribbon and hand yourself over to this woman. Her face heated as her thoughts raced ahead with that particular image.

“You’ve gone awfully quiet and very red, ” Trent said out of the corner of her mouth.

“It’s hot out here, ” Juliet said, hoping Trent would just take her word for it and not question her blush.

“Huh-uh, ” Trent said with an amused air. “If I didn’t know better, I’d swear you were thinking naughty thoughts.”

Juliet’s face flamed even more at Trent’s low tone. “You bring out the worst in me.” Juliet was flustered; she’d never had so much trouble keeping her hands and her libido in check around a woman. Not just any woman: Trent.

“That’s strange, because you bring out the best in me.”

Juliet stopped walking and just stared. “I do? ” Her heart melted as Trent flashed a look that did curious things to her chest.

“I think you do.” Trent set the cart in motion again. “Come on, try to keep up or Monica will make you push the cart on your own.”

Juliet dutifully hurried to Trent’s side. She hooked her finger through the belt loop on Trent’s jeans and enjoyed the intimacy of being able to do something so simple yet intimate. “I’m glad you came with us today.”

“Me too.”

Curiosity getting the better of her, Juliet asked, “How did you know the flowers’ names? ”

“I Googled every type of flower going last night.”

“You Googled about roses? ”

“I didn’t want your best friend to think I was a complete moron.”

Juliet slipped an arm around Trent’s waist and hugged her close. “You’re no moron and Monica knows that.” Her breath caught in her throat when Trent looked at her. She was drawn into the rich browns and golds that could see straight to her very core.

“And what about you? ” Trent asked huskily. Juliet was mesmerized by how much Trent’s eyes revealed to her. For a moment she was privy to all Trent kept hidden from view: the curiously shy soul desperately seeking acceptance.

“I think you’re wonderful, ” she replied sincerely, her body warming and melting at Trent’s closeness.

“I Googled other stuff as well. Find me some Penstemons or Gypsophila cerastoides and I promise to be the font of all knowledge.”

“I can’t believe you researched today on the Internet.” Juliet was amazed by how much trouble Trent had gone to and at her obvious exuberance to show off what she had learned.

“I just looked on it as I would a game. You learn the basics, make sure you arm yourself with the best defense, and then position yourself among the foliage and come out fighting.”

“No wonder Monica gave you full control of the cart.”

“Probably the best place for me, to be honest. I could only memorize so much before my brain kicked it out for fear of losing precious gamer space.”

“Each to their own.” Juliet was still tickled by Trent’s attempts to impress.

“Exactly.”

The backyard of Trent’s home was littered with flower trays, compost bags, and trees waiting to be planted. Juliet struggled to help Monica hold a conifer upright as they settled it into the hole prepared for it.

“Only three more trees and then you can make a start on the flowers, ” Monica said as Juliet swore out loud when the tree shifted and nearly knocked her over.

“I think I’m less likely to lose an eye with a pansy than I am with this stupid tree that doesn’t know where the hell to stick its roots.” Juliet pushed the tree back upright again. “Just plant the bloody thing, and if it leans to the left who’ll care? ”

“I want this yard to be just right, so no leaning conifers are allowed, if you don’t mind.” She tugged the tree over a little more toward her and began to cover the roots with soil and stamped down to stabilize it. Once it was finally fixed, Monica and Juliet stood back to admire their handiwork. “There you go. Perfect.” Monica brushed her hands together briskly. “Now, tell me this isn’t more fulfilling than you pushing a pen around all day totaling up gains and losses.”

“You’ve convinced me that this would be a more satisfying outlet for my energy. I am really enjoying what I am doing, it’s rewarding. I haven’t had that feeling in my job for years. But we still need something more than just passing out cards and letting people know we’re here to change their yards for the better.”

“I’m working on that. I have some contacts through the nursery that are getting in touch with me this week. And Mrs. Tweedy wants to see me later, says that someone has seen what we’ve been doing here and is very interested in talking to me. I won’t let you give up your job for nothing, Juliet. I promise you. I’ll have a solid base set up for us to work from.”

Juliet stretched and winced as a muscle twinged in her shoulder. “Speaking of work, I just have to put the finishing touches on my presentation this week for Monday’s big reveal.” Mentally she counted off the days and what she had planned for each one. “Friday evening I need to just go through it all one last time.” She caught Monica’s stricken face. “What? ”

“You’ve forgotten what this Friday is, haven’t you? ”

“What have I forgot? ”

“I’ve got a movie night set up for my friends. Remember? ”

Damn it. “I’d totally forgotten about that.”

“I’m sorry, Juliet, but it’s been planned for weeks now. I’ve got the girls coming over for Mexican, popcorn, and The Lost Boys on Blu-ray.”

Juliet tried to temper the frustration she could feel cloying her chest. “I’ll make other arrangements, ” she said, waving off Monica’s hesitation. She thought briefly of going to her parents’ house but knew she’d never get any peace there with Kayleigh all excited to see her. Juliet had the horrible feeling she’d be staying over at work Friday night working overtime to get the presentation over with. She caught Monica’s apologetic look. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll sort something out.”

“What do you need sorting? ”

Juliet jumped at Trent’s deep voice as she appeared out of the rear of the house bringing them fresh sodas.

“Nothing, ” Juliet replied quickly, her disappointment fading at the sight of Trent. She hadn’t seen her for almost two hours and she’d been feeling oddly bereft. She drank in the sight of her now.

Monica reached for a can and swiftly popped the top. “Juliet forgot that the night she needs to finish up her life’s work is the same night I have Goth-fest in our apartment.”

“Ah yes, your Keifer Sutherland clan meet. Elton said he’d been invited as the token male, but that he’ll be with our clan that night instead.”

Monica narrowed her eyes playfully at Trent. “Yes, he’d rather be playing some game with his buddies than participating in the delights of young vampires in high def, Blu-ray glory.”

“I’m surprised you haven’t all switched your allegiances to Twilight. ” Trent popped the top of a soda and handed it to Juliet.

“That’s for a different evening, ” Monica said.

Trent turned her attention back to Juliet. “So you need a place to work? ”

Juliet shrugged. “Maybe I’ll just try to fit it in over the weekend, ” she said. She had hoped to spend quality time with Trent this weekend, without the yard being her reason to be over.

“You could come stay here with me that night. It’s not like I haven’t got the room.”

Juliet’s eyes flashed to Trent’s serious face. Trent obviously read her astonishment.

“I’m busy that night too, but I’ll be upstairs playing my game so you can have the whole of the downstairs at your disposal. You won’t disturb me, and I won’t be moving much from my seat once the fighting starts so I’d say it would be the perfect solution to your problem.” Trent’s eyebrow rose in hope. “And I’d get to see you, which is always an added bonus in my book.”

“I wouldn’t want to put you out.”

“You wouldn’t be. You could sleep over too if you wish.”

Juliet tried not to let the blush flame up her throat and rush to her cheeks. Hearing Monica’s snigger, she knew she had failed abysmally. Trent held up her hands, laughing at both of them.

“It’s a purely innocent offer. I won’t sleep because we usually play until the early hours if none of us have a shift the next day. You can have my bed. If I need to, I can crash on the settee in my game room.” Trent edged closer and Juliet had to tilt her head back to see her face. “You could get your presentation all done to your satisfaction while Monica parties with her friends.”

Juliet was torn. She needed time to work on her presentation but to spend time with Trent was a gift she couldn’t pass up. If Trent was caught up playing her game online then Juliet could put it to the test just how envious of the gaming community she should be. She nodded, mind made up. “Thank you, Trent, I’d love to come over.”

Trent’s grin was bright and she leaned down to plant a swift kiss on Juliet’s lips. “I get to see you Friday, even if it will be fleeting while you work and I play. It’s a win-win situation for me.”

“Looks like your Friday is all sorted, ” Monica said, eyeing them both over the rim of her can.

Staring at Trent’s happy face, Juliet couldn’t hold back her own joy. “I promise not to disturb you.”

“I won’t hear a thing, ” Trent said. “I’ll be wearing headphones, so all I’ll hear is Elton yelling at Eddie to shift his ass out of the line of fire.” She gave Juliet a measured look. “But if you needed me, I’d come running.”

I know you would, and that’s what makes you so damn precious to me.