Perfect Fit (Serendipity's Finest) - By Carly Phillips Page 0,86
it was because he’d heard Simon was sick, but when he wasn’t greeted with open arms, he began issuing subtle threats.”
Dare swore under his breath. “How’s the family taking it?”
Cara stared at the long stretch of dark road in front of them as Dare drove. “They banded together. It was really nice to see.”
Even she’d felt the us-against-the-world vibe that Simon had put up against Rex. He’d enveloped Mike in complete acceptance, and everything inside Cara warmed at the sight. She knew how badly Mike had needed that sign of belonging, and Simon had given it to him.
He could take that knowledge with him when he left and know that he had his family waiting for him when he returned. He deserved that, she thought, knowing how elusive he’d found it to begin with.
When their shift finally ended, Cara headed home and slept for a solid six hours. She woke to her alarm and a message from Daniella, whom Cara immediately called back. She learned that the young woman had moved in with Bev, who’d been like a mom to her, something Daniella needed since her own mom lived out of state. Bev’s only daughter had moved across the country with her husband, so they each fulfilled a mutual need for the other. With Bev’s support and guidance, Daniella had enrolled in online classes and was continuing her work at McDonald’s. And so far, no word from Bob, who it seemed was respecting the restraining order.
Though it was afternoon, Cara needed coffee and breakfast, since the night shift always put her off schedule with the rest of the world. She stopped at Cuppa Café, where she ran into Kelly Barron, Nash’s wife, double stroller and twin boys with her, and Annie Kane, Joe’s fiancée. Cara joined the women for a little while, listening to Annie’s wedding talk with a surprising sense of envy.
Cara wasn’t the jealous type, unless she counted thinking about Mike with other women. She was genuinely happy for Annie, and yet a part of her couldn’t help but yearn for what the other women both had. A man they could count on in their lives. Cara swallowed hard, forcing down the sense of disappointment that Mike couldn’t be that guy for her. Instead she continued to smile at all the appropriate places in the conversation until she could gracefully make an escape.
Then, knowing Mike would want details about the incident with his father, she headed over to the station. The squad room was fairly empty, a few people bent over desks typing up reports, so Cara walked directly back to Mike’s office.
She knocked and waited until he gave her permission to enter. Given their relationship outside work, the formality here always made her smile. She’d really miss knowing he was the one filling up this office with his larger-than-life presence.
“Come on in,” he called out.
She stepped inside, closing the door behind her.
He glanced up and his eyes widened. He was obviously surprised to see her. But not upset because his lips curved upward in a pleased grin.
“I didn’t expect you to be up and around,” he said.
“I slept, but I thought you might want to hear what happened with Rex last night.” And she really believed he deserved to have her tell him things beyond the basics in the report she’d filled out.
His jaw clenched at the mention of his biological father’s name. “I read the paperwork.”
“But I thought you might be curious.”
Mike remained behind his desk, the air around them having chilled with the topic. “I appreciate that you left out any details of what Rex really wanted at the judge’s house.”
She shrugged. “It wasn’t pertinent to the report. He created a nuisance; the Baines declined to press charges. Dare and I agreed that was that.” Cara watched Mike for signs that he was upset, but all she saw right now was his professional demeanor.
“What does Dare know?” Mike asked.
“That Rex brought up a whole host of personal family issues and that’s it. He respects your privacy,” Cara said softly. “Dare knows what it’s like to have the past come back and bite him.”
Mike nodded. “Okay. Did he say where he’s staying?”
She knew Mike meant Rex. “No. Since we didn’t arrest him and he left somewhat peacefully, we didn’t ask.” She drew a deep breath before continuing. “But he knows you have the book with the information. That’s why he came to the Baines’ house in the first place. I guess he thought he could see