work next week.”
Startled, Mason glanced down at her. “What? Why?”
She shrugged. “I’ve used all my vacation days.”
“But—”
Laila put her fingers on his lips. “Mason, it’s wonderful you’re letting me stay here rent-free, but I have to make money. I have a cell phone bill and a stepmother to help support. I don’t contribute much there, but what I do makes a difference. My boss has given me all the leeway he can.”
“Then quit. I make enough money for us both. It’s too dangerous for you to go into Gardullo’s. Dubey or any of his cronies can come and harass you whenever they want. Does your manager understand that he might have to get between you and someone who wants to harm you?”
Laila was dismayed. “Do you really think that would happen?”
“It’s a possibility we have to consider.” Mason rubbed the back of her neck. “Besides, didn’t you just graduate? You could give notice at Gardullo’s and focus on finding a job in your field…on the East Coast.”
“The East Coast?” she echoed.
Mason rolled his shoulders. “I should have brought this up sooner, but I’ve been asked to relocate for work. The company I work for is opening a second office there. I also have that apartment renovation project there—although that’s covered for now.”
“Covered how?” Her face was the picture of consternation.
Mason grimaced lightly. “Um, well, I was supposed to be there helping, but I called my buddy, Ethan, and told him I couldn’t go. I need to be here now. But it’s okay. It turns out our third investor, Donovan, has some relevant experience, so I called him in. He said he was way overdue for some time off and was happy to go.”
That last may have been an exaggeration, but Donovan was a good guy. He didn’t argue when Mason explained the circumstances.
Laila frowned. He’d told her about his project with Ethan and Donovan before, but he hadn’t gone into that much detail. “I thought you said he was a doctor.”
“He is, one who has built clinics in Africa.” He held up his hands. “It’s perfect, really.”
“And the East Coast move?”
“It comes with the promotion I got earlier this year, but if you don’t want to move over there with me, I can speak to my bosses. They’ve heard some of the details through the grapevine and offered me paid time off, but if you’re not willing to leave L.A., I would rather turn it down. Because I don’t want to move without you.”
Laila was quiet for a moment. Each second felt like an eternity, but she took his fingers, lifting them to press a kiss to the back of his hand.
“I want to be wherever you are. Being on the East Coast would put me closer to my stepmother, but I’m afraid of leaving Rosamie. If we move with this unresolved, she might become a target by default because she’s the only one here.”
Mason had thought about that. “I’m not sure that’s true. You’re the only one who can directly refute Joseph’s statements about where he was that night. Rosamie’s knowledge is all second hand. You are the one who would have to testify he hurt you to force you to establish an alibi. That puts the target on your back, not Rosamie. Besides, from what I’ve gathered, Ransom is all over bodyguard duty. I never thought I’d see him give up his player ways, but this is Rosamie we’re talking about. She doesn’t take his shit. I think he needs someone like that.”
Laila was thoughtful. “Do you think so? Or are they being forced together by the circumstances—mutual danger fostering a false closeness? Wasn’t that the plot of Speed?”
He chuckled, bending to press a hot kiss to her lush mouth. “Even if that were the case, it sounds as if Ransom’s thinking of going the distance this time. He hasn’t had a long-term relationship in a while, but even if this thing with Rosamie blows up, he’ll still keep an eye on her. It may be one of the more surprising things about him—not one of his exes has ever had a bad thing to say about him.”
“Really?” Laila wasn’t skeptical, just a little surprised.
Mason used his free hand to stroke her cheek. “I don’t know how he does it. They never get mad at him. Maybe it’s because he’s too much of a goofball. Most of the women he dates aren’t looking for anything long term. That and he’s the type of guy who will help you