From This Moment - By Alison Chaffin Higson Page 0,83

on her own with how my dad is hovering,” she laughs, but sees the look on my face. “Grace. Do not blame yourself. Your brother was responsible for his own actions and nobody blames you. Do you hear me?”

I smile at her, “Yes, mom!”

Laughing she collects her purse from the chair, “I’ll see you tomorrow Grace and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do with that hot DEA agent.” With that, she walks out the door, leaving me with images that are not going to help me sleep and will probably have me blushing like crazy if I see Josh Mitchell again.

Chapter 2

~~ Josh ~~

Not really having a lead to go on in the search for Nick Lucas, I park up in the centre of town trying to think like him. He was after Rona for her money; he needed it to leave town, so at a guess, I’d say he’s still in the area and will probably try again. Seeing how protective Cade is with Rona, I doubt he’ll get a second chance to get to her. I hope not. God, Rona. She’s stunning. My tongue was nearly hanging out of my mouth when I first saw her a couple of days ago. It was only a look from Daniel that helped me get it together again. What an idiot.

Then walking into the hospital yesterday morning to interview Grace – my heart stopped. What is it about this place and hot women? Grace looked so fragile lying in the bed with her dark hair flowing in waves over her chest. What the hell got into me when I’d finished questioning her I’ll never know. It was as though someone else had taken over my body and before I knew what I was doing, I was standing beside her bed with a lock of soft hair wrapped around my finger. God knows what I would have done if Anna hadn’t walked into the room.

Glancing out of the window I notice Rona with Elise and Justin taking seats in the grill across the road. Wanting to see Rona again and to see how she’s doing, I climb out of the car and walk across the street; entering the grill – I hover. Watching the server deliver their food, I start to walk over.

Rona, just about to take a bite from her sandwich looks up and sees me. She pauses with the sandwich half way to her mouth, placing it back on her plate when she realizes I’m heading over to their table.

“Hello Rona. How are you feeling?” I ask, smiling at her.

“Hi Josh, I’m fine thank you.”

I look at Elise who seems more amused than anything and then Justin.

“Josh, this is Elise,” Rona introduces.

“We’ve already met.”

I turn to Elise, “Nice to see you again Elise, Justin.”

“Oh right.”

“Do you want to join us?” Justin asks me.

Not sure whether this is a good idea or not, I reply, “If you’re sure I’m not interrupting anything?”

“No, take a seat,” Elise invites.

Which I do, taking the seat next to Rona.

“We’re taking a breather from Rona’s shopping spree, which is exhausting.” Elise laughs.

“Hey, I’m not that bad, besides I’m not the only one who has bought a ‘knock your socks off’ dress!” Elise blushes.

I look from Elise’s blush to Rona eating her sandwich, “Knock your socks off.... huh. You want to try them out on me?” I suggest, knowing I’m not that lucky.

“They’re packed in the car. Sorry,” Rona replies, with a mouth full of sandwich.

I laugh at them now, “You actually went shopping with these two?” I ask Justin.

“No chance, I’m not brave enough to do that; I’m chauffeur and bodyguard today.”

I put all the joking and flirting to one side now, “Good, that’s what’s needed until Nick’s in custody.” I look towards Rona. “You need to make sure someone is always with you.” Then I look towards Elise, “You as well.”

Taking another bite from her sandwich, “Don’t worry, between Cade and Jake I think the only place we’ll get to go alone is the bathroom.”

“That’s probably right,” Elise confirms.

After a few moments of silence, while we eat, I turn to Rona, “Where are you from? Sometimes I catch a hint of something else in your accent,” I ask, looking at her unable to hide my interest.

She replies, “I’m originally from Rhode Island, but I’ve lived in Ireland for the past ten years. What about you?”

“Alaska originally and now, wherever the job takes me,” I reply, giving her a lingering look, wondering what the hell is