Page 78 of Donovan's Men

“Thank you for the ride.”

“My pleasure.”

I put my hand on the handle.

“Donovan?”

I met his gaze.

“For what it’s worth, I can’t see me living without you either. Have a nice night.”

On that note, I exited the car. I kept my face turned away from the other cop. Maybe on the off chance she’d feel the need to report Tyson having someone in his car.

To my surprise, the front door opened as I stepped up to it.

“It’s freezing out—get in here.” Michael held the door wide.

I scooted in.

He shut the thing. Then rubbed his hands together. “You made it.”

“Yeah.”

He held open his arms.

I fell into them.

“It’ll be okay.” He rubbed my back.

“How—” I swallowed as I pulled back from the embrace. “How did you know?”

He cocked his head. “Well, something’s been going on. Cole’s been worried but hasn’t wanted to interfere.”

“But…nothing…” I gestured.

“Right. And Detective Tyson McGillvary showing up the night of the Golden Globes had nothing to do with anything. Let me take your coat. Can I get you a drink?”

“A beer? I’m not driving.”

“Well, the spare bedroom’s yours, or I can drive you home later.”

“I’m capable of taking a bus or a cab.”

“Sure, but why bother? You’re here now. Get comfortable.” He took my coat. “Cole’s in the living room. I’ll grab that beer.” After hanging up my coat, he headed for the kitchen.

For the first time in the almost ten-year friendship, I hesitated.

I wanted to follow Michael into the kitchen and ask if it was really okay I was here.

I wanted to pull Caressa aside to get a read on Cole’s true condition. As a nurse, she might be more honest with me than Cole would be.

Finally, I wanted Cole to myself—so I could unload all the crap swirling in my head. But he didn’t have that role anymore. He had two people who were more important to him.

Michael clapped me on the back. “You forget how to get there?”

“Uh, no.”

He was about to hand me the beer, but he held it back. “You’re not okay.”