Lara's lungs expanded with a breath of joy.
"But of course, once he arrives, he flirts something terrible with all the women," Shanna added wryly.
Lara coughed when her throat suddenly constricted.
"He's just being kind," Radinka insisted. "He flirted with me at the spring Gala Ball and even asked me to waltz with him. I knew he was just being polite, but still, it made me feel wonderful. Like I was forty years younger."
"How long have you known him?" Lara asked.
"Since I started working here," Radinka said. "About eighteen years now. I used to be Roman's assistant."
"But then I stole her." Shanna looked fondly at Radinka, then turned to Lara. "I met Jack three years ago at my wedding. He goes to all the weddings and parties."
"He's an excellent dancer," Radinka added.
Shanna nodded. "And a good friend. When Angus and Emma were in trouble, he came to help. He helped Ian and Toni, too."
Lara knew who Ian was, but she wondered about the other people. Still, she didn't want to veer off the topic of Jack. "I know he's a sweet guy, but there are some… odd things about him. Exceptional things."
"Like exceptional good looks?" Shanna asked with a sly grin.
"And exceptional loyalty," Radinka said.
"And exceptional availability," Shanna added.
Lara stopped pacing and faced them. "I realize you may not know this, but… Jack has some strange powers. He can actually teleport and move super fast."
Radinka patted her mouth with her napkin, then carefully folded it. "We know about that, dear." She gave Lara a pointed look. "We also know you have nothing to fear from him."
"That's true," Shanna said quietly. "I'm sure Jack's abilities must seem awfully strange to you, but please don't let it scare you away. What really matters is how he uses his powers, and he always uses them for good. You can trust him, Lara."
Was it that simple? Could she just accept him the way he was and trust him? Apparently, Shanna and Radinka did. Lara was tempted to, but at the same time, she wanted answers. And she wanted Jack to trust her enough to give her those answers.
"Well, speak of the devil…" Shanna nodded her head toward the cafeteria entrance.
Lara whirled around and saw Jack standing at the open door. Her heart lurched in her chest. He was definitely exceptional. He was everything she'd ever wanted in a man. You can trust him, Lara.
He walked toward her slowly. He was dressed in faded jeans, a black T-shirt, and black leather jacket. His hair was still damp and combed back from his face. Dark whiskers shaded his jaw. He looked as if he'd hurried here as quickly as possible. His gaze drifted to the babe in her arms, then returned to her face with a heated, golden gleam. She stepped toward him as if drawn by a magnet.
"Oh yes," Radinka announced behind her. "Those two will be very happy."
Lara halted as heat invaded her face. She knew the amused smirk on Jack's face meant he had overheard Radinka's remark.
"Here, I'll take Sofia." Shanna rushed over to relieve her of the baby.
"Hi, Jack!" Constantine ran up to him, and Jack swung him into his arms.
"Hey, buddy. How's it going?" He tousled the little boy's blond curls.
Tino leaned close and whispered loudly, "Radinka says Lara is the one for you."
Lara bit her lip as she grew increasingly annoyed. These people acted like she would automatically fling herself into Jack's arms. It wasn't like the man was irresistible. She could resist him.
On what planet? An inner voice chided her.
Radinka shook her head as she stacked their empty dishes onto a food tray. "If only I could find the one for my son."
"I don't think Gregori's ready to settle down," Shanna whispered.
"Well, he'd better hurry it up," Radinka grumbled. "I won't live forever, and I want to see some grandchildren."
"How are you, ladies?" Jack set Tino down, then gave Shanna and Radinka each a peck on the cheek. "How is Sofia?"
"She's fine." Shanna smiled. "We dragged Lara to supper with us so we could gossip shamelessly about you."
"I see." He turned to Lara, and the corners of his mouth curled up. "Bellissima, you never cease to surprise me. I didn't expect you to come to Romatech."
She shrugged. "I wanted to get some work done on the case."
"And you checked my alibi for Saturday night."
She lifted her chin. "Yes, I did. It's standard procedure."
His eyes twinkled with humor. "Did I pass?"
"I believe so."
"That's good. I wouldn't want you going on a date with a criminal." He drew closer to her as his gaze wandered over her blue sundress, bare legs, and white sandals. "You look very beautiful tonight."
"Thank you." She forgot to stay annoyed. It was hard enough not to automatically fling herself into his arms.
He touched her arm where it was covered with the white crocheted shrug. "This is pretty, but it may not be warm enough for where we're going."
"Where are we going?"
He smiled. "Not to worry, love. I'm sure we can find something warmer for you." He turned to the others and inclined his head. "Ciao, ladies, Tino. I must steal Lara away from you now."
There was an old-fashioned courtesy about the way he bowed. Lara groaned inwardly. Those words old-fashioned kept popping up. She grabbed her white handbag and looked at Shanna and Radinka. "It was nice to meet you."
Shanna patted her on the shoulder. "I have a feeling we'll be seeing you again."
"Definitely." Radinka nodded. "Enjoy your date."
"Oh, we have business to take care of, too," Lara said. "Police business."
Radinka snorted and muttered, "You mean monkey business."
"Can I have a cookie?" Constantine hopped around the table, obviously not in need of any sugar.
"Scusi, signorini." Jack bowed again, then with a light touch on Lara's back, he ushered her from the cafeteria. "I was halfway through my breakfast when Carlos told me that Howard had called and you were here, waiting for me. I came as quickly as I could."
"Thank you. I left a message on your cell phone, too."
"I heard it." He smiled at her as they started down the hallway. "I'm delighted you want to go on a date."
She shrugged. "It's just for a few hours, right? Then we'll get back to work."
"As you wish. Howard said he showed you the laptop."
"Yes. I was amazed by how much information you discovered. It's very impressive."
"Grazie." He turned right and led her into another hallway. "I am determined to find Apollo as soon as possible. I believe he kidnaps a new girl on the fourth weekend of each month."
"I noticed that, too. In a few weeks, he'll strike again."
Jack nodded. "We'll catch him before that."
We? Lara bit her lip. She hated to tell Jack that this was strictly a matter for the police and FBI, especially after all the hard work he'd done. "You know, I go back to patrolling the streets on Wednesday."
Jack halted. "You'll work at night?"
"Yep. Looks like we'll both be working the graveyard shift."
He frowned. "I won't be able to see you very much."
He would miss her? Lara liked the thought of that. "Don't worry. I get a night or two off each week. I might even agree to go out with you again, although that'll depend on whether tonight's date is any good." She gave him a teasing smile.
His frown deepened. "I hope it'll be good. I wanted to share something special with you. A place that I care deeply about."
"Oh." Her smile faded. "Okay."
"But we'll be limited in how long we can stay there." He glanced around the hall. "If it's all right with you, I think we should leave right away."