Page 59 of Deserving Lara
“Yeah, sweetheart?”
“I love you.”
God, this woman. “I love you too.” Then he kissed her quickly on the lips and swung his legs off the side of the bed. He headed toward the bathroom to do his business and glanced back once. Lara was on her back in the middle of the mattress, her arms over her head, stretching, a huge smile on her face.
Yeah, Owl could get used to this…her. In fact, he was already.
CHAPTERTWELVE
Lara wiped her brow as she sank into a chair in the lobby of the lodge and turned to grin at Cora. Her friend was collapsed into the chair next to hers and looked just as exhausted. They’d just said goodbye to the last family that had been there for the four-day trial run, and from her perspective, inviting families to stay at The Refuge had been a resounding success.
She hadn’t realized how much she’d missed teaching or being around kids. They had a way of making you forget about your own issues and enjoy the moment. And there had been a lot of enjoyable moments in the last week. Of course, Lara also felt as if she’d been running a marathon. She’d forgotten how much energy children had.
“That was fun,” Cora said.
“Yeah,” Lara agreed with a nod.
For now, the two friends were alone, and Lara took a moment to appreciate the quiet.
“I’m proud of you,” Cora added.
Lara looked over at her.
“I mean it. You’ve come a long way in such a short time. You’re so strong, and resilient, and even after everything that happened, you’re still the Lara I know and love, and I don’t know how you’re doing it.”
She was talking fast, like she was hurrying to get her thoughts out, but they made a warmth swell in Lara’s belly. “You want to know how?” she asked.
Cora’s gaze was glued on Lara’s. “Yeah,” she said.
“Because of you. When I was in that basement and scared out of my mind and hurting, I knew you wouldn’t stop looking for me. When Ridge came in and made me do that video phone call with you, I wanted so badly to blurt out that I wasn’t all right, that I was being held prisoner. But Carter was there, I knew he had a knife, and if I said anything, he’d hurt me even more than he already had. So I lied my ass off…but I gave you our signal. Do you remember?”
“Of course I do!” Cora exclaimed. “That stupid ear scratch thing.”
“Yeah. Later that night, when Carter had finally left me alone, I closed my eyes and imagined what you were doing. What cages you were rattling to get to me.”
“I’m sorry it took so long,” Cora said softly.
But Lara shook her head. “No, don’t do that. You came. When no one else cared that I’d suddenly disappeared, you knew something wasn’t right.That’show I survived it. Because I knew my best friend was out there likely raising hell and gathering the cavalry to come and get me. And I was right.”
“I love you so much, Lara. If I’d lost you…” Cora’s voice trailed off.
“I feel the same, and no one is losing anyone,” Lara said firmly. “And the other reasons why I’m not still hiding under my bed, quaking in my boots, is because of Owl. And Henley. And Brick, Tonka, Spike, Pipe, Stone, and Tiny. And Melba. Chuck too. Bubba the horse, Scarlet Pimpernickel. Everyone who works here. The guests, who are an inspiration. It’s thisplace. There’s something about The Refuge that makes it seem easier to climb out of my head and join in what’s going on around me. Iwantto participate. Iwantto see the beautiful panoramic vistas. And Iwantto see my best friend living her best life.”
Cora sniffed. “You’re making me cry, and that isnotokay,” she complained.
“Cora Rooney is crying?” Lara teased. “Is hell freezing over?”
“It’s Cora Clark, thank you very much, and yeah, when people don’t give a rat’s ass if you cry or not, it makes it much less of a big deal,” Cora said.
“You know what, I’mgladRidge was a douche. And that I was stuck in that house.”
“What?” Cora asked with a frown.
“I mean, becoming a serial killer’s newest obsession sucks, but me being there led youhere. To Pipe. Look at you, Cora. You’remarried. And you’ve relaxed enough to freaking cry. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve seen tears in your eyes before now. I’m so damn happy for you.”
Cora stood and plopped her butt down on the chair Lara was currently sitting in. They were smushed together so close, Lara had to put her arm around her friend so they could both fit.
“I’mnotglad,” Cora said fiercely. “If you think I’m happy that you were kidnapped and tortured, you’re insane. And I don’t care if I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my life. If I have an amazing sex life and if I’m married to the man of my dreams…not that I’d ever had dreams about finding a man. And I don’t care that I’ve found the family I never had growing up. I would give it all back if it meant you didn’t have to go through what you did.”
