Page 71 of Deserving Lara
She shivered.
“If you feel as if something’s off, speak up,” Brick ordered Lara in a firm tone.
She nodded.
“And, you two, if you get that oh-shit feeling, don’t hesitate. Get the hell gone. A chopper’s not worth anyone’s life,” Brick said.
“You hear anything from Tex?” Stone asked with a frown.
“No. Grant’s still in the wind. I’m just being cautious.”
“Nothing’s gonna happen to Lara. I give you my word,” Owl vowed.
“Good. But she’s not the only one I’m worried about,” Brick said.
“We’ve got this,” Stone said.
“IdareCarter to show his face,” Lara blurted. “Not that he can know where I am or what our plans are, but if he does, he’ll be caught in a heartbeat. He can’t go anywhere without being recognized…thanks to Cora.” Lara smiled over at her best friend. “He sticks out like a sore thumb. We’ll be fine.”
“Right. Then let’s get going. You guys have a flight to catch,” Brick said firmly.
Lara hugged Cora once more then headed out to Brick’s Rubicon with the others. Stone sat in the front with Brick, and Owl held the back door open for Lara. He climbed in after her, and once she’d fastened her seat belt, Owl immediately reached for her hand.
She shot him a shy smile as she squeezed his fingers. He smiled back and ran his thumb over the back of her hand. That brought another reminder of the night before, of the moments after the last time they’d made love. The sheets were a mess, she felt sweaty, but she’d never been more content. They’d lain next to each other, holding hands, attempting to catch their breaths, and Owl had run his thumb over her hand just as he was now. No words were needed; that small touch said it all.
Then they’d taken turns in the bathroom, put their shirts and underwear back on, and had almost immediately fallen asleep in each other’s arms.
Owl was her perfect match. In every way. He made her feel stronger. Invincible. Like she could do anything. They hadn’t talked about marriage, but Lara had no doubt that was coming. She wasn’t so old-fashioned that she felt as if she had to be married to have a child, but her parents would be disappointed if she wasn’t. Not that she lived to please her mom and dad, but since she was sure it was what she and Owl wanted, it wouldn’t be a hardship to take that step.
As they drove toward the airport, as if he could read her mind, Owl lifted her hand and kissed her ring finger. It was almost scary how calm Lara felt. She should be freaking out. Leaving The Refuge was a big deal, but with Owl at her side, she could face anything.
Determined to not be a liability, as purchasing this helicopter was important to Owl and his friends, Lara took a deep breath. She could do this. They’d go up north, test-fly the chopper, then start the multiday trip home, stopping at small towns along the way. Easy-peasy.
* * *
That night, after arriving in Seattle and very nearly having a panic attack at the airport, Lara’s optimism about the trip was waning. It was easy to be brave when she was at The Refuge. But out here, with so many people around, with so many places a man could hide, and so many ways he could manipulate others to get to her, Lara was regretting her decision to come with Owl and Stone.
Recognizing her increasing panic, Owl had been glued to her side, his head on a constant swivel. He’d told her that she was safe probably a hundred times.
Lara wanted to scream that shewasn’tsafe. That shewouldn’tbe safe until Carter Grant was behind bars. But she kept her mouth shut. She was afraid that if she said anything, she wouldn’t be able to stop. The last thing she wanted was to mess up this trip. For Owl and Stone, and all the others at The Refuge who were looking forward to having a helicopter at their disposal.
They had just arrived at the hotel, and Stone was checking them in while Owl sat with Lara on one of the couches in the large lobby. She was practically on his lap, squished up against the arm of the sofa with Owl’s body plastered against her side, but it made her feel more secure.
Stone walked over to where they were sitting and crouched in front of them, handing Owl a small paper envelope with what Lara assumed were the keys inside.
“You’re in room 412. If you want to go on up, I’ll make contact with Ricky and let you know what time he’ll be ready for us tomorrow,” Stone said.
“What room are you in?” Owl asked.
He shrugged. “There was a mix-up and the room was double booked. But it’s not a big deal. I can stay out in the rental.”
Lara frowned as it dawned on her what he was saying. “No,” she said with a shake of her head. “Absolutely not.”
Stone’s face gentled. “It’s okay.”
“It’snotokay,” Lara said, panic rising within her once again. “You can’t sleep in thecar. It’s not safe. And that’s crazy! Why don’t you want to stay in the room with us? Is it me? I know I’ve been a little unsettled, but I promise I’ll be better. I won’t bother you.”
“It’s not you,” Stone said without hesitation, trying to soothe her.
