Page 128 of Protected from Villainy
“I know. But still.” I’ve tried running back at home at the B and A gym, and all it’s taught me is that some people are natural runners—like Indy and Rafe—and some people aren’t. Like me.
As we both start rummaging through our luggage for our winter running gear, Indy asks, “How are you feeling about this? Really? Being at the hotel is one thing, but actually being in DC, seeing all the familiar spots…”
“It’s okay.” Pausing, I tug my sports bra on, and then my long-sleeved shirt. “It felt a little weird at first, coming back here. Memories and all. But then I reminded myself that I had a lot more good times here than bad. A job I loved, people I liked working with…”
“Do you miss it?”
“I don’t. I love where I live now. Portland is great. And being at B and A is even better. I really enjoy my new job—well, I guess it’s not new anymore. Plus, I still get to see everyone I care about.”
Indy finishes dressing and sits to pull on his sneakers. “You’re not as close to your parents as you used to be. Geographically, I mean.”
“No. But I still get to visit them plenty. And they like coming out to visit.”
“Aidy’s not too far, being down in Sacramento,” he adds thoughtfully. “Philly’s a ways away, but with Fiona traveling for work so much, she’s out on the West Coast quite a bit.”
“Exactly. And I have everyone at B and A. And they’re like family now, too.”
Indy comes over and hugs me. “Yeah, they are.” He glances at his watch. “Forty-five minutes to go. How about we leave now and grab a snack on the way. A protein bar to give you energy. And after?—”
“After we’re pigging out at Calliope’s.”
Yes, it’s going to be bittersweet going back there. But I want to go. I want to sit in the booth Jenna and I liked the best. And I want to tell her, silently, that Ididtake a chance. And it was the best decision I ever made.
Indy stares at me for a few seconds, his smile dimming. But like he usually does, he knows just what I’m thinking. “She would be really proud of you, Bea.”
I sniff at the sudden prickle in my nose. “I hope so.”
He loops his arm around me. “She would be. Just like I am.” After a silent pause, he adds brightly, “Okay. Let’s go do this 5K. And just remember, it’s not finishing first. It’s the fact that you tried.”
“And it’s raising money for veterans,” I add.
“And it’s raising money for veterans,” Indy agrees. “And that’s always a good thing.”
As we leave the hotel room, Indy glances at me and says, “Oh, I almost forgot. Derek asked if we wanted to have dinner before we leave DC. What do you think?”
Ever since the incident in the parking lot last year, Derek and Indy have stayed in touch. Which is really nice. And I think it’s helped Derek, knowing that Indy went through a similar experience and came out stronger on the other side of it.
“I’d love to have dinner with him,” I reply. “But tonight, I was thinking we could stay in? Order room service? And maybe use the scarves later?”
Indy’s face lights up. “You brought them?”
“Of course. We’re staying in one of the nicest hotels in DC. With a bed the size of a small island. What better time?”
“True.” His hand wraps around mine. “And I think room service and a night of sex in a fancy hotel sounds like a great idea.”
“Okay.” Anticipation fizzes, bright and joyful. “I love you. Have I mentioned that lately?”
Indy stops in the middle of the hallway and turns to face me. “You can never tell me too many times. I’ll always love hearing it.”
“Then I love you, Indy Garrison.”
His gaze softens. “And I loveyou, Beatrix Garrison. With all my heart.”
Then the elevator chimes down the hall, and a cluster of chattering teenagers emerges.
Indy chuckles. “So much for the romantic moment.”
“It’s okay. Later, we can havelotsof romance.”
Desire heats his gaze. “Definitely.” As we start walking again, he adds, “Now. Let’s go do this 5K. And don’t worry. I’ll be right there with you.”
My heart squeezes. “You always are.”
Indy gazes at me with love in his eyes. “I always will be.”
