Page 42 of Never and Always
She looked up. “Everett… Thank you. For fighting that guy, saving me again. For…”
I touched her jaw, rubbing her soft skin. “You don’t have to thank me, but you’re welcome.”
Then I turned and headed for my bedroom. I returned with one of my T-shirts.
“Sorry, pretty sure nothing in my closet is up to your standards.” My lips twitched. “I figured you didn’t want one of my flannel shirts.”
She shot me a look that made me fight a smile. The Piper I knew was peeking through the shock. She’d be okay.
“Powder room is through there.” I pointed.
With a nod, she disappeared into the room. I stared at the fire, and tried not to think about Piper Ellis taking her clothes off in my house.
I blew out a breath.She’s upset and scared, she needs you to help her not imagine her naked, asshole.
The door opened and I turned my head.
My gut locked.Fuck.
Seeing her in my shirt, the way it hit her at mid-thigh and showed off those magnificent legs of hers hit me right in the gut.
And a little farther south.
My obsession with this city girl was not going away.
She’d washed her face and her hair was loose. I realized she rarely wore it down. It spilled in pale waves over her shoulders.
I cleared my throat. “Comfy?”
“Yes.” She grabbed the blanket again and curled up on the couch. She stared at the fire, and I didn’t like the look on her face.
“Everett, the guys who grabbed me…they said my brother owes their boss a hundred thousand dollars.” She squeezed her eyes closed. “I don’t think they’re going to stop until they get their money back.”
Chapter 14
Piper
Anger flashed over Everett’s face.
The shaking came back. “I’m worried about Chance. And I definitely don’t want to get abducted by bad guys.”
“That’snotgoing to happen,” Everett growled.
“And I really don’t want my mom or Gram to find out. They’ll panic. Gram suffered some heart issues last year and landed in hospital. She doesn’t need the stress.”
He reached out and took my hand.
“I’ve tried to help Chance and get him into rehab for his gambling. I tried to get him a job.” My laugh was harsh. “That didn’t work out very well.”
“You can’t help people who don’t want to get better.”
My lip trembled. God, I hated feeling like this. Weak, helpless. “He’s in debt to some really bad people, isn’t he?”
“It appears that way.” Everett shifted closer. “I promise, you don’t have to worry about being snatched. I won’t let that happen. We’re going to keep you safe.”
“You’re being so nice to me,” I whispered.
The corner of his mouth lifted. “I told you, I’m actually a nice guy.”
