Page 51 of Night Moves
“Aw, man, you’re blind.” Clay laughed. “What she did wouldn’t bother you if you didn’t care.”
“But it bothers you guys, right?”
“We’re over it,” Clay said.
His other brothers nodded their agreement.
Okay, fine.He might be developing feelings for Natalie, but what difference did it make? None. He wasn’t going to get involved. Not with her. Not with anyone. Period.
“You guys get to work on reviewing the victim’s backgrounds. And someone look for other properties Gentry or his wife or extended family might own. Maybe he’s holed up at one of them. And let’s see if we can hack into the account for his in-home surveillance cameras. Maybe we’ll find a lead there. I’ll be right back.” Planning to march into the cabin to let Natalie know what he thought, he jerked the door open and stepped out.
He spotted her leaning against the wall near the cabin door, her eyes closed. His feet stuttered to a stop. A ray of sun landed on her face, and her skin had a healthy glow. She looked so vibrant and peaceful—like a woman who had indeed pierced that armor he’d kept up. All fight and disappointment went out of him. Just like that. Gone.
She’d lost a sister. Her only sister. Not just of natural causes but in the most horrific way. In a senseless violent crime. That was what he needed to focus on. Not his needs. Not his hurt. Not the fact that Natalie didn’t tell him about her sister but the fact that she had to be suffering.
He wanted nothing more than to scoop her into his arms and hold her. Tell her everything was going to be okay. That he would make sure of it. But would it?
She opened her eyes, and her gaze lazily drifted to him. When she saw him, he clearly felt the force of his attraction to her, and he felt her pain so deeply it almost seemed like his own.
Eyes locked with hers, he took the last few steps to her. “I’m sorry.”
“For?”
“For your loss. I can’t even imagine losing one of my siblings much less my only one.”
“Thank you.” Her voice broke. “It’s been four years, but I don’t think I’ve processed her death. I’ve filled my life up with work and finding her killer. Then to discover that it could be someone I knew, someone I saw on a regular basis. That was something else.”
She shuddered and wrapped her arms around her slender waist. “But I put the pain away. I had to. To get your help. I’m sorry about that. It must look like I used you. Maybe I did. I’m so, so sorry.”
She needed comforting. Desperately. He didn’t care if he shouldn’t encourage whatever was developing between them. His mom had always taught them that human touch could do wonders in balancing out a person’s pain, and he would provide it.
He gently took her hands. Held them, felt her trembling, and his anger rose again. Not at her but at the lunatic who hurt this amazing woman. “We’ll make sure Gentry’s apprehended and put on trial for what he did.”
Her eyes widened. “Then you still believe the pictures are real? That I didn’t fabricate them?”
“Of course. I don’t know you that well, but I know you have integrity and live by your faith.”
“Thank you. I try to.”
“What else can I do to help with your loss?” he asked, feeling bold and terrified at the same time.
“Nothing really.”
“I’d like to give you a hug,” he said, shocked at how timid he sounded. He hadn’t acted this way with a woman since he was an awkward teen. “Would that be okay?”
She sighed, her breath seeming to go on and on. Was she horrified by his question? Fine. He got it. She didn’t want a relationship. Just because he was starting to think in that direction didn’t mean she was.
The last thing she needed was for him to hug her. He got that. Prepared for it.
“Yes, please.” Her words came out on a whispered plea.
He didn’t waste a single moment, not even the time to breathe, and scooped her into his arms. Her slender body melted against him, and he tightened his hold. He reveled in the touch. Felt each point where they connected. Inhaled her simple coconut fragrance.
He almost sighed but kept his feelings to himself. This hug was for her. Not him. She felt fragile and strong at the same time. More importantly, she felt right, as if holding her like this was meant to be.
Is it? Did You bring us together for more than the business of hauling Gentry in and keeping her and the kids safe? If so, I don’t know if I’m ready for it. I have so much more to do. See. Experience.
Natalie’s words came back to him. Was he just keeping busy—seeking the thrill to prove his worth by accomplishing something?
