Page 42 of No One But You
Nate huffed.“I’ll tell you what happened.I suggested the operation we undertook this morning, and Max lost his shit because he was worried about her.He kissed her without even thinking about how it might scar his poor brother, who was still in the room, and then they made eyes at each other until I left.”
“It took you long enough to get the hint,” I teased.
I didn’t mind his explanation.It was better than the truth, and to be fair, that moment had prompted us to actually acknowledge what we’d done the night before.
“It was actually quite romantic,” I said, sending Max a soft look.
“It sounds like it.”Heather picked up a cookie and crunched it while watching us avidly.“Bailey, you know I’ve always thought of you as a bonus daughter.I couldn’t be happier that Max finally realized what a gem you are.”
“Hey,” Max protested, and I laughed again, thrilled by her words.I hadn’t thought that either of Max’s parents would be against our relationship, but her easy acceptance was a relief nonetheless.
“We want to hear all about your first date,” Eugene added with a wink.
Nate groaned.“I know more than enough about their love life already, thanks.”
“Then they won’t tell you,” Heather said tartly.“But your father and I would love to know.”
They teased each other good-naturedly for a while, and, eventually, we said our goodbyes and headed out.Nate promised he’d be in touch if there were any updates, and, other than that, we were to go on as normal.
Honestly, I thought that was asking for a bit too much.
“Normal” had flown out the window a long time ago.I doubted I’d feel safe anytime soon.Maybe signing up for self-defense classes would help—along with a whole lot of therapy with Dr.Friedman.Otherwise, I was screwed.
“How are you feeling?”Max asked as we reached our vehicles.
My shoulders felt heavier than usual.“I don’t know.”
“I’m sorry we didn’t catch them.”
I sighed.“Me too.Although it is a relief not to have to face them.”
That said, I still thought that the short-term stress would have been worth it to have the weight off my mind.
He came closer and ran his fingers down the side of my face.“Are you okay to drive on your own?”
I let out a shuddering breath.“Yeah.”
“I’ll be right behind you.”
He kissed me and pulled away to go to his van.He’d left it there this morning and been picked up by one of the officers stationed at the hut.
I got into my car and locked the doors.During the drive, I checked the rearview mirror every few seconds to make sure he was still behind me.He was, his presence as steady and reassuring as ever.
When we arrived, we parked on the road in front of his house.There was a pang in my gut as I remembered that I’d have to move out again soon.I was supposed to leave earlier this week, but considering we’d put the trap in place, I’d felt safer staying.
Honestly, I doubted I’d be comfortable going back to my place even now.Not when the person or people responsible for assaulting me were still out there.
A car door shut, and, with a sigh, I got out and locked up, meeting Max on the path to his front door.He let us into the house, and I went straight to the sofa and sat down.My muscles were tired, and I didn’t plan on moving much for the rest of the day.
But then there was a bump in the hall.
Just the faintest noise that was absolutely, one hundred percentnotthe house settling.
My chest tightened, and slowly, I began to turn.
TWENTY-FOUR
MAX
