Page 97 of The Write Track
“Yes, but it’s still not proof.”
His gaze was probing. “Did you call the police and talk that out or something?”
I didn’t bother denying it. “Yes. I wanted to know what our options were if we couldn’t scare him off.”
“What did the police say?”
“Nothing good.” I was still bitter about it. “Basically he has to physically harm her for us to be able to do anything.”
“That’s not acceptable.”
“It’s not,” I agreed.
Brody paused a second then sighed. “Have you considered talking to your father about it?”
The suggestion threw me. “What good would that do?”
“He’s a big muckity-muck in the Northeast. It sounds like Preston’s father is too. Your father’s status might allow him to issue a warning. From everything Bella has said, Preston is scared of his father. That might be enough.”
It was something I hadn’t considered—something I didn’t want to consider—but I didn’t discard the possibility. “It’s not a terrible idea.”
“Thanks for the ego boost.” Brody shot me a sarcastic thumbs-up.
I grinned. “It’s not the button I want to push, but if I have no other options… I wonder if my father would help me.”
“You said he wanted to visit. He might be willing to do it just to smooth the way.”
“Maybe.” I rubbed the back of my neck then shook myself out of my reverie. “Let’s leave that as a last resort.”
“What are you going to do now?”
I gave him an incredulous look. “I’m going to go rub myself against my girlfriend because I haven’t seen her in hours and I’m desperate to touch her.”
Brody snickered. “You sound like a crazy person.”
“I don’t care.” I threw open the door. “I’m happy. The odd thing is, I didn’t even realize I was unhappy until I met her. Isn’t that weird?”
He shook his head. “No. I understand exactly what you’re talking about.”
“If anybody would, it’s you.”
“All right, let’s go see our women.” Brody puffed himself out. “Do you think they missed us?”
“I think Bella missed me.”
“That’s cold, man.”
I chuckled as I strode toward the restaurant. “Fine. I think Bree missed you too.”
“There it is. Bella is even making you a better friend.”
Isn’t that a humbling thought?
BELLA, HAYLEY, AND BREE WERE ALREADYat a table when we found them.
“Hey.” I swooped in to press a firm kiss against Bella’s mouth, like a man who had been drowning for hours and she was his only source of oxygen.
“Hi.” She threw her arms around my neck and held tight. I returned the embrace. I didn’t care who was watching us.
