Page 57 of The Bitterroot Inn (Jamison Valley 5)
“I used to say ‘like’ all the time. I never really noticed, I guess. No one had ever told me it was annoying, until Coby’s father. The night he broke up with me, he said I said ‘like’ too much. He also said I was too young and he wasn’t interested in putting in the time while I matured. All of this said right in front of my parents and brothers on Christmas Day. Anyway, I took his words to heart and I started pinching myself so I’d stop saying ‘like.’ ”
It sounded crazy when I said it out loud.
For the first year after Everett’s death, my thighs had been covered in tiny bruises, but the training had been effective. Slowly, I’d broken my habit.
“I still say ‘like’ every now and then. I don’t care as much as I used to, but unfortunately the pinching habit is more engrained than saying ‘like’ ever was.”
I studied my wineglass, embarrassed that I’d had to admit all of that to Hunter.
“I sound crazy.”
“No. Not at all.” His hand was still gentle on my ankle. “Maisy?”
I forced my eyes up.
“Say whatever the fuck you want, especially around me. But don’t ever pinch yourself like that again. Understood?”
I nodded.
“Say it,” he ordered. “Say ‘I promise not to pinch myself again, Hunter.’ ”
I fought a smile. “I promise not to pinch myself again, Hunter.”
“Good.” He set down his beer, then slid closer. “It’s late and I know you’ve had a long day, but I’d really like to know more about what that asshole did to you.”
That asshole. Well, he had that right.
“It’s not a fun story.”
“I’ve got nothing but time for you. If you want to tell me tonight, I’d like to know. If you want some time, I’ll wait for as long as you need.”
I examined my wineglass as I considered my options. I could wait and tell Hunter about Everett when we knew each other better. Or I could tell him now. He’d been in Prescott nearly a month, and the more we were seen together at the café or around town, the more people would talk, the more risk I’d face that someone would feel the need to inform him of my past.
And I didn’t want him to hear this story from anyone but me.
“All right. I’ll give you the abbreviated version.” I sat up straight, tucking my legs underneath me and making room so Hunter could sit even closer.
“Coby’s father’s name was Everett Carlson. He and I worked together at the hospital when I was a nurse. We started dating, and at first, everything was great. Then it wasn’t. We broke up, and then I found out I was pregnant. He asked me to get an abortion because he had no interest in being a father, but I refused.”
Hunter’s jaw ticked as he clenched his teeth.
“He decided to kidnap me because I wouldn’t get an abortion. He broke into my house and came after me in a rage. I tried to fight back, but he knocked me out.”
Terrifying as it had been to have a crazed lunatic bust through my door and chase me around my living room, it hadn’t done near the emotional damage as what had happened in the hospital. Still, when I’d had the chance to move out of that place and into the inn’s loft, I’d jumped at the chance.
“He kidnapped my friend Gigi too and took us both to the hospital. We learned that night he was a drug dealer and all-around psychopath.”
Hunter’s hands were fisted on his thighs and his teeth were grinding.
“Easy there. You’re going to chip a tooth.” My attempt to lighten the mood worked.
Hunter’s jaw relaxed a bit as he sighed. “Okay, keep going.”
“When I woke up, he tried to force-feed me a bunch of pills. Gigi fought him off, and since he’d forgotten to tie me up when I was unconscious, I was able to find a scalpel on one of the storage racks. It was still in its sterile wrapper but those things are really sharp. I rammed it into his neck and then we ran away. When the cops got there, Everett had already bled out.” I’d hit him right in the carotid.
The silence of the next few moments was unbearable. Hunter was fuming, I could feel the heat waves radiating off his panting chest, but he didn’t speak. I wanted so badly for him to stay but I wouldn’t blame him if he left. My baggage could fill an aircraft carrier. I wouldn’t hold it against him if he wanted to find a woman who only traveled light.
“Maisy.” My name was full of pain and pity. “I’m so sorry.”
