Page 116 of Guarding Over You
They reached Maddy, who barely looked up from her computer before smirking. “Coming to say goodnight to your man?” Not loud, but definitely not quiet either.
She leaned on the counter close enough so that it would seem she was sharing a private piece of information. “I am.” Then, softer, moving even closer so only Maddy could hear. “Thank you. For everything.”
Maddy’s expression softened. “My pleasure. You’ve got a good one here.”
She laughed, the sound lighter than she felt. She hoped to hell she was putting on a good enough show because she didn’t know how many times she could do this. “I think so.”
When she looked back at Blaze, he was still watching only her. That grin, that warmth in his eyes that reached deeper than she was ready for if she allowed her mind to drift there.
She saw it then, clear as the pulse fluttering in her chest. The protectiveness, yes. That was always there. But beneath it was something steadier. Something quieter.
If she dared to name it, she’d call it love.
Or maybe she was just seeing her own reflection because she was more than halfway there herself.
Blaze reached out, brushing his fingers against hers and that simple touch grounded her.
She didn’t pull away like she’d always done to others in the past, but she inched even closer. She didn’t try to reclaim the control she’d clung to her whole life.
She just let it happen. She lethimhappen.
For the first time in a long time, it didn’t feel like surrender. It felt like trust.
And that was the greatest thing she needed.
“No one seems to be paying much attention to us,” he said.
“Doesn’t seem it to me either.” Maybe his brothers were wrong. But then she had to remind herself that not everyone worked every day. Not everyone was watching what was going on right now either.
He bent down, his mouth close to her ear, his cheek brushing hers. Anyone looking on would think it was a confidential comment he was making, but those who knew they were in a relationship could assume he was giving her a kiss on the cheek.
Which he did just now before he said, “Call security to walk you out. Let me know how the talk with Gracie goes.”
She turned so that their eyes were locked—the tender caring look she’d always dreamed of having thrown her way was happening now. “I will.”
“I’ve got you,” he said, reaching for her hands.
Just for more show, she leaned up and gave him a kiss on the lips.
Why not shove it out there and see what happens.
She left the ER and called security. An officer came down in less than five minutes, walked her to her car, then waited while she pulled away.
Lookslike my message was received loud and clear.
I’ve come this far, and after that little loving display in the ER, Blaze is clearly head over heels. Exactly what I thought!
Let’s see if he can figure it out. If he’s smart enough, strong enough, good enough to save her.
Now I watch. I watch for how far he’s willing to go. Maybe he’ll be brilliant and quick and fierce enough to save her in time. Maybe he’ll fail like last time and learn exactly what it costs tolose someone you love. It’s time he felt the weight I’ve carried. Time he understood the silence and guilt I’ve barely survived.
Time he learned what happens next.
36
CONNECTING THE DOTS
Blaze drove by Arden’s, saw the lights on in the living room, but it was still bright out. The sun was setting soon.
