Page 26 of Risking it All
Her nervous laugh wasn’t as reassuring as she thought it would be.
“I’m not afraid of you, Sawyer. I’m just afraid of what the future holds for me. I can only hide out here for so long.”
“I beg to differ. I’ve been hiding out here for years.”
She shifted in her seat until her eyes were on me.
“What are you hiding from?”
I shrugged. “Life.”
“I’m not sure if you’re able to hide from life.”
“Isn’t that what you’re trying to do?” I asked, tilting my head to wait for her response.
“Touché, Mr. Ash.”
The left corner of my mouth lifted. “I don’t remember telling you my last name.”
“You didn’t. The nurse came in and told me that my fiancé, Mr. Ash, wanted to see me. I almost blew your cover because I didn’t know who the hell she was talking about.”
“Well, it’s nice to meet you Ms.—” I paused to let her fill in the blank.
“Z Bonner.”
“I have the feeling that’s not who you are, but like I said, I won’t push. Just promise me you will tell me when the time is right. I need to know who I’m protecting.”
“I will. I just need to know I can trust you.”
“I have no problem with working to earn your trust. I need to know that I can trust you too.”
“I promise I’m not up to anything shady. I just don’t feel safe going back out into the world. I really appreciate you helping me out. I don’t think I could say that enough. You really don’t have to do this.”
“Do what?”
“Everything, Sawyer. You’re letting me stay here, helping me get a job.” She paused before looking down at her folded hands. “You saved my life. I didn’t even think I was worth saving, but I thank you for understanding the assignment.”
“Look at me,” I said, covering her hands with mine. “You’re more than worth it.”
“Thank you for saying that.”
“You’re welcome, mama. You ready?”
“I don’t even know what to expect.”
“Expect to do whatever you want to do. I told you that you don’t even have to work. Just enjoy the place, see a show, place a few bets, and please go down and check out the spa. I’ll make sure you have plenty of vouchers.”
“OK.” She nodded.
“Do whatever you want around here, within reason, and know that I’m looking out for you, even when you don’t think I’m looking out for you.”
“Thank you again, Sawyer. Now I have to get used to making my own decisions. I’ve never gotten to just decide what I want to do. Most things are decided for me, aside from my job anyway.”
“What did you do?”
“I worked for a tailor as a seamstress. I have a degree in hospitality. My dad thought it would be good for business. I use it to set up events and plan things for him.”
“Word?”
