Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 27182 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 136(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27182 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 136(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
“You won’t have to find out.”
I stared up at him as he stroked his thumb across my cheek. “It isn’t as though you can stay by my side twenty-four seven until this is resolved.”
“I can damn well do my best to do exactly that until my Monday morning run with the team,” he insisted with a determined gleam in his green orbs. “Hopefully, we’ll know by then who the fuck is messing with you.”
I wasn’t thrilled about going back to my apartment alone, but I still found myself saying, “I don’t know. That’s asking an awful lot of you.”
“You’re not asking. I’m offering,” he corrected before shaking his head. “No, make that I’m insisting. I should’ve had you pack a bag before we left your place because you’re staying with me tonight.”
I scrunched my nose. “I’m not sure that’s the best idea.”
“Fine, then I’ll stay with you.”
“If you’d given me half a second to finish saying what I was thinking, that’s exactly what I was going to suggest since I have a guest bedroom and I didn’t notice one at your place.” Spotting the gleam in his eyes, I wagged my finger and teased, “Just because everyone in there thinks we’re boyfriend and girlfriend doesn’t mean you’re going to talk me into bed that easily.”
“I’m not interested in easy, baby.” He winked at me. “I’m a Navy SEAL. Doing things the hard way comes with the job.”
I let out a heartfelt sigh as he shut my door and rounded the front of the SUV to climb into the driver’s seat. Turning to him, I whispered, “Thank you.”
After starting the engine and pulling out of the parking spot, he tugged my hand over the console so he could hold it while he drove. “There’s no need to thank me. I’d do just about anything for you. This is nothing.”
“I think we’re going to need to agree to disagree again because what you’re doing is a big deal to me.”
He flashed me a grin as he turned onto the road. “I like how you’re not afraid to use my words against me. Your sassy side is sexy as hell.”
“Although redheads are supposed to be famous for their tempers, I don’t think anyone has ever called me that before.” I ducked my head, a lock of hair falling in front of my face to hide my blush. “Maybe you bring the sassy side out of me.”
“That’s fine by me.” He squeezed my hand. “I don’t want you to ever feel as though you have to hide anything when we’re together. You’re not going to scare me away. The more I learn about you, the more I like you.”
“It’s the same for me.” Tucking my hair behind my ear, I peeked at him through my lashes. “I already thought you were pretty incredible for taking Paul to rehab when you didn’t even know us, but you somehow keep getting better.”
“Even when I threaten to kick someone’s ass for hitting on you right in front of me?”
“Yes,” I admitted with a soft laugh. “Just so long as I don’t get fired for it, feel free to warn off whomever you’d like.”
“Hooyah,” he murmured.
When we reached his building, he led me up to his apartment again so he could pack a bag for the night. Only when he came back out of his bedroom, the duffel he had slung over his broad shoulder was fuller than I’d expected. “Don’t tell me that you’re a high-maintenance guy.”
“Pardon?” he asked, his brows drawing together.
I jerked my chin toward his bag. “That’s a lot of stuff for just one night.”
“Like I said, I plan to stick close to you until my duties pull me away. And even then, I’m going to make sure you’re safe.”
Judging by the determination in his hard voice, the person who put that note on my car would soon regret it.
6
SILAS
When we returned to Phoebe’s apartment, she seemed a little quieter than she had the rest of the night. As she unlocked the door, she kept peeking up at me through her lashes. It was adorable, and I couldn’t help smiling, which seemed to fluster her, amusing me further.
Once it was open, I put my hand on her shoulder to stop her from walking in ahead of me. “Let me check things out first.” Phoebe bit her bottom lip, then nodded as her eyes darted around nervously.
Inside, I dropped my bag on the floor before crossing the living room to check the sliding glass door that led out to her small balcony. It was still locked up tight, so I moved on to the kitchen, each bedroom, and the bathroom before returning to give her the all clear.
Phoebe walked in and shut the door, then bolted it. She set her purse on a little table in the entry, then kicked off her shoes.