24. Ledger
Ledger
When I get home, I hesitate in the laundry room. I don’t want to tell her, but I have to. She was happy earlier today when I picked her up from work because our date is tonight, but this is going to ruin the mood.
But she needs to know.
“Hey,” she says in a sultry voice, grabbing my attention.
She saunters up to me and stands on her tiptoes to kiss my cheek.
I catch her before she can get far and press my lips to hers. Warm and comforting.
She hums. “That’s a perfect way to start the evening.”
I huff and hang my hat on the hook.
“Why are you making that face? What’s wrong?” she asks, her tone dropping.
I tongue my cheek, looking her in the eye. “He’s gone. I think he ran off after he hit my house.”
“Shit,” she mumbles.
“I’m sorry, honey. I really am.” I hate that I have to apologize. I hate that I couldn’t keep my promise because the son of a bitch is gone.
“You know what? Fine, whatever. That’s tomorrow’s problem. We aren’t ruining our night thinking about that asshole. Tonight is about you and me. We can deal with him later,” she says, lifting her chin.
“I need to know your safe, and if he’s out there, then I can’t. Then you’re not …”
“I’m safe when I’m with you, and you’re not going anywhere. Right?”
I shake my head.
“Good enough for me,” she says with a shrug.
“You’re seriously okay with this?” I ask her.
She lifts a brow, looking me in the eye. “Short answer, no. But I refuse to let him have anymore of my life. Especially tonight.”
“Then let me get cleaned up.”
Shiloh smiles so brightly it lifts the clouds from my mind and makes my heart beat a little harder.
“I’ll get ready then,” she says with a wink, and spins on her heel, bouncing down the hallway.
The stench of violence lingers in the air, even though I cleaned up. I wanted us to have a nice evening at home, as requested, but I called in a few favors hoping it would help.
I check my watch, wondering if they’ll be here on time, and sure enough, there’s a knock on the door a minute later.
The guys from Claude’s Furniture bring in the couch and a new coffee table behind it, setting them in place. I’m going to replace the carpet, but it can wait because I’m considering ripping it out and finishing the wood floors.
“Thanks, guys.” I wave them off and hurry to get ready before Shiloh does.