26. 26
By the time Ava made it home she was shaking with exhaustion and stress. She was ready to collapse and sleep for a week. She knew that wouldn’t happen, but at least tomorrow was Saturday and she had no plans.
“Come sit down for a few minutes. I’ll heat this stuff up and at least we can eat.”
Cowboy guided her to the sofa where she sat while he carried the food he’d pulled from the things on his motorcycle into the kitchen. She didn’t know if she would be able to eat but she would try.
While he was gone, she stared at the wall, trying to process what had happened. She’d been terrified, but they hadn’t hurt her. But there was nothing saying she wouldn’t be hurt next time. Could she handle a next time?
Her mind went blank. She didn’t want to think about something like this happening again.
“Here’s your plate.” Cowboy came into the room carrying a pair of plates. “You want to eat in here or in the kitchen?”
“In the kitchen.” She pushed herself to her feet and followed him to the other room.
They sat at the kitchen table, Ava ate mechanically, barely registering what they were eating. Something was off, but she couldn’t say exactly what.
When they were done, Cowboy cleaned up, putting their dishes in the dishwasher, and wiping down the counters before he went to the table where Ava still sat.
“Come on, Angel. Let’s go lay down.”
“I don’t know. I’m not sure I’m in the mood.” She didn’t resist, but followed as he took her hand, tugged her to her feet, then led her into the bedroom.
“I’m not after sex, Angel. You’ve had a rough evening and I think you’ve got a little bit of shock going on. Let’s just lie down and maybe get some rest and see how things are in the morning.”
He peeled her shirt off, Ava moving on autopilot to let him get her ready for bed.
“You’ll be gone tomorrow.”
“What was that?”
“You’ll be gone tomorrow. You have that thing with your club.” She blinked but didn’t follow his movements as he bustled around the bedroom getting them both ready for bed. The whole world seemed fuzzy and out of sorts.
Then Cowboy stopped in front of her, eased her down so she sat on the edge of the bed then sat beside her. When he cupped her face in both hands, her gaze went to his face, and she was able to focus on him.
“Angel, you had a rough day. It was more than a typical day and I’m not going to leave you until I know you’re fine. If that means missing my ride, I’ll miss the ride.” He paused, his gaze searching her face. “I already let Deke know. He’ll lead tomorrow. I’ll make sure you’re okay and that we’re okay.” His gaze dropped and he shook his head before looking back up at her. “I don’t know how it happened so fast, but I’ve fallen for you. Hard. I love you and there is no way I’m going to leave you on your own to process something like this. Understand?”
It wasn’t until his thumb swept across her cheek that Ava realized she was crying.
“I love you too. I was afraid I was being stupid and the only one who could fall so fast.”
“You’re not stupid and you’re not alone. I’m not sure where things will go from here. But we’ll figure it out…If you’re game?” He seemed to watch her for any sign she was ready to walk away.
“I’m game. I’ve lived more in the last week with you than I did in fifteen years with Hank. I feel more for you now that I ever felt for him.” Ava threw her arms around Cowboy’s neck and buried her face against his chest.
All the pent-up emotion from the ordeal of being kidnapped go. She sobbed against his chest. She couldn’t help but fall a little harder in love when his arms came around her. He murmured comforting words into the top of her head and let her cry. When she was finished, he tucked her into bed and curled up next to her, one arm wrapped tight around her.
This was how it should be. This was how a relationship should feel. Safe, comfortable, and loved.
Thank you for reading Cowboy, part of the Ride with Me series. Please consider leaving a review on your favorite retailer.