Chapter 36
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
Shelby
Curling my left hand around my right, I try to stop shaking.
Glancing left, I search the parking lot again for Doc and Riley. My heart is pounding so hard, I wonder if the couple walking past me can hear it.
A car starting close by startles me.
Chill out. I roll my eyes.
I feel wired like a bomb ready to go off, and Leo’s the trigger. How can I love someone who’s done things that are so bad?
Loud male voices catch my attention. Turning, I see the Cromwell brothers.
Shit!
Stepping back, I keep going until the side of the building hides me. I squeeze my eyes closed and wrap my arms around myself.
Breathing in deep, I focus on the rise and fall of my chest.
Can I do this? Can I stay with Leo after everything he’s done?
Perhaps it’s a good thing we can’t discuss it openly here. I’m not sure I even want to know. Some things are just better left unsaid.
Voices in the parking lot pick up, forcing my eyes open.
I see Riley instantly. Weaving between the rows of parked cars, she tugs her father’s hand, trying to get him to walk faster, her mouth moving with words that make her dad roll his eyes.
The sight makes me laugh out loud. The sound is mixed with relief and grief because I know that, yes, I can ignore what I know. I want these two people in my life, no matter what.
As if he heard me, Leonard’s eyes find me. His face is stained with worry.
Lifting my hand, I give a small wave and a half smile. The change is instant. A bright smile takes over his face, and his whole body shifts, a weight lifting.
He knows.
Doc lengthens his stride, and the two approach quickly. I step closer to them and away from the café. Going home sounds good right now.
Riley grins, waving excitedly when she finally spots me.
Everything happens so quickly.
One minute she’s holding her father’s hand, and the next she’s slipped free, running across the lot toward me.
The voices to my right get louder, mixing with music, and I can see a commotion near the entrance from the corner of my eye.
A car screeches, and I watch in horror as it peels away quickly. Tires screech, and voices shout.
My eyes return to Riley, and my world stops. It’s coming right at her. My sweet girl freezes.
I don’t think. Before my next breath, my body propels forward, moving on its own. I see Leo running from the other side, but he’s going to be too late . . . so am I.
Scooping Riley into my arms, I turn her away from the car just in time.
Pain explodes in my leg and hip. I curve my body around the small figure in my arms, trying to protect her.
Pain spreads through me from one place to the next as I hit the windshield and fly off the car. Seeing the asphalt coming quickly, I turn again, putting my body below Riley and stretch my arm out to catch us.
Stupid move. I feel the bone break. My whole body feels like it’s on fire.
Groaning, I try to breathe through the pain, through the panic.
Riley! Is she okay?
I try to say the words aloud, but it’s like my body has shut down. The only thing I know is I have to protect Riley.
Something shifts my body, pulling my arms, but I hold my girl tighter. I can’t let her get hurt.
Words filter in, muffled and strained.
Leo.
I blink, trying to see, but my vision is blurred.
“It’s me, Shelby.”
I blink again. He doesn’t sound right.
“Let Riley go.”
But I can’t, my arm doesn’t feel right. My body shakes uncontrollably.
I feel my hold on Riley being lifted before the weight of her small form leaves me.
Is she okay?
I try to ask, but nothing happens. The voices above me mesh. The only thing seeping in is the sound of a young child crying.
Riley!
Hands smooth over my legs, and someone grabs my hand, holding on for dear life.
“Riley,” I try again, but no sound escapes me.
My body is jostled and lifted. It feels like I’m moving, but I can’t focus enough to see. The crying follows, and my heart breaks open.
I didn’t protect her.
I didn’t save my baby.