Chapter 10
CHAPTER 10
ENZO
It’s only been a week since Winter moved in, and already I don’t want her to leave.
Well. It’s a bit more complicated than that.
I want Winter to be able to leave and not still be in hiding from her abusive ex. I want Thomas to be in jail, being held accountable for the terrible things he did to her, instead of still successfully evading the police.
But if I put that part of it aside, I selfishly want her to stay here.
I want Winter sleeping in the bedroom next to mine so I can run in there if she has a nightmare. In the morning, I want to sit at the kitchen island and drink coffee with her while we talk about our plans for the day. And I want to look forward to coming home after work, already thinking about what movie we’re going to watch and hoping Winter will fall asleep on my shoulder like she started doing a few nights ago.
It’s the most perfect feeling—her soft breaths on my neck, her silky hair brushing my arm, and the soft weight of her curves as she curls up against me—knowing she’s trusting me to keep her safe when she’s at her most vulnerable.
I have to keep reminding myself we’re just friends.
That’s what she needs. Not a man who’s very quickly developing much stronger feelings for her.
Even though we’ve progressed from hand-holding to hugs, like when Winter threw her arms around me after I ordered that new book I noticed her eyeing on Amazon or when she finally declared victory after an hours-long game of Monopoly.
Just holding her hand is something special. But hugging her? It’s so much more.
I can’t help wondering what it would be like to kiss her. Touch her all over. Peel her clothes off and discover what color her nipples are and if she has any cute little freckles anywhere else on her body.
And late at night, I let myself fantasize about doing everything with her. Sinking into her slick heat, feeling her muscles clutching at me, and hearing her breathy cries of ecstasy.
I wouldn’t tell Winter any of that. Of course. I told her I didn’t expect anything beyond friendship, and I meant it.
It doesn’t mean I can’t think about it, though. Or hope that someday, I might have a chance.
It’s crazy, really. After avoiding commitment for so long, gently letting women down before things could get serious, here I am, ready to throw myself all in.
Not now.
And if I’m being realistic, it could be a long time before Winter’s ready for anything more than friendship. I know Thomas hurt her, but she doesn’t talk about how bad it was. I have no idea—though I have a sickening suspicion—if he violated her.
Shit. Just thinking about it fills me with a rage like nothing I’ve felt before.
I’ve been furious at the things I’ve seen. How could I not be after seeing so many atrocities overseas, losing teammates in the most tragic circumstances?
But this anger when I think about Thomas hurting Winter… it’s different.
If I’m honest with myself, it’s because it feels like she’s mine. Not in a creepy, stalkery, possessive way, but like I’d do anything to keep her safe.
I think about what Finn told me a lot now. About how he met Hanna and there was just something between them. How he left her in the beginning because he didn’t think he wanted a relationship, didn’t think he deserved it. But here they are. Married. Happier than either of them ever imagined they could be.
Maybe one day.
A sharp rap on my window yanks me out of my thoughts.
As I jerk my head around, I see Ronan standing outside my truck, watching me with a concerned expression.
Shit. How long have I been parked in front of my house?
Before the window is halfway down, Ronan asks, “You okay, man?” His brow creases. “Did you get bad news about Winter’s case?”
“No.” Shutting off the ignition, I open the door and hop out. “No new info, at least.”
Ronan frowns. “That fucker still in the wind?”
Gritting my teeth, I reply, “Unfortunately.”
“I can’t believe they still can’t find him.” He scowls. “Are they even trying? Or is that asshole cop still trying to pin it on Winter?”
Anger bubbles up in my chest. One of the older cops in the department is still pushing his theory that Winter was a willing participant in the robbery and she made up her story about being held captive in an attempt to avoid getting in trouble. Fortunately, Patrick and his partner, Sage, are on Winter’s side, and they’ve been actively investigating her case.
“He’s backed off some now. And they are investigating. But Patrick—that’s the guy I went to high school with—seems to think Thomas is being helped by his lowlife friends. Either staying with one of them or hiding out at someone’s hunting cabin. So they’re keeping an eye on Thomas’s known contacts, but…” Trailing off, I blow out a frustrated breath. “It’s a lot for a small police force to do.”
Ronan goes silent for a moment as he scans the yard. “So. Are you just going to wait for them to find something? Have Winter stay here as long as it takes?”
“She can stay as long as she wants.” Pausing, I add, “But no. I’m not waiting. Alec is working on it. And you know Cole with Blade and Arrow. He’s got his tech guy, Leo, investigating. Between the two of them, I’m sure they’ll find a clue soon.”
“Hmm.” His eyes narrow appraisingly. “And you don’t mind having Winter here all the time? It’s not keeping you from going out?” He pauses. “Meeting some of the local women? I’ve seen some good-looking ones when I’ve been in town.”
“Winter’s not keeping me from doing anything,” I reply testily. “I like her being here.”
He gives me a knowing smile. “So you’ve already met the woman you’re interested in.”
“It’s not like that.”
“Isn’t it?”
I fight the urge to punch him. “Winter’s been through a lot. She’s fragile right now. She needs support and protection. That’s all.”
His smile sobers. “I know. But… one thing I’ll say. I’m no expert in relationships, but I have sisters. I was overprotective of them for a long time. Guess I still am. But a lot of times, they didn’t need it. They were more than capable of making their own decisions.”
“And?”
“Just saying.” Ronan glances at the house again. “Maybe… don’t assume you know what’s best for her. I think Winter can make up her own mind.”
I’m still thinking about it as I walk into the house.
Am I assuming I know what’s best for Winter? I didn’t think I was.
I still think it’s best to give her space. To leave my feet firmly planted on the platonic side of things and keep my growing feelings for her to myself.
But. It’s something to think about.
And Ronan’s right about one thing. While Winter is fragile at times—when she wakes up from her nightmares, shaking so hard her teeth chatter, or when something triggers a momentary flashback—she’s also one of the strongest people I know.
Making it through whatever trauma Thomas put her through, defying him at the risk of her own safety because she thought it was the right thing to do, talking to the police though she knew the information she had about Thomas could put her in even more danger.
Facing that motel room alone and without complaint.
Coming here when she wasn’t entirely sure she could trust me.
Walking into the kitchen each morning with a smile, no matter how difficult the night before was.
Already trying to rebuild her business while she’s still recovering from a concussion.
Not just meeting my friends, but befriending them, even though she had every reason to fear men she didn’t know.
Shit. No wonder I can’t stop thinking about Winter. I’ve never met a woman this incredible before.
“Enzo!” Winter comes into the kitchen doorway, smiling brightly at me. “Did you just get home? I didn’t hear you.”
Is it bad that I like how she calls this home?
“Yeah, I was just talking to Ronan outside for a few minutes.” I cross the living room, but hesitate once I get to her— should I take her hand? Hug her? Stick with a smile? Do nothing?
Damn. This is harder than when I went on my first date in eighth grade and I spent almost the entire movie debating whether to try the casual arm over the shoulder move or the one where we reach for the popcorn at the same time.
Except that was just a thirteen-year-old with a crush on a girl. And this is the woman I’m fascinated by.
Winter solves the issue of my indecision by taking my hand and pulling me into the kitchen. “Look.” She gestures at the laptop sitting open on the island. “I made some initial designs for the store.”
Part of me wants to scold her—nicely, of course—for spending undoubtedly more time on the computer than she should have. Just because she’s feeling better doesn’t mean the effects of the concussion are all gone, or that she should go back to working full-time.
But then she looks at me, and her face is all lit up and her eyes are sparkling and there’s no way I’m saying anything to take that away.
She tugs me closer, so we’re side-by-side. “Look,” she repeats, pointing at the screen. “I have six options for the updated logo. It’s still incorporating your uncle’s original design, just with a modern touch to it. Plus, a bit more color to catch the eye.”
“They look amazing.” And they do. Somehow, Winter transformed a very basic sketch of a hiker ascending a mountain and turned it into something infinitely more appealing and professional.
“And here,” Winter squeezes my hand as she points at another image. “I was thinking something like this for a sign to put out by the road. Something simple that won’t contrast with the gorgeous scenery.”
I’m so close to her, I can smell the floral scent of her shampoo, and her hair looks so soft it’s a struggle not to press my lips to it. But kissing Winter is definitely not on the table right now, so I take a steadying breath and say, “That looks fantastic. Really. Uncle Caleb would be so impressed.”
“Really?” She turns toward me, her brows winging up. “You don’t think he’d be upset about me changing things? Or… if you’ve changed your mind about it. If you want to keep things the same… I’m not going to be insulted.”
“Absolutely not. To either of those things. He would not be upset at all. He’d probably be bitching about not thinking of it sooner. And I haven’t changed my mind. I think what you created is perfect.”
“Oh.” Pink tinges her cheeks. “Good. I just want to make it nice for you. But these are still just ideas. If there’s anything you want to change, we can. Colors, fonts, layout…”
“I trust you. Whatever you choose is going to be a thousand times better than what I could come up with. And thank you for doing this.”
Winter stares up at me, her gorgeous eyes shifting from emerald to a deep evergreen. And there’s something in her gaze—an emotion I can’t quite read—but it makes my heart roll over in my chest.
If these were different circumstances, I’d kiss her.
But they aren’t, and I’m not doing anything that could possibly hurt her.
Finally, Winter drags her gaze from mine. She glances over at the counter, where a crock pot I didn’t know I owned is plugged in, and says, “I started dinner. It’s pulled pork, and we can make sandwiches. Melt some cheese, put some coleslaw on top…”
Before I can say anything, she adds hurriedly, “I didn’t spend too long on it. Really, it’s super easy to make. And since I’m not working very much, I have time to do it.”
“Winter.” Part of me feels all warm inside that she did this, that she wanted to have dinner ready when I got home. But I know from some of the little things she’s let slip about Thomas, he used to force her to cook for him and she was always terrified she’d mess it up and be punished for it.
“Yes?”
Taking both her hands in mine, I tell her gently, “I love that you made dinner. But I don’t want you to feel like you have to. I don’t expect it. I’m fine with delivery or cooking together or having you relax while I make something for you.”
“I know you don’t.” Her smile slides into something more serious. “And I know you’re worried about what I told you. About Thomas. But it’s not the same. Not even close. I’m doing this because I want to. I know if I don’t do it one night, you won’t be angry. You won’t yell?—”
“Never.” My voice goes gruff. “I would never yell at you. Or hurt you. Or do anything to scare you. I hope you know that.”
“I do.” Winter lets go of my hands and wraps her arms around me, resting her head on my chest. As I return the embrace, she continues, “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t trust you, Enzo. And I know it hasn’t been that long, but?—”
A trilling noise cuts her off, and she glances over at the now-vibrating phone on the counter. It’s the new one I gave her after discovering Thomas stole hers. I wanted to buy her a new one—between everything my uncle left me and all the salary and hazard pay I saved in the Army, I’m more than comfortable—but she put her foot down so I ended up reactivating one of my old ones instead.
There’s a tension in her body before she sees the name on the screen. Considering the last call she got was from Patrick, telling her they still haven’t captured Thomas, I can understand her trepidation.
But then she pulls away and reaches for the phone, her voice pitching up cheerfully. “It’s Aunt Linette. She mentioned something about a day trip to Telluride. I bet she wants to tell me all about it.”
“Okay. I’ll go take a shower, check some things around the house. Give you some time to talk privately.”
“It’s fine,” Winter replies, smiling. “I’ve been telling her all about you. Since she’s calling when you’re home, I bet she’ll want to say hi.”
Even though my stomach does a tiny flip—am I seriously nervous about talking to Winter’s aunt?—I nod at her. “Okay.”
But only seconds after Winter says hello, her smile disappears. All the color fades from her cheeks, and her shoulders stiffen. “Aunt Linette. Are you… No. I’m okay. But?—”
Winter goes quiet, and all I can hear is a faint voice on the other end of her phone. The longer her aunt talks, the paler Winter gets, and her teeth dig into her lower lip.
“Aunt Linette. God. I’m so sorry.” As her voice starts to wobble, I move closer to her. One hand is trembling on the counter, and I cover it with mine. “I had no idea… I’m so?—”
Now that I’m standing right next to Winter, I can hear her aunt saying faintly, “I’m not worried about myself. I’m worried about you.”
“But your house .” This time, Winter’s voice cracks. “This is all my fault. I’m so sorry. I’ll figure out a way to fix this—” Another crack. “Just… stay there. I’ll…”
Shit. This sounds bad. And while I normally wouldn’t interrupt her conversation, this time it seems necessary.
“Winter,” I say quietly, “can you tell me what happened?”
She glances at me, and there are tears in her eyes. The fear and despair I haven’t seen in days is back again. With a little nod, she says to her aunt, “I’m going to tell Enzo. Maybe… I think he could help.”
Aunt Linette replies, “Of course, sweetie.” And she sounds just as nice as Winter has described her. “Can he hear me right now?”
I nod at Winter, and she says, “Yes.”
“Okay, then.” The older woman takes on a no-nonsense tone. “I’m fine here. Wendy and I are at our lovely hotel with plenty of security. Tell your Enzo about everything and call me back.” She pauses. “And Winter. This is not your fault. I don’t want to hear you say that again.”
But I can tell Winter isn’t convinced. After she ends the call with her aunt, she puts the phone down and just stares at it, her chin wobbling.
“Hun.” I take her shoulders and turn her towards me. “Can you tell me what happened?”
Winter looks up at me, so sad and scared and vulnerable; I’m struck by this crazy desire to take her to a deserted island where no one can hurt her.
Or call some of my old Army buddies who aren’t too particular about keeping things legal. Like Rafe, who works as a bounty hunter in Texas and could probably be persuaded to make Thomas conveniently disappear.
“Aunt Linette’s house was broken into,” Winter answers. A few tears escape, leaving streaks of dampness down her pale cheeks. “A neighbor called her to let her know. It was completely trashed. And—” She covers her mouth as she tries to stifle a sob.
“Ah, hun.” Rage and worry battle for dominance. Just when I think Thomas can’t hurt Winter again, he pulls this shit. And she’s been doing so well. What is this going to do to her recovery? Her nightmares?
“There was a message,” she whispers. “Spray painted in the living room. Go back or else.” Agonized eyes meet mine. “It’s my fault, Enzo. I got away and now he’s going after Aunt Linette. What if he finds her in New Mexico? I didn’t think… but what if?—”
“He won’t,” I start.
“But what if he does?” Voice pitching up, panic straining her voice, she says, “Maybe I should go back. If I go home, he’ll find me there. And maybe he’ll leave Aunt Linette?—”
“No.” The very idea of it makes my blood go cold. “No, Winter. You can’t.”
“I don’t want to. But…”
Shit. Shit.
Winter’s crying and she looks so scared and it feels like my chest is caving in. I never thought I could feel this way but shit, I’d do anything to fix this for her.
And there’s no way I’m letting her go back to Thomas. No way.
Gathering her into my arms, I hug her against me, tucking her head under my chin. As I rub her back in slow circles, I say, “You were right. What you told your aunt. I can help. If you’ll let me.”
Her arms snake around my waist. “Okay.”
“Alright. Come sit, and I’ll tell you what we’re going to do.”
I guide Winter over to the couch, and the instant we sit down, she burrows back into my chest. I can barely hear her as she mumbles into my shirt, “What can we do?”
“You know I have lots of friends I met in the Army, right? And you remember how I said we all help each other?”
Another small nod, and a sniffly, “Yes.”
“So I have a buddy out in Colorado. Tayo. He works for this group called the Brotherhood Protectors. It’s made up of a bunch of former military guys—Green Berets, SEALS, Rangers, Delta—and they provide protection to people who need it.”
Winter lifts her head to look at me. There’s a hint of hope in her eyes, but it quickly dims. “I don’t know if I have the money for that, Enzo. And my aunt… I can’t let her… Plus, I have to figure out a way to pay for the repairs to her house. I just… with not working, and…”
“They do it for free. It’s part of their mission. But I’m thinking; they have a ranch out near Colorado Springs, where some of the guys live. It’s really safe there. I can call Tayo, have him pick up your aunt and bring her to the ranch. She can stay there until Thomas is caught.”
“Do you think… would there be room? Would she be comfortable there?”
“Absolutely.” I think back to all the things I’ve heard about Lost Valley Ranch and the Brotherhood. “Some of the men live there with their wives. So it’s not just a bunch of guys there. They have farm animals, and a little bar that they run, and it’s supposed to be really beautiful.”
While Winter worries her lip, I add, “If you really want her to be closer, the guys from Blade and Arrow can help. But it would be faster to bring your aunt to Colorado than try to get her on a flight back here.”
“That’s true.” The hope in her eyes kindles again. “Aunt Linette loves animals. She would probably like that.”
“So.” I hold her gaze, thumbing away the tears still leaking down her cheeks. “Do you want me to call Tayo? I bet he could have someone on the way to pick up Aunt Linette tonight. She’ll be safe at the ranch by tomorrow morning.”
After a brief pause, she says, “Yes. Can you call him?”
“Of course. Right away.”
I’m about to set Winter to the side—not that I want to, holding her feels more perfect than anything I can remember—but she clutches my arms instead. “Can you…”
“What?”
“Can you just… hold me? For a minute?” A faint pink touches her cheeks. “I… this…” The rest of her words spill out in a rush. “I feel better like this. With you holding me. It doesn’t feel so scary or awful. I feel like things might be okay.”
Oh.
My heart.
“Ah, hun.” This time when I pull her to me, I kiss the top of her head; just for a second. “I will always hold you. Anytime you want.”
“Are you sure?” And the look in her eyes just about slays me. There’s worry and uncertainty, but also trust and affection and something that makes me think there might be more of a chance for us than I’ve let myself hope for.
But not now.
Now I just hug Winter and stroke her hair as I say with absolute certainty, “I’ve never been more sure of anything.”