22. Dont Fail Me Now
Piper wanted answers exactly as much as she wanted to sleep in Troy’s arms and forget everything. Lia had said there were no fractures or chips in her ribs, but she was definitely bruised. The doctor repeated her instructions to take it easy and rest. And she wanted to see her the following day, after she’d slept as long as she could.
Troy helped her sit on the examination bed once Lia had left the room.
She forced the question out. “Should we go see Marcus? Do I need to give a statement?”
Troy shook his head. “Not tonight. Jackass can cool his heels in the cell until tomorrow. We’ll talk to Marcus then and see what we need to do.”
“Are you sure?”
He nodded. “Marcus told me to tell you there’s no rush. Tomorrow works for him and gives Westerlake more time to get used to the reality of being in a cell.”
She nodded. Even the thought of seeing Ethan again caused fear to skitter through her veins. She wanted nothing more to do with the man ever, but there were still lots of questions to be answered.
Troy caressed her jaw and tilted her chin up. “Shove him out of your head for now. He doesn’t deserve any more of your time or head space. Take tonight to rest and recuperate. We’ll deal with the real world tomorrow.”
That sounded like an extremely good plan.
Troy helped her ease down from the table. Her head was pounding, and she needed Troy’s strength. Once they were home, she could take the meds.
Home with Troy. That also sounded like a very good plan.
When they reached the waiting room, Piper was shocked to see so many of the townspeople there. They all stood when she entered.
Are you okay?
We’re so sorry you were hurt.
We’re glad you’re safe now.
How are you feeling?
Here’s some ice cream. It makes everything better.
How can I help?
Let me know if you need anything. Anything at all.
I’ll bring you a lasagna for tomorrow.
What can I do?
The kindness was overwhelming, and she knew her mouth opened and closed like a fish. People reached out to hug her gently and squeeze her hand. No one seemed to expect an answer.
Which was good because she’d lost the power of speech. Troy kept his arm around her and replied to everyone who needed an answer. None of them asked intrusive questions, and none of them stayed long. Inside two minutes, the entire room had emptied.
Lia laughed. “Welcome to Phail, Piper. If you had any doubts about how well you fit in with our wacky little town, I hope that put your mind at ease. Everyone was worried about you, and they’ll probably drive you nuts trying to help while you recover.”
That made her smile. “They’re amazing. You’re all amazing.”
Lia handed Troy a small bag. “Here are the pain meds. Be sure to take them with food. There’s a printout with instructions on how to care for that concussion. Joe and I are staying in town, so call me anytime.”
Piper knew they had an apartment above Doc’s and split their time between town and Midnight Lake, depending on their work schedules.
“Thank you.”
Lia waved that away. “Oreo is upstairs with Moose. They’re having fun together. Why don’t you leave him with us for tonight?”
She wanted her dog, but she also knew she needed to sleep. Troy squeezed her gently. “It’s only one night. Let him have his sleepover, and we can spoil him tomorrow.”
She nodded and they headed to his car, parked right behind Doc’s. In only minutes, they were inside Troy’s house with the security system set.
Her body slumped with relief. Seeming to sense it, Troy swept her into his arms and set her on kitchen stool before he removed her boots and jacket.
He kissed her softly, then wrapped her in a hug. For a long time, neither spoke and they simply held on to each other. Finally, Troy leaned back and kissed her forehead. “Let’s find you some food so we can get those pain meds into you.”
His phone buzzed with a text, and he smiled. “Don’t move. I’ll be right back.”
She didn’t have the energy to do anything other than wait. She heard Troy disarm the security system and a murmur of low voices. Then the door closed and he rearmed the system.
When he returned, he carried a small covered pot. “My cousin Fiona dropped off some minestrone soup and biscuits for you. Homemade of course.”
Her stomach rumbled, reminding her she hadn’t eaten since the previous day. The soup smelled delicious and when Troy set a bowl in front of her, she dove in. “It tastes even better than it smells.”
Troy sat with another bowl and the biscuits. “Everything Fi makes is fantastic. There’s lots, so eat your fill.”
She was surprised how quickly the soup warmed her up from the inside and helped ease some of the aches in her head and body. “Maybe Fiona should market this as a panacea. It’s taken the worst of it away.”
After she’d eaten her fill and taken the meds, Troy cleared the bowls. “Straight to bed or do you want to shower first?
“I want to wash away the feel of his hands.” A shudder shook her body, and he hugged her again.
“I’ve got you.” He lifted her off the stool, making her smile. “I can walk.” But she didn’t attempt to leave his arms.
“I know. But this scared me down to my bones today, and letting you go is going to be a bit of a challenge for a while.”
“I’m sorry.”
He shook his head as he set her on the edge of the tub. “Nothing to be sorry about. And nothing to worry about or even think about tonight. Let’s simply enjoy hot water and soap.”
When he set her on the edge of the tub, she started to undo the blouse she’d worn for the presentation. She loved the outfit but knew that even if it hadn’t been ripped, she’d never be able to wear it again. “Is there a thrift store in town?”
Troy shook his head. “No, but that’s another good idea. We’ll start a collection soon. We’ll figure it out another day.”
He took over the task of undressing her, and soon they were under the steaming water.
The water seemed to loosen the tears that had been building inside of her. She tried to swallow down the emotion, but a sob choked out of her.
Troy wrapped her in his arms again and held her where the spray wasn’t in her face. “Let it out, honey. Let it out.”
The fear and the relief mixed together with the pain and the exhaustion. Tears poured down her face and sobs wracked her body.
Troy’s voice rumbled in her ear, telling her how proud he was of her, how strong she was, and how much he loved her.
When the tears slowed, he swayed with her in his arms for a long time, continuing with words that soothed her and filled her up.
When the water started to cool, he wrapped her hair in one towel, and then dried them off with another.
He carried her to bed, spooned her with his big, strong body, and held her while she let her mind empty. She’d expected to struggle to sleep, but she was wrapped in safety and love. Feeling grateful, her eyes closed and her mind shut down except for one thought.
She was loved, and she loved in return.
* * *
Troy woke slowly. Sleep hadn’t come easily for him. Holding Piper in his arms had felt like a miracle. For a long time, he’d simply held her and reveled in her steady breathing.
All the ways she’d been hurt cycled through his head on repeat. All the ways it could have been even worse chased those thoughts.
He’d breathed in her scent, held her close, and reminded himself that she was whole and would recover.
And she loved him back.
A definite miracle.
When Piper shifted in his arms, his eyes flew open. He moved his hands gently over her to help her feel safe when she woke.
Her lashes fluttered, and she snuggled into him. He kissed her hair and she sighed. It was a warm and happy sound.
Relieved she wasn’t waking from a nightmare, he kissed her hair again. “Morning.”
Piper shifted so she could see him. “Good morning.”
Her eyes were clear, and he hoped the effects of the concussion wouldn’t be hard for her. “How are you feeling this morning?”
Her smile was soft but immediate. “I’m warm and safe and snuggled up with this sexy guy I’ve fallen in love with. I’m feeling pretty good. How about you?”
Troy grinned. “Feeling good myself. This sexy woman I’ve had my eye on tells me she loves me back. That’s a pretty good deal.”
Piper laughed and leaned up to kiss him. He caught the wince as she moved. He kissed her lightly, then rolled her onto her back and leaned up on his elbow to look down at her. “How are the injuries feeling?”
She grimaced. “I’m stiff everywhere. My head doesn’t hurt as much as last night. Same with my ribs.”
Troy tapped her nose. “How about I run you a bath? I think my mom left some of that foamy stuff in the hallway bathroom. Let me check.”
“That sounds amazing, but I can do it myself.”
He gently touched her stomach to stop her from getting up. “Let me. Please.”
Tears glistened for a second, but she blinked them away. “Okay. Thank you.”
Troy found what he was looking for and started the bath in the master bathroom. He wasn’t sure he’d ever used the tub since he’d renovated. It had been too weird to use his parents’ space as it was. The reno had made it his own. Having Piper be the first one to use the bath was completely right.
When he returned to the bedroom, Piper was sitting on the edge of the bed, head down and hands gripping the mattress. He squatted in front of her and squeezed her hands. “What hurts?”
She grimaced. “I’m okay. Just got a little woozy. I sat up too quickly. I’m fine.”
He took her hands and brought them to his lips. “You’re definitely fine.”
She rolled her eyes with a laugh. “You know what I mean. I’m fine. It’s already passing.”
“How about I help you?”
She grinned. “You can help me by spending some time in that tub with me.”
He laughed. “I think that can be arranged.” He carried her into the bathroom and set her on her feet. Then he ran his hands into her hair and cupped her face. “I love you, Piper. Let me take care of you.”
“Well, when you say it like that. I love you, too. So much.”
He lifted Piper in his arms and stepped into the tub. He lowered them so that she was sitting in front of him. She settled against his chest. “This is perfect.”
For a while, they sat and let the warmth soak into their bones. He hoped it would ease her aches. He ran his hands over her skin, hoping to soothe her. A large bruise ran from her side to her back where the asshole had kicked her. Another bloomed on her cheek where he’d slapped her. Troy kissed her there. “I’m so sorry you got hurt. So sorry I didn’t figure it out quickly enough.”
She shook her head softly. “Not your fault, Troy. If it wasn’t for you, who knows what he would have done to me next time? He threatened to shoot me in the stomach so I’d bleed out slowly. You saved me.”
“I’d do anything for you, Piper. I just wish I hadn’t been so easy on him when I found him.” He took a deep breath to settle himself down and changed the topic to distract her. “Plus it only seems fair, seeing as your ideas are going to save our town.”
As he’d hoped, his words made her laugh. Then, her body tightened. “You okay?”
She nodded. “Mostly, but I want some new memories to kick out the ones from yesterday. Touch me, Troy. Help me feel free and safe and loved.”
He hugged her tightly while he battled back his own emotions. Then he kissed her hair and let his hands drift softly over her skin. Caressing everywhere and trying to eliminate the fear.
“You’re safe, Piper. You’re strong. And beautiful and safe.”
He kept his hands moving and kept talking.
And when she drifted into an orgasm with a happy cry, he’d never heard anything better.