Chapter 40
Rowan Rafferty goes back to the scene of the crime
Eight weeks later
I perched precariously on the uncomfortable bar stool, its cracked vinyl poking through my pants.
The overhead light flickered occasionally, casting shadows around the room that seemed to dance with the low hum of conversation.
I clutched the edge of the bar, hoping I didn’t fall to the floor like the unfortunate patron who plummeted to the ground about twenty minutes ago.
He had landed in a heap, his glass shattering on impact, and the acrid scent of cheap alcohol mingled with the stale air of The Squad Room.
Dixon, the owner, a burly man with a military-precise flattop and an ever-watchful eye, had stepped in swiftly, snatching the man’s keys and calling him a cab with a mix of exasperation and casual authority.
“Damn firefighters,” Dixon grumbled. “Can’t hold their liquor.”
As the clock ticked closer to five, I shredded napkin after napkin, creating quite a pile on the polished wooden bar surface.
Dixon wiped down the bar next to me and picked up my shreds. “Nervous about something, kid?”
I glanced up at the man in the salt-and-pepper flat top. His T-shirt said, "Not slim. Kinda shady."
“The fate of the rest of my life,” I answered.
Dixon nodded. “Oh. Then, nothing serious.”
I laughed, and that eased some of the tension in my muscles. “Exactly.”
My phone buzzed.
Father
Good luck today. I have a good feeling about you two.
I smiled. The last eight weeks have been interesting. Not only was he helping me on a special project, but we also got to know each other again. Hearing Kendra talk about how the accident must have been difficult for my father and me made me rethink my anger toward him.
My father, who wasn’t the most emotional man, broke down when I mentioned the accident last week. It was a long-overdue conversation that felt like a thousand-pound weight was lifted off my shoulders.
Kendra was right.
And I missed her.
A heavy squeal of hinges announced someone’s arrival at The Squad Room.
Dixon glanced over my shoulder to see who had come in.
It was her. Even before I turned around, an electric thrill surged through me, sending my heartbeat racing.
I could feel the world around me fade, consumed by the anticipation of seeing her again.
I gripped the bar's edge tightly, drawing a steadying breath as I turned around slowly.
There she stood, even more breathtaking than I remembered.
Her hair cascaded in soft waves, forming a halo around her face, catching the light in a way that made it shimmer.
Her skin bore a warm, golden hue, a sun-kissed glow that radiated warmth.
Her blue eyes sparkled with an energy that made my heart leap.
They locked onto mine, and in that instant, the noise and chatter of the room dissolved into a distant murmur.
When she saw me, her lips curved into a smile that felt like the sun breaking through storm clouds. She ran toward me, and I felt an overwhelming rush of emotions—relief, joy, and a hint of fear. Would this moment be as perfect as I had imagined?
I braced myself, throwing open my arms wide to welcome her. Yet, as she slowed at the last second, I felt disappointment and gratitude. Thank goodness she didn’t send me tumbling backward.
“Kendra.” Her name slipped from my lips, barely above a whisper, heavy with longing.
In that single word, all of the time we had spent apart—the ache of distance, the memories tinged with sweetness and longing, and the too-short moments spent on the phone—disappeared.
Nothing mattered now that she was back in my arms.
Kendra wrapped her arms around my waist and pressed her curvy body to mine. She felt more muscular than before, but I didn’t care. My woman was back in my arms, and I wouldn’t question it.
Time stood still. Noise faded away. And all that mattered was me and her.
A tap on my shoulder brought me out of my reunion fog.
“Yeah. If you two lovebirds are going to do it, maybe go somewhere private,” Dixon suggested. Then, glared at me he said, “And don’t even think about the new outdoor shower.”
My face heated, and Kendra blushed furiously.
“Don’t worry, Dix,” Kendra said. “I have a promise to keep for my man.”
The pounding of my heart drowned out whatever Dixon said in response. And when Kendra tugged me toward the exit, I followed like the lovesick arsehole I was.