9. Chloe
9
CHLOE
The next few hours blur together. A couple of deputies from the Crave County Sheriff’s Office arrive at Trace’s cabin, along with the EMS. They remove the intruder’s ski mask to reveal a scruffy man in his thirties with a bloodied face and a broken nose. He used a lock-picking device to break in—they find it sticking out of his pocket and collect it as evidence, along with all his kidnapping gear. After he’s whisked away in an ambulance, Rocky noticeably relaxes, sniffing curiously at the deputies as they take our statements. Trace explains the situation, and they assure us they’ll liaise with the cops in Arizona to further the case against Will Mercer.
When the deputies are finally gone, Trace calls my dad. It’s a brief conversation—Dad says he’s on his way and ends the call without another word. Then Trace and I collapse on the couch together, holding each other close as the sky outside slowly starts to lighten. It’s been a crazy night, and I know the danger hasn’t passed yet. Will Mercer is still out there. But maybe, now that another one of his followers is in custody, the cops will be a step closer to putting him behind bars. All I know is that I feel safe with Trace by my side, despite the danger. He protected me just like he promised, and I trust him with my life.
“You were amazing,” Trace says as Rocky pads toward us. “Should have seen what he did, Chloe. He got right up on his back paws and jumped on the guy. Knocked him straight down to the ground.”
“Wow! You’re kidding?”
“Nope.” Trace smiles affectionately down at his dog. “He saved the day.”
“Aw, Rocky! My hero.” I kneel on the floor and throw my arms around the dog, showering him with affection until his tail wags wildly. As Trace reaches out a hand to stroke him, I notice his knuckles are still red and swollen from punching the intruder. I grab an ice pack from the kitchen, and when I sit back on the couch, Trace is watching me, his brow furrowed like he’s deep in thought.
“What is it?” I ask, taking his hand in mine and holding the ice pack against it.
“Your dad’s coming.”
“I know.” My heart flutters nervously. I have a feeling I know where this conversation is going.
“We’ll have to tell him the truth,” Trace says. “I can’t hide my feelings for you, Chloe, especially not after tonight.” He shakes his head, looking pained. “Anything could have happened. I could have lost you.”
“But you didn’t,” I tell him. “I’m safe, thanks to you and Rocky.”
The thought of telling my dad the truth makes my tummy twist with nerves. I don’t know how he’ll react, and I’m scared he’ll feel like I’ve betrayed him. It sure feels like I have. But I know Trace is right: it’s time to come clean and tell the truth. I was almost kidnapped tonight, and somehow, that helps put everything into perspective. No matter how mad my dad is about Trace and me, I know his relief that I’m safe will overshadow his anger toward us. Sure, he can be grumpy, overprotective, a little secretive maybe, but he’s an amazing dad, and I’ve never doubted his love for me.
“You’re right,” I say with a deep exhale. “We have to tell the truth.”
Trace leans over to kiss my forehead, then my nose, finally settling on my lips. The familiar scratch of his beard makes me smile against his mouth, but when I pull back, I can’t help noticing how bloodshot Trace’s eyes look, red and glazed with exhaustion.
“When was the last time you slept?” I ask him.
“Good question. I can’t remember.” He rubs his eyes. “I’ve been keeping watch at night, just in case. Turns out it was the right thing to do.”
“Oh, Trace.” My heart swells with affection for him. “I appreciate it. Thank you. But my dad won’t be here for another ten hours at least. Why don’t you get some sleep?”
He’s obviously worn out, but his expression remains stubborn. “I’m not going to risk it. How do we know Mercer didn’t send another guy when the first one didn’t report back to him?” He shakes his head. “It’s not worth it, princess. I’ll sleep when you’re safe and not a second before.”
I snuggle up to him, wondering what I did to deserve the sexiest, most protective man in the world. “Well, if we’re not going to sleep, how about I get us both a slice of cherry pie?”
Trace smiles. “Sounds perfect.”
It’s late afternoon by the time my dad arrives. I hear his truck and immediately barrel out of the cabin. When he gets out, I throw my arms around him, and he hugs me back tight. It’s only been a few days, but it feels like longer. So much has happened. So much has changed since he dropped me off at Trace’s cabin that night.
“Are you okay?” Dad asks, checking me over with concern in his eyes. “Did that bastard hurt you?”
“I’m fine, Dad. Trace got to him first.”
He nods, then his face crumples. “I’m so sorry, Coco. When I called Trace, I never imagined they would manage to trace his phone.”
“It’s not your fault, Dad. There’s nobody to blame except Will Mercer and his friends.” I smile at him. “You did the right thing by sending me here. You were right to trust Trace.”
He nods, patting my shoulder. “I need to go and thank him. I owe him big time.” He looks at me for a moment longer, scrutinizing me as if expecting to find hidden wounds or injuries, before finally heading into the cabin where Trace and Rocky are waiting. He makes a beeline for Trace and pulls him into a hug, slapping him hard on the back.
“Thank you for protecting my daughter.” He pulls back to look at his old friend. “I owe you more than I can say.”
Trace nods, his eyes flickering to me. “Anytime, Roman. She’s worth it.”
My dad nods, reaching down to pet Rocky, who is begging for his attention. While he’s distracted, Trace joins me, murmuring in my ear, “Ready, beautiful?”
My throat constricts, anxiety squeezing me tight, but I force myself to whisper back, “As I’ll ever be. But let me tell him. He should hear it from me.”
Trace frowns, silently asking if I’m sure. I nod.
“I can’t stay long,” Dad says, straightening up. “Need to head over to the Crave County Sheriff’s Office and see how we can work together on this. But I had to see you first, Coco.”
My mouth is as dry as the Sonoran Desert, but both these men have done courageous things to keep me safe. It’s about time I showed a little bravery myself.
“Dad, I have something to tell you,” I say.
Immediately, his face darkens with concern. “What is it? Is everything okay?”
“Yes, everything’s fine. Great, actually.” I press my lips together, my eyes flitting from Trace to my dad. They’re both watching me expectantly. “It’s about…me and Trace.”
“You and Trace?” Dad frowns, his confusion evident.
I swallow hard, my chest pounding. Once I say it, there’s no going back…but I don’t want to go back to life without Trace. He’s everything to me. Everything.
“Dad, I want to be with him.” I inhale deeply, meeting my father’s gaze. “I want to be with Trace. These past few days with him have been so special, and I…well, I’m in love with him.”
Beside me, Trace makes a noise deep in his throat, and I can’t tell if it’s surprise, delight, or both. But I keep my eyes on my dad. He doesn’t say anything for a while. His eyebrows are so high they’re almost disappearing into his hairline.
“And these…” he begins, gesturing between us, “these feelings…are they mutual?”
Trace answers immediately. “Yes. They are.” I feel his large hand rest against my shoulder. “I love her, Roman. More than anything.”
I can’t help it. I have to look at him. His brown eyes are twinkling at me, and all I want to do is throw my arms around his neck and kiss him until I’m dizzy. But Dad is still looking at us, blinking slowly.
“Well, shit.” He shakes his head. “I wasn’t expecting this.”
It’s painful to see the bewilderment on his face, and I take a step toward him. “I’m sorry, Dad. I know Trace is your friend, and I never wanted you to feel betrayed. But I can’t help how I feel about him.”
Dad takes a step backward and sits down in an overstuffed armchair, running a hand over his face. “I don’t feel betrayed. Shocked, yes. But not betrayed. When I left you here, I never thought…” He tails off with a sigh.
“Neither did we,” I say, perching on the arm of his chair. “Are you mad at me, Dad?”
“No, kiddo.” He reaches out to absent-mindedly pat my arm. “But I can’t pretend I’m crazy about the idea.” He looks at Trace. “The age gap, for a start.”
Trace nods. “I know. Your daughter is way too good for me, Roman. But I love her with all my heart, and I’ll treat her like a goddamn queen.”
Dad holds his gaze for a long time. “I believe you. I know you’ll treat her right.” He sighs deeply, throwing his hands up in defeat. “Guess that’s all a father can hope for when his daughter falls in love.”
My heart soars, tears pricking behind my eyes as I hug my dad. “Thank you for not being mad. I love you, Dad.”
“I love you too, Coco. I’m just glad you’re okay.” He rubs my back before pushing himself out of the armchair, looking between us. “I need to go. The sheriff was expecting me ten minutes ago. Take care of yourself, okay? I’ll be back in a couple of days, and we can talk more then.”
I nod, smiling at him. “Okay. See you soon.”
He kisses the top of my head, then heads for Trace, who holds out a hand. Dad shakes it.
“Keep her safe,” he says.
“I will.”
Dad nods, the hint of a smile on his lips. “I know you will.”
Then he heads out of the front door, looking back to wave at me before he gets in his truck and drives away through the trees. As soon as he’s gone, I throw myself into Trace’s arms, giggling as he picks me up and swings me around. Rocky barks with delight, circling us as we laugh and kiss, pure sunshine radiating from both of us. It feels like an immense weight has been lifted, leaving my heart to soar free. My dad reacted better than I ever could have hoped, and now there’s nothing to stop me from being with the man of my dreams.
The man I love.
The man who loves me.
“Fuck, you’re so beautiful when you’re happy,” Trace says, grinning beneath his beard. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too, Trace.”
He sets me down, his face turning serious. “I’ve been thinking, Chloe. I want to move to Phoenix with you.”
“You do?” Surprise jolts through me. Trace is the last person I can imagine living in a city. He’s like a part of the forest, just as at home here as any of the trees.
“I want to be wherever you are, princess. That’s all that matters.”
I raise my hand to his face. “Trace, I don’t want you to move to Phoenix. I want us to live here in Cherry Hollow.”
It’s Trace’s turn to look surprised. “Really?”
“I love it here. It’s so beautiful, so magical. I want to stay forever.”
“Fuck.” He shakes his head. “I’d love that more than anything, but I don’t want you to have to choose between me and your dad.”
I nod, biting my lip. “It won’t be easy living so far away from him. But we can visit each other, and call and text.” A flicker of hope sparks inside me as I add, “Who knows? Maybe one day, he’ll move out here too. I think it would suit him.”
Trace’s face is glowing, and he looks more handsome than ever as he kisses me hard, his hands tangling in my hair. It’s a kiss full of love and passion, a kiss that leaves me light-headed when he pulls away.
“I love you, Chloe,” he says hoarsely, his words like a promise.
“I love you too, Trace.”
And when he kisses me again, his eyes burning with emotion, I know this man will always be my home.