Thirty-One | Jo
Thirty-One
Jo
Last night had been rough trying to sleep with the pain in my shoulder, but being curled up in Dom’s arms made everything better—even if I was still in pain. I woke up the next morning to an empty bed as voices floated softly under the door.
Axel and Dr. Foster had stayed the night since they were stranded with us for a few days until they could get back down the mountain. Thankfully, there were two guestrooms, so they both had a comfortable place to sleep, though I felt guilty taking the master bedroom since it was Dr. Foster’s cabin.
I took my time showering and getting ready before going out to join the others in the kitchen, where Dom was making breakfast. I smiled at him and ran my hand across his stomach as I hugged him from behind before making myself a cup of coffee.
Axel was on the phone while Dr. Foster had her laptop out, her brows furrowed as she concentrated.
“That’s great news,” Axel said with a huge grin before hanging up the phone.
I arched an eyebrow at him in question as I poured creamer into my cup and stirred it.
“I just got off the phone with Keith, and he was able to confirm that Al had purchased a cabin a few miles south of this one shortly before Eugene Foster passed away. I think Dr. Foster is right that Al shot Jo last night, thinking that it was her instead.”
“So that means we’re still technically safe to stay in the cabin?” I asked as I lifted the mug to my lips and took a sip.
“I don’t see why not,” Axel confirmed. “We were very alert on the drive up last night and made sure no one followed us.”
“Great,” I replied, feeling a wave of relief wash over me.
I was exhausted in a way I had never felt before. Not just tired from not sleeping well last night, but tired in a way that my entire body felt like it was giving up on me. I wanted to just sit still for a while and rest.
“How about some breakfast?” Dom asked as he walked up behind me and snaked a hand around my waist.
“That sounds wonderful, thank you.” I smiled up at him as he placed a gentle kiss on the tip of my nose.
I sat down at the table and felt like a pampered princess as he served me a plate filled with all of my favorite foods, along with a glass of orange juice. I tried to stay focused on the conversation as everyone spoke, but I was so tired I couldn't pay attention.
After breakfast, I curled up on the couch and snuggled into a blanket while Dr. Foster showed the guys her father’s knife collection in the guest bedroom. I didn’t bother fighting it as I drifted asleep, comforted by the bright light that welcomed me.