Chapter 27
Reid refused to leave Eve’s side while the medic looked her over in the back of the ambulance. He’d carried her to the parking lot, memorizing the way she felt in his arms. And now he couldn’t wait to pull her close again and never let her go.
Chaos had taken over the once-empty lot. Cruisers with flashing blue and red lights filled spaces. Deputies marched between the crime scene and their vehicles, hanging yellow tape to preserve the scene and collecting evidence.
Madden stood with Deputy Hill, probably replaying the events that had led them to this moment.
Dirt smeared Eve’s face and holes in her clothes broadcast her struggle, but it was the ugly purple marks around her neck that made Reid want to put a fist through a wall. Tyson Brown might not have gotten exactly what he’d planned, but he’d put his hands on Eve, had almost killed her.
And it was all Reid’s fault.
“Can you lift your head a little,” the medic asked. She gently touched a sensitive spot along Eve’s collarbone with her fingers.
Eve winced and tightened her hold on his hand.
“You’re going to be sore for a couple of days, but no serious injuries.
You have a slight concussion and wound on your head.
I’ve cleaned your cuts and scrapes, and I don’t see a reason to take you to the hospital.
Lots of rest the next few days, and I recommend finding someone to talk with about what you just went through.
Trauma takes time to heal. Be good to yourself. ”
“Thank you,” Eve said.
“So she’s free to go?” Reid asked.
“Whenever she’s ready.” The middle-aged woman hopped out of the back of the ambulance and walked across the busy parking lot to speak with Deputy Silver.
Reid shifted on the hard gurney inside the ambulance.
He wanted to whisk Eve away from this place, give her all the time she needed to put this whole nightmare behind her.
He stared down at her dirty face, and guilt stung his heart like a pack of angry bees.
“If I’d lost you, I would have never forgiven myself. I’m so sorry I let this happen.”
“You didn’t let anything happen,” Eve said, her voice hoarse and quiet. “This isn’t your fault.”
He shook his head, unwilling to let her words penetrate the thick cover of blame wrapped around him. “I shouldn’t have taken you to the parade. I should have kept my eyes on you the entire time. If I would have done my job right, he wouldn’t have taken you away from me.”
She flattened her palm on his jawline. “Not today. But he would have kept trying.”
“I’m so sorry.” Regret like he’d never known waged a war inside him.
“Do you remember what you told me the first night Tyson attacked me? You told me I wasn’t allowed to apologize for things that weren’t my fault. He did this, not you. You have nothing to apologize for. You saved me.”
Reid squeezed his eyes shut for a beat and let her absolution rain over him. Blowing out a long, steadying breath, he looked at her. “No, honey. You saved me.”
She quirked up a brow, but he didn’t expound. Now wasn’t the time to focus on anything other than getting her someplace warm and comfortable. “You ready to go home?”
Dropping her hand to her lap, she stared up at him with wide eyes. “I’m ready to leave, but I’m not ready to go back to my house. Not after everything…” Her voice trailed off and tears fell down her face.
He folded her against him, careful not to hurt her. “Honey, we can go anywhere you want. My apartment, the safe house—hell, how about I take you to the beach or a cabin in the mountains? Get away for a few days and recover. Just know that no matter where we go, you’ll be safe. I’ll keep you safe.”
A smile curved up the corner of her mouth. “We?”
Tucking his thumb and index finger under her chin, he stared into her eyes. He’d hidden his feelings for too long, too afraid that his emotions would lead to disaster. And look where that had led him. With the woman he loved in danger and him a wreck, knowing he’d held back.
“Yes, we. If that’s what you want. I want to stand by your side as we battle back to your new normal. As we navigate our future. As we process all our baggage and grow and learn together. Because as uncertain as things are right now, the one thing I know is that I love you, Eve.”
A soft gasp puffed through her perfect lips. “I love you, too, Reid. I thought I’d never get a chance to tell you.”
His heart swelled and he kissed her softly. “So where should we go? Hawaii?” He wiggled his eyebrows and was rewarded with a short laugh.
“Anywhere with you is paradise, but for now, can I stay at your place? At least for a night or two?”
“You can stay as long as you want, as long as you don’t mind an extra houseguest.”
“Tara?”
Grinning, he nodded.
“Perfect. Can we leave now?” she asked, resting her head on his shoulder. “I’m so tired. I want to go home.”
“Absolutely.” He climbed out of the ambulance then helped her down before sweeping her off her feet and into his arms. Home. Such a simple word with so much meaning, and now he understood deep within in his soul that wherever Eve was, that was home.
And he hoped she’d stay there with him forever.
Eve curled next to Reid on the sofa at his apartment and sipped the warm tea he’d made her after breakfast. The lemony liquid soothed her throat, even if swallowing hurt like hell.
She hadn’t slept well. Nightmares had plagued her, pulling her into a kaleidoscope of fear with Tyson Brown as the leading man. Each time she woke, drenched in sweat and afraid of where she’d find herself, Reid was there. Holding her close and soothing her with sweet kisses and gentle words.
“Morning!” Tara called, sneaking her way into the kitchen for a cup of coffee. Once she’d doctored her drink, she joined them in the living room, sitting in the chair across from the sofa. “How you feeling?”
Eve shrugged, words to explain her emotions hard to find. She slipped her hand into Reid’s and grinned up at him, choosing to focus on the positive. “I’m good, with things only looking up from here.”
“You’ve got that right.” He kissed her forehead then snuggled her close. “What about you, Tara?”
She tipped her head from side to side as she sipped her coffee. “Okay. Dad called again last night.”
Reid tensed.
Eve set her mug on the end table then rested her free hand on top of the one already joined with Reid’s. “What did he say? Is he upset you stayed in Cloud Valley?”
Tara blew out a long breath. “He wasn’t happy, but I think it shook some sense into him. Maybe it’s wishful thinking, but he seemed to understand his actions were driving everyone away. At least that’s what he said before telling me he was headed back to rehab.”
“Let’s see how long he lasts this time.” Reid snorted then glanced down at Eve. Something skittered across his face, a peacefulness that resembled acceptance. “But I hope he stays. It’s about time he figures out how to slay his own demons. Just like the rest of us.”
His answer buoyed her spirits. His feelings about his father were complicated and filled with sadness. He might never forgive the man who’d raised him, but letting go of his anger and resentment was a necessary part of healing.
Something she’d have to do in time where her feelings toward Tyson Brown were concerned.
But that’s what time and therapy were for. This morning she was grateful to be in a safe home with the man she loved beside her.
A loud knock at the door tensed her muscles and her heartbeat went into overdrive. “Are we expecting company?”
“No.” Frowning, Reid stood and crossed to the door. He glanced through the peephole and tossed a smile over his shoulder. “Although I think you’ll be happy about these unexpected guests.”
He opened the door, and Suzy flew into the room with Becca behind her.
Suzy’s blond hair was tied back in pigtails, and she carried a small bouquet of wildflowers. She hopped onto the couch, stopping abruptly before launching herself at Eve. “I brought flowers.”
Eve’s breath caught as she stared at the sweet offering. The scent permeated her senses, making her dizzy and threating to suck her back in time. Back to a place filled with fear and dread.
Suzy gently rose to her knees and leaned forward to press a slobbery kiss to Eve’s cheek. “I lub you.”
Joy and love washed through her, erasing the ugliness clinging to her brain.
Tyson Brown might have tried to steal the things in her life that brought her so much joy, but he’d failed.
She didn’t have to avoid places and things because a monster had weaponized them against her.
She just had to remember it was the meaning behind the gesture—the gift—that was important.
“I love you, too, honey bunny. Give me a hug.”
“Mama said be careful.” Suzy’s lip pouted out. “You got hurt.”
Eve pulled Suzy onto her lap and held her close. She breathed in the smell of baby shampoo and sugar. Having the little girl she loved so close was worth every ache and pain. “I did, but I’m okay. And no matter what, your hugs and kisses always make me feel better.”
“And flowers?” Suzy asked, wide eyes latching onto hers.
Eve smiled. “Yes. And flowers.”
“We won’t stay long.” Becca rounded the side of the couch. She hooked an arm around Eve’s shoulders. “We just wanted to say hello and see for ourselves that you’re all right. Suzy insisted on bringing you some magic.”
Eve booped the girl on the tip of her nose. “She knows exactly how to make my day better. You all do.”
Becca sucked in a shuddering breath, tears brimming over her lashes. “We’re so glad you’re safe and sound. But we have pastries waiting for us.”
“I don’t want to leave,” Suzy said, clinging to Eve.
“Remember what I said. Quick visit today so Eve can rest.” Becca’s voice was sweet as sin, but Eve could detect the underlying message, warning Suzy to listen.
Tara jumped to her feet. “Can I go with you, Suzy? I’m so hungry and I’d love something chocolate! Do you like chocolate?”
“Yeah!” Suzy hopped off the couch and ran to grab Tara’s hand. “It’s so yummy.”
Becca gave her another gentle squeeze and glanced at Reid. “Take good care of her.”
“Always.”
As she watched her makeshift family walk out the door, Reid reclaimed his spot next to her. He pointed at the flowers. “Do you want me to throw these away?”
“No. They were given with love by a person who means the world to me. They’re beautiful.”
“Just like you.” He slid his arm around her and pulled her close. “Have I told you yet today that I love you?”
He had, but she couldn’t wait to hear it again. “No, I don’t think so.”
“My apologies. I love you, Eve Tilly. And I’ll tell you every single day.”
“I love you, too.” Melting against him, she listened to the soothing sound of his heart beating against her ear. Relished the protectiveness of his arms. And enjoyed the tingles of happiness he brought to life inside her.
Despite the hardships, life was good. And she couldn’t wait to do that life with Reid.