He navigated off the feeder highway onto the major expressway, cutting quickly across traffic to get to the exit he wanted. At least he had his car at the airport. When this whole thing was over, he was just a flight away from regaining his freedom.
Gunning the engine to overtake another car that was taking its sweet-ass time merging, he got them into the exit for the airport and followed the signs to the terminal they wanted.
“Nearly there,” he said quietly, in case she was actually resting.
“Pretty sure your maniac driving gave that away,” she said under her breath.
Definitely not resting.
Once he’d found a spot close to the exit stairwell in long-term parking, he gave her his full attention. “Want to go over any of it again?”
She shook her head. “I’m good.”
She wasn’t good. She was pale and the muscles around her mouth and eyes were suddenly tense. But she was also strong, and he wouldn’t undermine that by questioning her. “Hey.” He reached across and set his hand on her shoulder. “You’re not doing this alone.”
“I should, though. I should be able to.”
“Says who?”
She shrugged, and in that moment, she looked so small, and yet still so fierce, he wanted her to see what he saw.
He reached past her and flipped down the sunshade on her side. He pointed at the small mirror there. “Look at her.”
She smirked. “Dang, she looks tired.”
No, she looked beautiful, but that was beside the point. “What else do you see?”
“I don’t know.”
“I see a survivor. A star. Someone who works hard and keeps going, no matter what.”
“I ran away.”
“Hardly. Did you miss any shows?”
Worry rippled across her face. “I might have.”
“You know what I think? You went to Hope because you knew she’d let you lie low, and then she’d pick you up and kick your ass back onto the road.”
She laughed and turned toward him. “Is that what you think?”
“Am I wrong?” He held her gaze, not wanting her to duck again.
Her eyes got wide, but she didn’t look away. A flicker of something started, way deep, then it got stronger.
“There you go,” he murmured. “Look at you, tough girl.”
“Thank you.”
“Any time.”
— —
The flight wasover too quickly, and they found a driver waiting for them at Dulles Airport. Dean gave the guy a friendly nod, handing over their bags, but he opened her door himself, keeping her blocked from possible onlookers as she buckled up. Only when the driver was ready to go did Dean hurry around to the other side and slide in beside her.
They didn’t talk at all on the way to the hotel.
She texted Jackie.We’ve landed. Heading to the hotel. Where are you guys?
