“She does.” Ralph releases my arm. “Give them ten minutes. Then you can go play hero.”
I pace the hallway, checking my phone every thirty seconds even though I know she probably hasn’t looked at hers yet. Other players filter past, offering congratulations, slapping my shoulder.
“Your girl’s got balls,” Tank says.
“Don’t I know it.”
Finally, after what feels like an eternity, Mark’s office door opens. Olivia steps out, and the smile on her face nearly brings me to my knees.
She sees me, and her smile widens. “Hi.”
“Hi.” I close the distance between us. “You were incredible.”
“I was terrified.”
“Didn’t show.” I cup her face, searching her eyes. “How do you feel?”
“Like I can breathe again.” She laughs. “Mark took me off administrative leave. Said I can come back to work tomorrow if I want. And he apologized. Actually apologized for not trusting me.”
“Good. He should have.”
“Carter—” She stops as staff members approach, offering congratulations and support. She accepts graciously, thanking everyone, but I can see the exhaustion starting to creep in.
I take her hand. “Let’s get you out of here.”
“I should probably—”
“No. You should probably come with me.” I guide her toward the exit. “You’ve done enough for today.”
We make it to the parking garage before the press can intercept us. Once we’re in my truck, Olivia sags against the seat, all the adrenaline seeming to drain out at once.
“I can’t believe that’s over,” she whispers.
“It’s not quite over. There’s still going to be follow-up. More press. Questions about us.” I start the engine. “But the hard part? The part where people thought you were some manipulative monster? That’s done. You ended it.”
“We ended it. Carol ended it.”
“You ended it,” I repeat firmly. “By standing up there and refusing to let them make you small. By defending yourself and us without apologizing for who you are.” I reach over, lacing myfingers through hers. “I’ve never been more proud of anyone in my life.”
Tears well in her eyes. “Don’t make me cry. I’m wearing mascara.”
“Waterproof?”
“Not that waterproof.”
I bring her hand to my lips, kissing her knuckles. “Where do you want to go? Your place? Mine?”
“Yours. I don’t want to be alone right now.”
“You won’t be. I’m not letting you out of my sight for at least the next twenty-four hours.”
She laughs, wiping her eyes. “Only twenty-four?”
“Let’s start there and see how it goes.
The drive to my house is quiet. Olivia stares out the window, processing everything that happened. I let her have the silence, just keeping my hand on her thigh, a constant reminder I’m here.
When we pull through my gates, she finally speaks. “What happens now?”
