“You can, because I’m offering.”
She swallowed, but Cody could already see he wasn’t going to get his way on this one. “I appreciate the offer, but I’d rather stay at the cabin. Ali’s close, I have your number if I need you, and I’ll keep the doors locked.”
He ground his back teeth together. “Fine. But I’m at least driving you home.”
“But how will I get to work tomorrow?” she asked.
“You won’t.”
She gave him a look. “Cody, you need more than just Barry.”
“I’ll be fine.” He had to be, because there was no way this woman was working tomorrow after her attack tonight. She needed rest. Harper looked like she wanted to argue, but he shook his head. “It’s not a fight you’ll win, Harper. Come on, I need to get you home.”
He slid an arm around her waist and helped her off the desk. He met his brother’s gaze before stepping out, silent communication passing between them that Eastern would make this a priority.
And his brother knew the bar well. He’d close up.
Cody’s knuckles were white against the steering wheel as he drove to the cabin. The trip was quick and silent. When he reached her place, he was out of the car and around to her side within seconds, sliding an arm around her waist as he helped her inside. He scanned the area. It seemed quiet, but there were so many damn places someone could hide. Fuck, he hated that.
The cabin was small but comfortable, with touches of warmth in the form of throws and rugs, and a fire that was already blazing, which he now knew was Ali’s doing.
Harper lowered to the edge of the bed.
“Are you okay?” he asked quietly.
“In a twisted way, it’s kind of funny.” She ran her hands over her face, her actions contradicting her words.
“What is?”
“I leave one bad situation, only to fall smack-dab into another. I told Barry, hope is dangerous. You start wondering if this is it. This is the peace you were hoping for. Your happy place. Andboom—the world shows you differently.”
He crouched in front of her and gently pulled her hand from her face. “Hey. Look at me, Storm.”
She did. She raised her eyes, eyes that held far more sadness than they should. “Hope is never bad. In fact, I would argue thatit’s as vital to us as the air we breathe. And when things don’t pan out, that hope just twists and changes into something new.”
Her brows flickered. “You’re not like anyone I’ve ever met, Cody.”
“I have a feeling that’s a good thing.”
“You have no idea.” The whispered words barely reached his ears. Slowly, her head lowered, and she touched her lips to his. The kiss was soft. Gentle. A short graze of her mouth. Yet, he felt it like she’d devoured him. Changed him.
He nibbled her bottom lip, and when her mouth opened, he slipped his tongue inside, tasting her.
Damn, she was sweet. And her quiet moan was like a melody for his ears alone.
When they separated, he touched his forehead to hers. “I don’t want to leave you.”
“I’ll be okay.”
“But will I?”
Her expression softened. “Thank you for tonight. And for every night before this one since we met.”
“I’m starting to realize…I’d do anything for you.”
CHAPTER 9
Cody pushed into the Misty Peak Sheriff’s Office and headed straight for Eastern. His brother was sitting behind his desk, a deep frown set into his brow. That wasn’t unusual. His brother had been a Navy SEAL and took everything seriously, especially the safety of others.
