“Are you okay?” he asked.
“Better after the doctor got me some water and painkillers. Now I’m just hungry. I haven’t eaten since breakfast.”
Since breakfast? Fuck, he was going to kick his own ass for not coming here with her. “Come on. Let’s get you home and fed before I murder someone.” It wasn’t even a joke.
On the way to her house, they grabbed pizza. He wanted to talk to her on the drive. Ask her how she was feeling. So many emotions flickered across her face. Was she scared after today’sincident? Was she angry at the way she’d been treated? Sad? Frustrated? Or was it a medley of everything?
He barely stopped himself from asking because he knew she needed rest.
When they pulled up at her place, he carried the pizza inside. Even while they ate, the conversation was minimal. Mostly about little, insignificant things, like the week ahead. Kayden spoke about the work he’d done on the mountain, of clearing the walking trails, and Tilly filled him in on the skywalk progress.
After they were finished eating, Kayden wanted to stay. To look after her, make sure she was okay. But once the table was clear, Tilly looked longingly toward her bedroom. “Thank you for everything today, Kayden. I feel like I’m a broken record, thanking you all the time.”
“I could stay a bit longer if you need?” Hell, he’d stay all night if she asked.
“I’m actually really tired. I might just shower and go to bed.”
“Are you sure?” The last thing he wanted to do was leave her alone.
“Yeah, I’m not in pain or anything anymore, but I need to wash this day away.” Before he could respond, she leaned in and kissed his cheek. “Thank you for being you.”
She started to turn, but before she could walk away, he wrapped his fingers around her wrist and tugged her back to him.
One hand went to her hip and the other to her cheek, as he said quietly, “Call if you need anything, Tilly.Anything.”
Her gaze flickered between his eyes, maybe searching for something? Maybe studying him. Finally, she nodded. “Okay.”
Then, because he couldn’t stop himself, he lowered his head and touched his mouth to hers. The kiss was merely a graze—lips against lips. But it was also everything he needed before he could leave her. “Promise?”
“I promise,” she whispered.
“Good.” One more kiss, and he finally released her and headed out. Just as he slid behind the wheel of his truck, a text came through on his phone.
Cody: Eastern came in, said there was an incident at the visitors center. Everything okay?
Kayden: No, not even close. Some asshole was in Tilly’s office but we don’t know who it was or what they wanted. To make the day even fucking worse, she went to the hospital and the women at the desk wouldn’t let her be seen.
Cody: Shit. I don’t know what to say, other than I’m sorry. Anything I can do?
Kayden: Not right now. But thanks for checking in. Watch your back. I have a feeling this is the same person who stabbed Macy and shot Jake.
Cody: Will do. You watch your back too.
Kayden: Always.
He shoved his phone into his pocket, but instead of driving away, he looked up at the house, wishing like hell things were different. That she’d let him stay. That she’d lean on him.
Maybe he wasn’t the only one with trust issues.
CHAPTER 16
Tilly was exhausted. Not just from the long wait at the hospital or the head wound that had come before that. Exhausted from this town and their treatment of her. Exhausted from always being on guard and being treated as an unwelcome guest.
She turned her head up toward the water and let it fall over her face and chest, mindful of her bandage. Today had been something else. And not something good. First the person in her office, then the mess that was her hospital visit. Never when she’d considered coming back here had she thought it might be this bad. Sure, a bad month or two, some hostile looks here and there, but the denial of medical care?
A mix of anger and frustration and exhaustion coursed throughout her limbs. It was never-ending.
She turned the water off and grabbed her towel. In the bedroom, she pulled on an oversized tee and some fresh panties before stepping into the living area—only to jump when a knock sounded at the door.
