Claudia bumped her side. “I heard you were pretty badass in there.”
Aspen scoffed. “I threw coffee in her face—it was hardly a great act of bravery.”
“You gave Luke a chance to grab her, and no one got shot. You were smart.”
“Really, it was Mrs. Gerald’s coffee that saved the day.”
Claudia chuckled. “Yeah, well, she’s been saving my mornings most days lately too, so that doesn’t surprise me.” The smile slipped. “You’re okay?”
“I’m safe, and so is Jesse. So yeah, I’m okay. Are you?”
“We lost a deputy and now Bea. It will take a while for everyone here at the station to recover. But we will.”
“I’m sorry.”
Claudia dipped her head. “Thanks.”
Aspen looked over at Jesse and, as if he could feel her gaze on him, his dark eyes collided with hers.
All it took was one look, and any anxiety or fear just…vanished.
When he started back toward her, her skin began to tingle. He was so big and fierce, she couldn’tnotfeel safe around him.
He slipped an arm around her waist before looking at Claudia. “Thanks.”
“Need anything else?”
“Not right now. I just want to get Aspen home to rest.”
“Call if you need anything.”
The second Claudia was gone, Aspen stepped in front of Jesse and splayed her hands over his chest. “How’s Luke?”
“Not good. He thinks this is his fault because of his history with Bea and Margot.”
“It’s not.”
“That’s what I told him.” His brown gaze bore into her as his strong arms wove around her waist. “Are you ready to go home?”
“I’m dreaming about being in bed with you.”
His eyes darkened. “Let’s go.”
He went to step toward the car, but she grabbed his arm, stopping him. “Wait.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m sorry.”
He frowned. “For what?”
“You trusted Bea, and that trust was broken. I’m sorry she did that to you.”
Pain flashed through his eyes. “You’re safe. That’s what I’m focusing on. Thank you for fighting in there, just like you fought Dylan.”
“I’ll always fight to return to you.”
Emotion flickered in his eyes. “I love you.”
