“You’re sleeping with me in my room.” He let go of her hand long enough to pull the covers down. He set her on the edge. “I’ll be back.”
A minute later, he carried in a water bowl, placing it in the bathroom along with Ice’s bed. The dog seemed to know Ty had everything under control and returned to his slumber.
Ty pulled her up, took off all her clothes except her panties, and tugged one of his T-shirts over her head. Plugging in the charger for his phone, he went to his side.
Scarlett felt him slide into the bed, his arm wrapped around her, and he pulled her close. His hand stroked her hair. “Let your mind relax, Sparky. You’ve experienced one damn long day. It’s time to let your body rest.”
She turned to face him. His fingers continued to stroke along her face, relaxing her.
“Remember when you asked me what I missed? I detest the fact I can’t protect myself. Ice alerted me to someone in the cabin. I didn’t lock the door. When will I learn? I’ll never be safe again. I didn’t see his gun. Why did he try strangling me instead of shooting?”
“You won’t know all the answers to your questions. Jeremy has lost his mind. The team will find him, and he’ll pay for what he’s done. Tomorrow, my mother will join us for brunch, and then you and I will catch up on the things you’ve missed.”
Scarlett buried her head into his shoulder. “I forgot aboutyour mom. I’ll have to take a rain check. I’m returning to the hospital.”
“Leo doesn’t want you there. Anyone can follow you back here. I know you’ll worry about your friend, but we’ll figure something out. Tonight, I’m taking care of you,” he said firmly. “Close those beautiful, blue-green eyes and let your guard down. I’m on watch tonight.”
His words and light touches lulled her to sleep. She prayed Sledge made it. He survived four tours, and it didn’t seem right for him to die when he barely knew his precious little girl. Rocker most likely booked his flight as soon as Ty hung up on him. Surprised by his protective nature, Scarlett snuggled closer, letting his body heat warm her. He already stoked something inside her, and she only hoped she figured it out before Jeremy doused the flame.
CHAPTER 28
The next morning,Scarlett stretched and yawned as Ty brought her a cup of coffee.
“Oh, it smells amazing. What did you do? Did you fly the beans in from Colombia?” she asked, sitting up.
Ty waited until she firmly grasped the handle before sitting beside her. “Kassie called at 0400. Sledge made it out of surgery, and his wife landed an hour ago. His vitals appear stable at the moment.”
“Why didn’t you wake me?” she cried, her hand searched for a place to set her cup down.
Ty stopped her. “I tried waking you twice. The drugs did their job. Sledge woke and gave his statement to the cops. They’re going with Leo and Saint to arrest Jeremy.”
Scarlett ran her hand through her hair. “Thank goodness. Since they plan to arrest him, I can visit Sledge,” she said hopefully.
“Leo called this morning and wants you to stay put until they have him in custody. He doesn’t sound convinced Jeremy will go easily. He said if you gave me any shit, he’ll sicRagu and one of his new men on your ass. He’ll know every time you fart.”
Scarlett scowled and sipped the hot beverage. “What am I supposed to do cooped up in a house all day?” she grumbled.
“I can think of a few enjoyable things we can do,” he suggested, his voice dropping low. “My mother will arrive in an hour. Drink your coffee, and I'll put your bag in my bathroom with your clothes. How’s the pain?” he asked, gently prodding her neck.
“It’s bearable. I’m sure I feel better than Sledge,” she said, wincing.
“I’ll get you two acetaminophens. Follow the wall on your right to my bathroom. I placed towels on the right side of the shower for you. I placed your soap, shampoo, and conditioner on the left in the order you listed. You’ll find your arm sleeves on the left side of the sink. When you’re dressed, I’ll be in the kitchen,” he instructed.
“Thank you,” she said, taking her last sip of caffeine. “I need to take Ice outside first.”
Ty took her mug. “He’s already taken his morning break and eaten his breakfast. He’s waiting at the end of the bed for you.”
“Oh, thank you,” she said, removing the covers and standing. Ty kissed her forehead before leaving her to her own devices.
He entered the kitchen and chopped the spinach, green onions, ham, and shredded the cheese. Ty listened for Scarlett, wanting to give her time to do everything on her own. Turning the oven on to preheat, he beat the eggs and added the ham and onion to the crust, then placed the quiche in the oven.
The second oven beeped, and he took out the lemon cake. He sliced the fresh tomatoes and mozzarella and thenwashed the basil. Ty made the caprese salad, seasoned it with salt and olive oil, and drizzled it with a balsamic glaze.
Moving to the fridge, he placed three small, marinated steaks on the counter. Ty boiled potatoes and diced the meat into squares. His mom loved his beef tips with gravy, and he wanted to make enough food to send home with her.
“Your house smells incredible. What did you make?” Scarlett asked, using her cane and Ice to find her way to the kitchen.
“I made quiche, a caprese salad, and beef tips with gravy over mashed potatoes. For dessert, I made a lemon cake and a chocolate lava cake.”
