Willow exhaled a breath, wanting to hug him.He had been incredible with her tonight, calm and decisive and helpful.She felt safe with him here.“Thank you.I was going to ask you.”
His caring smile made her insides flip.“No need.I got you.”
Warmth curled inside her, and a little pang twinged in her chest.It wasn’t just the chemistry between them.She cared about him.Always had.But now her feelings were growing into something much bigger.Deeper.It scared her a little how into him she was already.
“All right then, I’m gonna go home and put some ointment on this.But if you change your mind, let me know.”Mae hugged her goodbye.“I’m just next door if you need me.”
“I know.Thanks.Love you.”
“Love you back.Try not to worry too much.You’re safe with Tripp here, and Rufus.I’ll check on you in the morning.”
Willow saw her out and returned to Tripp, who was still sitting at the kitchen table.
It was just the two of them now.She was alone in her empty house with the most irresistible man she’d ever known and never quite gotten over.
TWENTY-SIX
T
he air seemed charged as they stared at each other.
Without saying a word, Tripp made her pulse beat faster.At first the scars on his face had been a shock.Now she found them almost beautiful, a physical testament to his strength and resilience.“I really appreciate you staying.”
His gaze was steady, his demeanor calm.As though he volunteered to stay at freaked-out women’s places in a potentially dangerous situation every week.He hadn’t mentioned he was seeing anyone, but was he dating?
“There’s no way I would leave you with this going on.”
Butterflies took flight in her abdomen, their wings brushing against her insides like velvet.
She ran a hand through her hair, feeling a little sheepish now that things had settled down.It wasn’t like she was in physical danger.“I guess I’m just a bit rattled, not knowing if this is all connected or not.And whether I’m being watched.”
“I get it.But nothing’s gonna happen to you while I’m here.”His tone was firm and sure.A reminder that he had serious military training and combat experience.
His protectiveness made her melt.“Thank you,” she murmured, wishing she could curl up in his lap and drink in the feel of his solid arms around her.Except she was pretty sure she wouldn’t stop there.
“Rafe’s on top of it,” Tripp said.“He’ll get you some answers as soon as he can, and I’ll make sure everything’s secure in the meantime.You don’t need to worry.”
