"If you need help, you call. No matter the time." His eyes drop briefly to my mouth before snapping back up. "For anything."
The weight of that last word hangs in the air between us.
"I will," I promise.
He nods once and leaves, the door clicking shut behind him.
I lock it again and slide down until my back rests against the wood.
My heart is racing, but not from fear this time.
I lie awake long after the motel settles, listening to the hum of the heater and the occasional car passing on the road. My phone rests on the nightstand, screen dark but close enough to reach.
I tell myself I'm safe.
When sleep finally comes, it brings dreams of gray eyes and a steady voice. Of strong hands and a southern drawl telling me I'm not in trouble.
And for the first time in a long time, I almost believe it.
Chapter 4
Ashley
Ionlymanageacouple of hours of sleep before waking in a cold sweat.
It’s not just the fear of Brandon tracking me down that’s keeping me awake. It’s Officer Ross Kavanaugh too… for entirely different reasons.
I turn onto my side and stare at the motel clock.
1:17 AM.
I squeeze my eyes shut.
My phone lights up with a new message, and my whole body goes tense before I even touch it.
Unknown number.
This is Ross Kavanaugh. Just checking in. You okay?
That's all it says.
Simple and direct.Like him.
I type back before I can overthink it.
I'm okay. Just can't sleep.
Three dots appear immediately.
I can meet you in the lobby.
My breath catches.
You sure? I don’t want to interfere with your work.
His answer is immediate.
I’m off duty. Be there in ten minutes.
