She shrugged, a little embarrassed. “We haven’t been apart overnight since we left Phoenix months ago.” She sighed. “Before that I was always working. I was an ad exec for the Elwin Davis Group, one of the big firms in the city. My job meant everything to me. I never realized how much I was missing.”
“Linc and I want kids. But I want to make sure my company’s running smoothly first. Then I can take as much time off as I need.”
“Kids are great,” Tory said. “You won’t be sorry.”
Carly smiled. “I know Linc will make a fantastic father.”
Tory hadn’t missed the warm, occasionally heated glances between husband and wife. The two of them seemed perfectly suited. She hoped they understood how lucky they were.
She turned at the sound of footfalls, looked up to see Josh walking down the hall next to Linc and Nathan Temple. All three men were impressive: Cain exuding power and authority, Temple intellect and competence, Josh courage and strength.
He hadn’t had time to shave. The scruff was back, darkening his jaw, adding to his masculinity and amazing sex appeal. She felt a little tug, hoped she wouldn’t blush.
Tory stood up and waited, letting Josh set the tone of their reunion. She could feel those intense blue eyes on her, warm, but there was something more in them. Regret? Uncertainty?
Suddenly she understood. He thought he had somehow failed her. No way could she let him think that.
Tory walked over to him, reached up and slid her arms around his neck. “Are you okay?”
Hard arms came around her, pulling her close. “I’m okay. Damned glad to be out of there. I didn’t mean to turn this into a circus.”
“You did what you thought was right.”
He looked into her eyes and his jaw hardened. “Bridger comes near you, I’ll do a lot worse than punch him in the face.”
“Take it easy,” Temple warned. “This is not the place. Let’s get out of here.”
Color rose beneath Josh’s cheekbones. He reached for Tory’s hand, laced her fingers with his, and pulled her toward the door. Once they were all in the Jeep, a tight fit with three big men and two women, Linc drove out of the lot toward the airport.
Along the way, Temple explained that Josh had been released on a five-thousand-dollar bond, which he’d posted. Not all that high because the mild assault was a misdemeanor, not a felony.
“Bridger wanted to add breaking and entering to the charges but there wasn’t any sign of forced entry,” Temple said. “At least we don’t have that to worry about.”
“What happens if Josh is convicted?” Tory asked.
“The maximum penalty is six months in jail. But that isn’t going to happen.”
The lawyer explained that he had contacted an associate here in Phoenix, an attorney named Aaron Guinness. Guinness had alleged mutual combat—Bridger had also thrown a punch and Josh had a bruise on his jaw to prove it. The attorney had threatened to file countercharges against Bridger if he continued to pursue his allegations.
“I don’t think this is going to take long,” Temple said. “Aaron is one of the best attorneys in Phoenix. In the meantime, Josh can wait for word back in Texas.”
Tory felt a rush of relief. As soon as they reached the airport, she called Mrs. Thompson and told her they were on their way home. She also talked to Ivy, who was clearly eager to see her.
But as they boarded Linc’s jet, her worry returned. Damon knew about Josh, knew he had brought her to Phoenix. The private investigator Damon had hired had no doubt told him Josh owned the Iron River Ranch in Iron Springs, Texas.
There was a very good chance Damon would come after her. And after the fight Josh had had with him, Josh was now in the crosshairs, too.
She should pack her things, take her daughter, and leave the state. Get as far from Iron Springs as she possibly could. It was the right thing to do and the only solution.
She closed her eyes as the jet roared down the runway and lifted into the air. When she opened them, Josh was watching her.
“I know what you’re thinking,” he said.
Tory sighed. “Maybe you do. I don’t know how, but you always seem to.”
“You aren’t running. I told you before, if he comes after you, we’ll deal with him.”
“He’s already filed charges against you. If you try to protect me, you might end up in prison.”
