“I’ll take it from here.” I turn and Lucas immediately wraps me in his arms, picking me up so I can wrap my legs around him.
The tears start to flow as I bury my head in the space between his shoulder and neck, and his familiar scent envelops me with comfort and warmth.
“Shh…it’s ok. I’ve got you.” He squeezes me tight like he doesn’t want to let me go. And I don’t want him to.
I’m an emotional mess as we embrace, and I can’t wait for this day to be over.
He pulls back so he can look at me. “Are you okay?” He asks.
I nod, and he slams his mouth against mine, kissing me like he’s never kissed me before. Our tongues tangle and we devour each other like it’s the first and last time we’ll ever get to do it.
I’m not sure how long our embrace lasts, but the moment is interrupted by another familiar voice. “Jay!” my dad calls out to me.
I pull away from Lucas and turn my head. “Dad,” I cry out, and Lucas lowers me to my feet.
I collide with my father in a fierce hug and my tears start all over again. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster of a day, and I feel drained as I think about how the two most important men in my life almost died today.
“Are you okay?” my dad asks, pulling back from the hug to look me over.
I nod and swipe at my tear-stained cheeks. “I’m fine. They didn’t hurt me.”
He wraps me in another hug and says, “I’m so sorry for getting you into this mess. This is all my fault.”
“It’s okay, dad.”
“No. It’s not. But I promise I’m going to make it up to you.”
A throat clears and I break away from my dad to look at Lucas. I’m not entirely sure what my dad’s reaction is going to be towards him since he was blindsided by the fact that I’ve been seeing a man he technically works with. A man who not only lied to us but who is also a cop.
“Conner.” Lucas sticks his hand out. My dad looks at it and then does something I think none of us expect, he grabs Lucas and hugs him.
“Thank you,” he says, “for saving my little girl.”
Lucas pulls away and shakes his head. “I’m pretty sure I’m the reason we’re all here today. You shouldn’t be thanking me.”
“Maybe, but I think we’re both a little bit responsible for this mess,” my dad answers back. He looks from me to Lucas and then back to me. “So…uh…how long has this been going on for?” The question comes out awkward but stern. I can tell he’s uncomfortable but also wants to know what the hell is going on.
I’ve never brought anyone home to meet my parents, and when the day started, I didn’t think this would be the way my dad would meet the person I’m in love with. But here we are.
“A while, sir,” Lucas answers for me. “I didn’t know she was your daughter until recently. Until the day I showed up to your house.”
My dad nods his head and blows out a breath. “I see. I don’t think this is the time or place to discuss this, but we will be having a conversation about it later.” My dad looks at both of us, conveying the message that this isn’t over yet.
A middle-aged gentleman interrupts. “Amato, you good?” He’s staring straight at Lucas.
I’m assuming that’s his last name. Amato, not Rivera like his license says. That’s one piece of the puzzle answered.
“Yes, sir,” he replies and shakes the man’s hand.
He turns to my dad and me. “Mike Miller. I’m in charge of this case.” And he reaches to shake our hands. “I’m sorry we didn’t get here sooner. It was a bit of a drive. And Lucas here decided to call us when he was already on the road.”
I look at Lucas and he gives me a small smile.
“You three need to get checked out by the EMTs. Make sure you’re okay before you head back to San Diego. I’m also going to need to take your statements. There’s a lot of stuff we need to go over. A lot of questions that still need to be answered,” he says and then nods his head at us before walking away.
“Come on. Let’s get you checked out.” Lucas grabs my hand and gestures to my dad. We walk through a ton of people in uniform. The bodies of two of the guards are being covered as we walk by and my stomach lurches.
Lucas notices and wraps an arm around me, putting my head on his chest so I can’t see anymore. Before I know it, we’re outside. It’s dark out now and the chill in the air gives me goosebumps as we are escorted to an ambulance by an EMT.
