The fact she remembered the name of his sister, whom she’d never met, spoke volumes of the kind of person Eve was. “She’s fine. She’s dealing with stuff about my dad that always brings back bad memories. I wanted to unload a bit before heading home.” He didn’t want to burden her with more details. She didn’t need to hear about how his dad had conned Tara into picking him up early from rehab and then stolen money from her before disappearing.
Same old story. A Sommers man who couldn’t keep his shit together and hurt the woman in his life who loved him. A stark reminder of why he couldn’t get too close to Eve. He couldn’t risk turning into his father—hurting her even if he tried his hardest not to.
“And instead, you found yourself in an even bigger mess. Sorry about that.”
The sadness in her voice twisted his gut. He ducked his chin to stare her in the eyes, tucking a long strand of hair behind her ear so she had nothing to hide behind. “Listen to me, don’t you ever apologize for anything that happened tonight. You aren’t responsible for a criminal acting like an asshole or for the bad mood my dad’s actions heaped on me.”
Tears glimmered in her eyes. “I know you’re right, but I can’t help but think of things I could have done differently. Should have done differently.”
“Nope,” he said, catching her chin between his index finger and thumb. Her skin was so soft, so smooth. What he wouldn’t give to slide his palm up to cradle her jaw and finally discover how she tasted.
But that was a line better left uncrossed. Especially with Eve.
“I won’t let you place blame on yourself,” he continued. “And if you keep at it, I’ll have to camp out on your couch and talk your ear off about all the fascinating things I’ve learned in my time in Cloud Valley.”
A hint of humor danced across her face. “Like what?”
“Like how many cattle are on the Wilson ranch or what old man Hackney was up to last week when his wife was afraid he was cheating.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Do I want to know?”
“Well, his wife hired me to protect her but later revealed she wanted me as arm candy to escort her around town to make her husband jealous. She thought he was with another woman whenhe was really paying for a hotel room to nap. He didn’t want to hurt his wife’s feelings by complaining about her snoring.”
Eve let loose a full belly laugh. “Wow. You have been busy keeping the fine folks of Cloud Valley safe, haven’t you?”
There it was. The pure, genuine laugh he’d give anything to hear. “You have no idea. Luckily, I could help keep one safe who means an awful lot to me.”
Her laughter melted away, replaced by wide eyes and her mouth agape.
Shit. He’d gotten lost in the moment and said more than he should. He forced a chuckle and stood. “I mean, I need you around to keep those cold beers flowing. Listen, it’s getting late, and I’ve taken up too much of your time. You sure you’re good by yourself?”
“Absolutely. Go on home. I’ll see you later.”
He hated the flicker of disappointment she tried to hide beneath a tight smile, but he couldn’t sit here any longer. Not with all the pent-up feelings he’d buried now simmering at the surface. He had to leave before he said something he couldn’t take back.
He may have helped keep Eve safe tonight, but if he was completely honest with them both about where his feelings truly lay, he’d be the one who could hurt her the most.
Chapter 3
With close to an hour before sunrise, Eve gave up on the idea of sleep. She’d tossed and turned throughout the night, stealing a few minutes of slumber here and there. But every time she closed her eyes, the memory of the way her attacker’s beard scratched her chin and his foul odor flooded back.
She’d rather prepare for a full day on very little rest than replay one of the scariest moments of her life over and over.
Being alone in her empty house had been much harder than she’d anticipated. She should have asked Reid to spend the night.
Hell, her entire being had screamed at her to stop being so stubborn and admit she wanted him to stay with her. But if she admitted she wanted him in her home, then she would have been forced to admit to herself she wanted a whole lot more from him. And that was something she couldn’t do.
Needing to shut off her mind, Eve wrapped herself in her plush robe and shuffled into the kitchen. She scooped flour and sugar, losing herself in the mundane task of mixing and stirring until the mouthwatering scent of homemade banana bread hung in the air.
She glanced at the time flashing on the oven. Becca would be awake with Suzy. She could stop over and tell her what happened while they stuffed their faces with sugar. Decision made, she hurried to dress for the day, gathered her baked goods and headed out the door.
Outside, the cool morning air promised fall would be there soon. She was ready for summer to vanish, taking with it the hot weather and stream of tourists. After the business of the past few weeks, she was ready for things to slow down a little. Ready to take some time off to enjoy the things she loved outside of work.
A shiver raced down her spine, and she hurried to her car. The back of her neck tingled as if she was being watched.
Relax. Just your mind and lack of sleep messing with you.
She opened the passenger door to place the still-warm pan on the front seat before heading to the driver’s side. Her foot slid on something lying among the pebbles. Bending for a closer look, her heart dropped to the ground.
