Pulling her in for a hug, he nodded, not wanting to let her go. “I don’t even know how to thank you. That’s a hell of alot of money.”
Easing back, she said, “You’re worth it. But I’ll get it back when they drop these ridiculous charges,so no worries.”
“Let’s hope they drop the charges,” he said, taking her elbow and walking toward the exit. He couldn’t get out of here fast enough. “The evidence they have against me is stacked pretty high.”
Outside the entrance, she stopped on the top step. “But you didn’t do it and we’ll prove it. For now we’re going to get you home. I’m guessing it’s been a hellof a weekend.”
“You have no idea.” He skimmed his hand along her cheek, noticing a discoloration. One she’d tried to hide with makeup. “Whathappened here?”
Rolling her eyes, she shrugged. “Stupid me. I walked into something.”
Her discomfort was apparent, and he wondered if she was embarrassed or if something more had happened. He was too tired to push the question. The ride was quiet. What was Heather thinking about and what should he say to her? The rhythm of the vehicle lulled him into an almost comatose state. Little sleep, and the constant anxiety of what would happen, had drained him.
“I’ll get the money back for you.” He finally broke the silence as they pulled up to his apartment complex.
“Scott.” She got out of the car andglared at him.
“I will,” he broke in before she could argue. “Regardless of what happens. If I get sent to jail, I’ll sell my share in the company. But I will get it back to you.”
Linking her arm in his, they went inside and used the elevator. He didn’t have the strength, emotional or physical, to think about climbing stairs today. Once inside his place, he sagged against the door.
“What can I get you?” Heather cocked her head, her expression concerned.
“I need a shower. Want to scrub off all the scum of the prison cell before I doanything else.”
“Go take it then, and I’ll throw something together to eat while you’re in there.”
“Thanks.” As he walked past, her lips begged for a kiss. Not in this condition though. “Don’t go to any trouble. I can get something later if you need to be somewhere more important.”
“Nowhere more important than here, Scott.”
His eyes slid to where she bent over to slip off her shoes. Damn, she had a fine ass. He shut the bathroom door firmly and adjusted the water.
His typical shower was only a few minutes, but today he spent much longer. The memories of Billy and the smell of the cell flickered in his mind as he scrubbed harder, allowing the warm water to wash away the images of sitting alone in the segregation cell. At least it hadn’t reeked, not as badly asthe other one.
Grabbing a towel, he dried off and ran it through his hair to get rid of the excess water. His clothes were in the bedroom, though. Heather hadn’t minded him in a towel last week so he slung it low on his hips and opened the door. Although to be truthful, her cheeks had turned pink as her eyes skimmed his bare chest while she cleaned up his cuts.
“I made you an omelet.” Her voice rang from the kitchen.
“Just throwing on some pants,” he called. Her perfectly-styled head poked out then back in the doorway when she saw him looking inher direction.
Sweatpants were all he had energy for at the moment. He pulled on a pair and then went to sit at the counter where a plate satready for him.
“Milk or orange juice?” She looked cute in her bare feet, sticking her head inside the fridge.
“Milk, but I can get it myself. You’ve already done enough.”
Bringing a glass over, she sat on the stool next to him and watched as he duginto the eggs.
“Thank you, again.”
“It’s what friends do for each other, Scott. And my father gave me the names of a few lawyers who might be available to help you.”
“Pick one who can work miracles. Listening to the evidence they have today mademealmost believeI was guilty.”
* * * *
Putting his fork down, Scott ran his hands through his still-damp hair. The hair Heather wanted to slide her fingers through. A few locks fell over his forehead and she brushed them back.
