Scott’s heart beat under her ear as his breathing evened out. She should wait a few more minutes until he was definitely asleep then sneak out. There was lots of work to do at her office. His nose nestled in her hair and the scent of his natural soap wafted into hers. Work could wait.
The man in her arms needed her at this moment. It hadn’t been too often she’d been needed. For her money or her connections, sure. But for the comfort of her presence, maybe Callie, but no one else. It was kind of nice for someone to want her here simply for herself. She wouldn’t be giving that upany time soon.
* * * *
“Where’s Scott?”
Heather let Jack and Drew into Scott’s apartment then closed the door gently behind them.
“He was sleeping a few minutes ago. It must not have been too relaxing in the prison cell.”
Jack glanced in the direction of Scott’s bedroom. “How’s he doing?”
“Hungry and tired,” she said, leading the men to sit in the living area. They didn’t need to know Scott’s sleep had been troubled. Staying beside him for a few hours, she’d needed to whisper in his ear and stroke his face when nightmares had assailed him. She suspected more than the weekend in jail caused them.
“Has something ever happened to him to make himfeel trapped?”
Both men turned to look at her,eyes concerned.
“Why do you ask?” Jack leaned forward, his forearms resting on his knees.
“He said something in his sleep.” Thrashed in his sleep was more like it. Not that she’d share that right now. Not unless it got worse. But their eyes told hershe was right.
“In Afghanistan, Scott was in a village when insurgents started shelling,” Drew said. “The building he was in collapsed. He was trapped for a few days. Pretty tight quarters. He told me once it was like being in a coffin.” Drew looked away and hisjaw tightened.
“We couldn’t get in there until the shelling stopped.” Jack’s face was like granite. Was he remembering how worried he’d beenfor his cousin?
“How bad was he injured?”
Looking around the room, Drew said, “He made it out. Lots of others didn’t. I know that still bothers him.”
“Have you gotten any information on the woman who’s accusing him of beating her up?”
“I’d like to know that too.” Scott’s voice behind them was scratchy, like he’d swallowed gravel. From sleep or anxiety?
Settling on the couch next to her, he reached for her hand and squeezed. His smile was grateful. Because she stayed near him as he slept, or something else? Whatever it was, she was more than happyto support him.
“I spoke with Chris and he did some background checking on Ms. Findley,” Jack said, leaning back in his chair. His eyes roamed his cousin, his expression one of worry. She checked him out as well. He’d pulled on a T-shirt but still had the sweatpants clinging to his muscular legs. His hair was tousled, like he’d had some wild sex. Didn’t she wish that was true. Withher, of course.
Shaking her head, she threw off those thoughts. He’d given her plenty of opportunity to be with him. She’d been the one who had pulled away. And right now, he needed her support and comfort, not sex.
“She has no priors and doesn’t seem to be mixed up with anything unsavory,” Jack continued. “However, her brother is a different story. He’s into all sorts of shit. This could have something to do with him.”
“I spoke with Judge Stokinger,” Drew said. “You met him at the Law Library opening. Asked him if he had any advice, or if he could speak with the judge on the case, put in a good word.”
“What’d he say?” Scott asked, his hand tightening on hers again. The fact he hadn’t let it go spoke volumes. Scott wasn’t the hand-holding type.
Drew’s expression wasn’t hopeful. “He seemed aware of the evidence and said it was solid. Said he’d check further into the case and if there was anything that could help us, he’d let me know.”
“We shouldn’t hold our breath, though, right?” Scott sighed and slumped back against the cushions.
Shrugging, Drew said, “He can’t do all that much. He’s retired now. But I appreciate his efforts. It’s more than wecould ask for.”
Scott nodded. “Tell him I appreciate it. Jack, we should talk about what to do with the company.”
“What do you mean, what to do? The company will staythe way it is.”
Scott chuckled dryly. “If things don’t go well for me, and they look pretty dismal right now, you’ll need to take over everything.”
