An hour earlier...
Arielle Nygard
Iwatch as my son bends his shaggy blond head over a jigsaw puzzle on the coffee table in the TV room. He selects a piece and places it perfectly into position, completing the wing of a brightly colored bird. He works methodically, searching for the correct piece and placing it in the right spot first time, every time. In another ten minutes, he’ll be done with one and want to start another. Packing and unpacking his puzzles are the only actions I’m allowed to contribute, but he doesn’t seem to mind if I watch him work.
I love my little boy so fiercely, even if his autism won’t allow me to cuddle him. Even if, for nine years, I’ve had to soothe his tantrums when things in his life change too much. He is my world, and I’ll do whatever is necessary to keep him happy. Yet at this moment I’m contemplating turning his life upside down. But I can’t make this decision on my own; I need some outside perspective. I pick up my phone.
“Hi, Tim,” I say when the call is answered. “I need your advice on something.”
“Fire away,” he says.
“Could you come over? I think it will be easier in person.”
“I’m in the middle of something right now, but I can come by in half an hour.”
“Perfect. See you then.” I hang up the phone and mull over my situation for the millionth time.
I guess most women would call a girlfriend for this kind of advice, but when Steve was killed on duty two years ago, Tim became my rock. He’d happily step in to cover the shortfall on my expenses...he’d happily step into Steve’s role as my husband. Yet, I’m pretty sure when he made advances on me in the past, it was out of loyalty to his best friend. I’m just not wired that way. Besides, after meeting Sam... Well, everything’s changed. And it’s not just the fact that he’s gorgeous – although I’ll admit, those brooding good looks make my stomach flutter. And after our night together…
Oh, my God.Just thinking about it makes my cheeks burn. The man is next-level sexy. I never thought I’d be the kind of woman who’d fall for her boss, but how could I not? When Munchkin died, I was pretty sure that was the end of things, but somehow something has just clicked between us. As much as I feel like a traitor to Steve, I’m pretty sure I’m in love with Samuel Foster. Atticus Colt too, if I’m honest with myself. I guess there’s just something about edgy men.
Every time he kisses me, he takes my breath away. And he’s fantastic with Austin, who is also taken with the man.
But this new request from him… To pack up my life and follow him to some third world country on a charity drive of some sort. Am I crazy for even considering it? He doesn’t even know where he’s planning to go. Or when.
“Yip. You’re freaking mad as a hatter, girl,” I tell myself out loud. Atticus Colthas sticky fingers. He likes to steal from his wealthy clients and give the proceeds to those who need the money more. And it’s finally landing him in trouble. Tim already suspects about the stealing, and he’s warned me about it. Which is another reason I think I’m crazy for asking his opinion. Why would Tim ever advise me to go?
Tim thinks I’m putting my son and myself in danger by being around Sam. But that seemed a bit OTT to me. We don’t live in the movies, for God’s sake. What’s the worst that could happen?
Austin completes his puzzle and pulls me out of my reverie to pack it away. “Want to do another one?” I ask as I break up his work and put the tiny pieces back into their box. Austin points at the pile of puzzles on a nearby shelf and nods his head. I bring a few over, lay them out on the table, and unbox the one he chooses. I’ve just put the others back on the shelf when there’s a knock on the front door.
“Thanks for coming over,” I say to Tim as I let him in.
“Would you like a beer?”
“I’m technically on duty, but I’ll gladly have a coffee,” he says. “After I say hi to my favorite nephew.” Tim isn’t a blood relation, but he and Steve were as close as brothers and he’s been considered family for as long as I can remember.
Ten minutes later, Tim and I are sitting at the kitchen table, coffee in hand. He’s looking at me expectantly, waiting to know the reason I invited him over. “I assume this is about Samuel Foster,” he says, a slight chill in his voice.
I let out a breath. Ignoring his icy tone, I practically wail, “I don’t know what to do, Tim.”
“The man is dangerous, you know that. He’s made some powerful enemies, and if they ever decide to seek revenge, he’s going to be in a lot of trouble.” I know this is true. The night that we slept together, Sam told me how a guy in the Ukraine died because he bought a sack of precious gems that Sam had stolen from a Russian mafia boss. He’d managed to escape back home before anyone found him, but the experience had rattled him. But I doubt the mafia boss will come all the way to Las Vegas for revenge. Then again, I don’t really know much about these things. Yet again, I start to think these men all think they’re action heroes!
“I know,” I eventually say in a small voice. “But I... I don’t care.” It’s the first time I’ve said the words, but I know that they’re true. It’s also a dangerous thing to admit to Tim, who previously threatened to have Child Protective Services remove Austin from my care if I put my son in harm’s way.
Tim’s eyes widen slightly in shock. “Arielle, how can you say that? The man is a criminal! And the chances of you and Austin getting seriously hurt are really good if you hang around with him.”
“I know that too. But he… I…” I struggle to find the words. “I think I’m falling in love with him,” I blurt out.
Tim’s expression falls. My words hit him hard. And it’s not because I’m falling for a criminal – he’d have a problem with me falling for anyone. Even though I’ve turned him down previously, it’s clear that he’s still been holding out a hope that I’d change my mind.
“You know he’s not your only option? I could give you and Austin a good life. A safe and comfortable life,” he says quietly.
“Are you in love with me, Tim?” I’m pretty sure I know the answer.
“I do love you. And Austin.”
“It’s not the same thing,” I say gently. “Are youin lovewith me? Does your heart beat faster when you think of me? Do you get butterflies when you see me? Does your blood boil when you hold my hand?” These are all things I feel for Sam. But despite my best efforts, I can’t muster a single one of these feelings for Tim.
