“I know this is hard for you, but it’s important you don’t get your hopes up about finding Cassey. Even if Amy found the Suburban that hit Melanie, it doesn’t mean Cassey is there. It might give us a lead on her whereabouts,” his voice dropped to little more than a whisper, “but I think it’s best to prepare yourself for the worst.”
“I know,” Ben said. “It’s not Cassey I’m worried about right now.”
Robert’s eyebrows shot up. “You’re worried about Amy?”
How could Robert not be worried about Amy? They worked together every day, had lunch on Fridays, and they’d gone out on a date. Robert wasn’t the kind to talk about his relationships, but Ben knew he liked Amy. The familiar and uncomfortable feeling of jealousy rose in him.
Tonight.This was supposed to have been his night with Amy. He planned to let her know how much he liked her. To tell her how beautiful, intriguing, and special she was.
“I’m worried about Amy too. But she’s a smart, strong woman. I’m sure she’ll be fine. The local law enforcement officers are on their way to her.”
“What if they’re too late?” Ben again struggled to catch his breath. “If she found the person who kidnapped Cassey, they’ll do anything to protect their secret. I don’t think I could bear it if something happened to her.” He raked his fingers through his hair.
Robert’s eyes were on him again. So long, Ben feared he might run off the road. “Have you fallen in love with Amy?”
If Robert had asked him that yesterday, he would have denied it. He wanted to deny it now, but he couldn’t. Yes, he found Amy attractive, but was he in love with her?
Knowing Amy was in danger tied his stomach in knots, and the thought of never seeing her again pierced his heart. Rubbing a hand against his chest, he let out a deep sigh. “I don’t know. I wouldn’t say I’vefallenin love with her. I mean, I haven’t felt my heart race or had my stomach drop when I’m around her like it did when I fell for Melanie. But I think about Amy all the time, and I can’t wait to spend time with her. I’m always searching for excuses to go to my parent’s house, so I can see her. Being with her feels... right. She makes me laugh, and I find myself flirting with her just to see her smile.”
Robert slapped Ben on the knee. “Sounds like love to me.”
“I can’t tell her, though. I mean... assuming we find her...” Ben swallowed the fear choking him.
Robert squeezed his shoulder again. “Of course, we’re going to find her, and she’s going to be fine.”
Ben wished he had Robert’s confidence.
“Who falls in love after only knowing someone a few weeks?” Ben scoffed at himself.
Robert laughed. “Plenty of people. You two have a lot in common and you’ve been through a lot together. You’ve developed a closeness that normally takes couples months to build.”
“We have been through a lot,” Ben said, remembering the things she’d shared with him. Things she’d never shared with anyone else. And how she’d bravely forced him to confront his memories despite his anger and bitterness. “But it’s only been a year since Melanie...”
Robert gripped the wheel with both hands. “Listen to me, Ben. You loved Melanie deeply. No one doubts that, and you’ve mourned hard for her. But don’t let an opportunity to love someone like Amy pass you by. Melanie wouldn’t want that.”
Ben looked at his cousin and best friend. “I know you like her. I never meant for this to happen. Believe me.”
Robert’s eyes stayed glued to the road this time as he raised a hand. “I do like Amy. She’s a great person. But I will not stand in your way, man. You deserve happiness more than anyone I know. And if you feel that strongly about Amy, consider me out of the picture.”
Ben relaxed a little. Did Robert mean it? Were his feelings for Amy not as strong as Ben thought? Or was he just trying to make Ben feel better?
“I’m not sure when or how it happened.” Ben rubbed his chest, remembering the pang he’d felt there the first time he saw Amy. “I think I kind of grew to love her. After I lost Melanie, I didn’t think I could ever love another woman that much again, but I do. And the thought of losing her...” emotion deepened his voice, “before I’ve even had a chance to tell her how I feel... is making me nauseous and lightheaded, and my ears are ringing. I don’t think I can do this again.” He groaned as he propped his elbows on his knees and dropped his head in his hands.
Robert squeezed his shoulder.
* * *
“Oh, thank goodness.”Amy cried when the barn door finally opened to a slew of police officers.
It felt like an eternity since she’d heard the sirens.
“Did you catch them? The Greens?”
Please say they didn’t get away.
“They are being detained,” said the officer who untied her. “I take it you’re Amy Lawson?”
“Yes.” Ben and Robert had come through for her. She could totally kiss them right now. Well, Ben anyway. She may find Robert attractive, but her heart belonged to Ben.
