“Stupid bastard.” He stood and pulled out his phone to make a call. “You’re going to the hospital before you vomit on my expensive oriental rug. I should just throw you in the damn gutter for what you did to Tammy. Be thankful she’s here. I wouldn’t be so gracious.”
Richard’s eyes went to Tammy.
She folded her arms across her chest and stared back at him unafraid. One of her brows rose to say ‘he’s right’. She could see that he regretted what he did, but she wasn’t going to forgive him until he got help and was really sorry for his actions.
“Mavis, get Tammy some ice for that cheek,” he ordered before speaking to someone on the phone.
Tammy was certain she heard him say Vern’s name.
“Yes sir.” Mavis hurried past Tammy to do as her boss said.
“Tam—kitchen!” he demanded curtly.
She sighed and dropped her arms. She wouldn’t disobey him. He was like a lit fuse right now and knew it was really difficult for him to not explode. Richard invaded his home and assaulted her right under his nose. She knew it bothered him. Then she’d asked him to be lenient and he was. Another difficult thing for him to do, but out of respect for her, he was. God, he was amazing.
After Vern showed up Lance spoke to him quietly across the room so Tammy couldn’t hear. Vern then walked over to Richard, bent down and spoke softly. Richard nodded quickly not taking his eyes off the man. Then he dragged Richard off none too gently.
Tammy was really curious on what Vern said to Richard to make him look frightened, but she decided to stay out of it now. She’d already asked Lance to take it easy on him and knew he was going to stick to that. Besides her cheek hurt too much to think anymore.
She was sitting on a stool at the kitchen counter with a bag of ice against it to try and decrease the swelling, thanks to Mavis, who looked incredibly guilty. Tammy had already told her that she didn’t know this was going to happen, and it wasn’t her fault. The woman nodded but it didn’t seem to ease the guilty expression.
After Mavis left, she lowered her head in her hand still clutching the small bag of ice in the other. About ten minutes later, she heard footsteps approach her. Lance. Then she felt his warm fingers under her chin.
“Sorry I took so long. I had to call my appointment and explain why I left halfway through a meeting without a word. It’s a good thing I was only a few minutes away at a coffee shop.” Tilting her head up, he moved the bag aside and examined it for a moment before putting it back. He cursed under his breath.
“Do you think he’ll be okay?”
He narrowed his eyes angrily. “Vern can handle him. He’s ex-marine.”
She smiled, “I meant Richard.”
“Iknowwho you meant.” He could barely keep the anger out of his voice.
“You are a good man Lance.”
“It’s only because you asked me. I should have Vern take him out back and shoot him.” He paused trying to get control of his temper. “That’s going to leave a nasty bruise. It’s already swollen. It takes a damn coward to hit a woman.” He clenched his jaw.
“It does. He wasn’t in his right head.” She knew Lance held back for her. If it were up to him, he probablywouldhave beaten the snot out of him, andthencalled the cops.
“That’s like saying guns kill people, not the people that pull the trigger.”
“I’ve dealt with worse as a nurse. I had a ninety-five year old Alzheimer patient kick me square in the chest once. I flew back against the wall. It near knocked me out.”
“He couldn’t help himself Tammy. There’s a difference.” He shook his head and cupped her face in his hands. “This was in myhome.”
“I understand. I really do. I’m so sorry. I know you feel responsible for this, but I’m a big girl. I’ve learned to look after myself.”
“He’s going to get help whether he wants it or not.” He sat on the adjacent stool facing her. Concern still etched in his handsome features.
“I appreciate what you could do for him. Maybe it will make him a better person.”
“Sure it will,” he said doubtfully. “Look, even though I love the fact you wear your heart on your sleeve for people, this is not one of those times. If Mavis hadn’t called, I wouldn’t have come home on time. She’s too damn little to even help you. God only knows what he would have done.”
She felt her heart skip a beat. He really loved that about her? “God bless Mavis.” She tried making light of the situation, but he didn’t bite.
“She feels guilty that she allowed him up, but she honestly doesn’t know who your friends are in New York.”
“Please tell her it’s not her fault. I tried, but she still looks guilty.”
