“Says the woman who blames herself for reporting crimes that got people fired.”
“That’s different.”
“Is it?” Carson turned to look at her. “We both carry guilt for things that weren’t our fault. Maybe we can help each other let it go.”
“Maybe,” Nora agreed. Then, quieter, “Stay with me tonight? I don’t want to be alone.”
“I was planning on it.” He stood and pulled her up with him. “Come on. Let’s get some sleep. Tomorrow we can explore the lake, go for a hike if you’re up for it, just...exist without stress.”
They got ready for bed in comfortable silence. When Nora emerged from the bathroom in pajamas, Carson was already in bed, shirtless, reading something on his phone.
She hesitated at the edge of the bed. “Is this okay? Me being here? I don’t want to assume—”
“Nora.” He set down his phone and looked at her. “I want you here. In my bed. In my life. Stop second-guessing that.”
She climbed in beside him, and Carson immediately pulled her close, wrapping his armsaround her. She fit perfectly against him, her head on his chest, his heartbeat steady beneath her ear.
“This is nice,” she murmured.
“Yeah.” He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “Get some sleep. I’ll be right here.”
For the first time in weeks, Nora felt truly safe. Truly at peace.
And as she drifted off to sleep in Carson’s arms, she let herself believe that maybe—just maybe—this was real.
That the nightmare was over.
That she’d finally found someone worth trusting.
Someone worth loving.
Someone who would stay.
***
Carson held Nora until her breathing evened out and he was certain she was deeply asleep.
Then he allowed himself to think about what Holloway had said. About trauma bonds and the difference between real feelings and gratitude.
But as he looked down at Nora—peaceful in sleep, trusting him to keep her safe—Carson knew this was real.
He’d spent nineteen years avoiding relationships. Avoiding connection. Avoiding the risk of losing someone else he cared about.
But Nora had changed that. Had made him want to risk it. Had made him believe that maybe love was worth the potential pain.
He pressed another kiss to her hair and closed his eyes.
For the first time in years, Carson Black let himself hope for a future that included more than just his job.
A future that included love.
A future that included her.
Chapter 13
Nora woke to an empty bed and the smell of bacon.
For a moment, panic spiked through her. The bed was empty, she was alone, where was Carson?
