“We’re going to figure this out, Gracie.”
“I know you will.”
He gave her a sweet smile. “Listen, why don’t we call it a night? Jake will probably want to go over all this again with you tomorrow, anyway.”
“Great. Can’t wait.”
Chuckling as he stood, Nate pulled her to her feet. “Come on. You can take my bed. I’ll sleep out here on the couch.”
“Oh, Nate, no. I’ve caused you enough trouble as it is. I don’t want to take your bed, too.”Unless you’re going to be in it. With me. Naked.
“Don’t worry about me. I can sleep anywhere.”
Clearing her throat—and her X-rated thoughts—Gracie decided it best not to argue. “Only if you’re sure.”
“I’m sure. Now, go. Those sheets haven’t been slept on since I got back, so they’re still clean. You know where the bathroom is, and if you need anything else, just ask.”
Trying to talk past the big knot that had suddenly taken up residency in her throat, Gracie blinked quickly and whispered, “Thank you, Nate. I didn’t…I didn’t know who else to turn to. I would have gone to the police, but I got the feeling the person the man was talking with was important. I don’t know why, but my gut said to stay low and not say anything to anyone until you got back.” She looked at his handsome face and smiled. “Something told me you’d know what to do.” Glancing away, she laughed nervously. “Silly, right? I probably should have gone straight to the cops.”
Like before, Nate lifted her chin. “Don’t waste time second-guessing yourself, sweetheart. You did good. You stayed calm, waited until it was safe to get your emergency money, and remained hidden until you had someone you could trust to go to. I wish you’d have found a way to contact Sarah to let her know you were okay, but only because we were all worried sick, thinking of what could have happened to you.”
“I know. I’m sorr—”
Nate stopped her with a finger to her lips. “No more apologies. You’re safe now, and that’s all that matters. Got it?”
Gracie nodded and tried to say “Got it”, but it came out all jumbled, since his finger was still in the way.
The man’s eyes danced as he laughed, making him look even younger than his thirty-three years. She made a mental note to try and make him laugh as much as possible.
“Go on, now. Get some rest. If you’re lucky, I’ll make you some breakfast in the morning. I think I have a box of Pop-Tarts in there, somewhere.”
“You do drive a hard bargain, Mr. Carter. But, if Pop-Tarts are on the line, I’m all in. Unless they’re strawberry.” She scrunched her nose. “I don’t really like those.”
“Which kind are your favorites?”
“The brown sugar and cinnamon, of course.”
“Well, how ’bout that. They’re my favorite, too.” Nate gave her a wink and a smirk. God, the man was too freaking sexy for his own good.
Knowing she needed to leave the room before she did something ridiculous like kiss him again, Gracie smiled and said, “Goodnight, Nate.”
“Goodnight, sweetheart. Sleep tight.”
Turning around, she walked back to Nate’s room. He said the sheets were clean, and they were, but she could still smell hints of him on the pillowcase.
Just like the shirt she was wearing, it was a mixture of laundry detergent and whatever cologne Nate used. It was light, not like the strong, make-you-gag type some men wore. And it was quickly becoming her most favorite scent in the world.
Given all that had transpired, she expected this to be just like the previous nights. Every night for the past week, she’d lay awake, tossing and turning, while listening for any signs of someone trying to break into her room.
Every little sound would make her jump, and she was constantly checking the flimsy locks on the hotel door. It would take hours for her to actually fall asleep, then she’d wake up in a panic, fearing she’d been in the same place for too long.
Tonight, for the first time in a week, Gracie closed her eyes and fell asleep almost immediately. And she stayed that way, knowing the man in the other room would gladly stand between her and any danger that may come her way.
Chapter 7
Edric Yavuz calmly removed the crystal stopper from his decanter and poured himself two fingers of his favorite bourbon. Typically, he’d take a moment to appreciate the bottle’s intricate etchings, but today he had more pressing issues occupying his thoughts.
“You said you’d find her.” Edric replaced the stopper. With both it and his glass in hand, he turned to face his most trusted associate. “I pay you well to keep your word.”
