They reached the employee’s entrance, and he fumbled with the keys. He peeked over his shoulder to see if the thieves had realized they were gone. Thankfully, they hadn’t yet.
He opened the door and they rushed inside. Immediately, he moved to the nearest desk and used the phone. Tyger huddled next to him as he talked to the 911 operator. He gathered his trembling Tyger closer, trying to share his body heat. As soon as he hung up, he was able to wrap both arms around her. She sobbed softly against his chest.
“Shhh...” he soothed. “It’s almost over.”
“I know, that’s why I’m crying.” She lifted her head and looked at him. “I really thought we were going to die.”
“We would have if we hadn’t have gotten out of those bindings.”
Her smile was shaky. “I couldn’t have done it without your encouragement.”
He kissed her forehead. “I just wanted to hold you so badly.”
“I did, too.”
“Tyger, I want you to know I didn’t say I love you because we were about to die. I really do feel that way.”
Her smile softened. “I can’t believe how quickly I fell for you, but I meant what I said, too.”
He cupped the side of her face, keeping her head tilted back so she could look at him. “Are you going to tell Tom?”
She frowned. “Not tonight. My emotions can’t take any more stress. But yes, I will tell him tomorrow. I promise.”
He sighed. “Do you want me with you?”
“No. This is something I must do on my own.”
“You can do it. I know you can.”
“Brad, thanks for helping me realize what Tom had been doing to me. I’m a new person because of you.”
He brushed his lips against hers, but he stopped before it went any further. The police were coming, and Brad needed to make sure everything went smoothly. Tomorrow would start a new day for both of them, and he couldn’t wait to get started.
EIGHTEEN
Breanna was gratefulthat Todd had given her the day off. After last night’s ordeal, there was no way she could return to work so soon. She’d never been so scared in her life. The police had arrived quickly last night, and arrested the three men. Thankfully, they weren’t completely finished loading their truck and so they were caught in the act. The police had asked Brad and Breanna questions afterwards. The TV stations had wanted in on the action, but Brad denied them any interviews, thank goodness.
