“It is.” She let her nails bite into her hands so she didn’t start crying in front of him. “I’m heading down to the lounge to talk to Reid. Ella will likely sleep for a few hours, but can you let me know if she wakes up?”
“Will do, but first let me call Reid so he can escort you.”
“Is that really necessary? It’s just down the hall.”
“If I want to stay alive, it is. Reid’s in such a terrible mood from letting Fowler get to Ella, he’d take my head off if I let you go anywhere alone.” He lifted his phone from a belt holder.
Not waiting for her agreement, he dialed Reid. She understood Reid’s guilt, but they’d done their best, and none of the wonderful people who were helping to protect her and Ella should feel guilty about anything. Easier said than done.
“He’s on his way.” Russ resumed his surveillance of the hallway. His expression hardened his face into granite, raising her concern again.
Where would she be without these men and Sydney helping her? All four of them had put their lives on hold to make sure she and Ella stayed safe. And if Fowler had gotten to Ella, they’d have stood strong and prevented him from hurting her. She owed them all a huge debt.
She faced Russ. “I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you for helping us out.”
He cleared his throat but didn’t make eye contact. “No need. Glad to help.”
“Well, thank you. And tell Sydney thanks too.”
“Sydney’s the first one to help if someone needs it.” When he said her name, his posture relaxed a touch and the love for his wife colored his tone, leaving Megan with that deep longing again for a partner in life.
She doubted Orrin’s voice ever held such affection for her—even in the beginning of their marriage. He’d always been too busy focusing on his career and working hard to move to a larger broadcast market. And Reid? If he’d once cared this deeply for her, he’d kept it bottled up to keep others from seeing he had a thing for one of his witnesses. And then when he was free to tell her he cared for her, he too, chose his job over her.
But there was a difference. A big difference.
Orrin had promised to stay with her until death parted them, and Reid had never promised anything. He’d only hinted at a future relationship after the trial ended. And to be fair to the guy, she may have put more stock in those hints than he intended. She needed to talk with him and put their past behind them once and for all.
Eager to do so, she focused on the T in the hallway, waiting for him to round the corner. When he did, she gave him a quick once-over. He’d taken off his jacket, and the white fabric of his shirt was crisp and clean against his tanned skin and tapered at the waist, fitting him as if custom-tailored. His shirt cuffs were rolled to his elbows as if he’d been delving into something. His face held the guilt she expected to find, yet a strength showed through at the same time.
Wanting him to know she didn’t blame him for Fowler getting so close, she smiled, making sure it was warm and welcoming. She didn’t really have to try, because she was honestly happy to see him. As his long strides brought him closer, that safe, cared-for feeling wrapped her in warmth.
He returned her smile with a sideways grin, and her pulse sped up. If she hadn’t just decided to let go of their past, her anger would have melted into a warm puddle. She glanced away. Caught Russ studying them. He didn’t miss her interaction with Reid. Of course not. He was a perceptive law enforcement officer.
“I’ll be going now.” She didn’t wait for Reid to reach them but took off in his direction.
“How’s Ella?” Reid asked when she approached.
“Sleeping.” Not wanting Russ to catch her ogling his brother again, she kept walking, remaining silent until they moved out of Russ’s view. “Did Jessie go home?”
“Yeah. Sydney took her.”
“She seemed upset.” Megan glanced at Reid and slowed her steps. “If you want to go home to be with her, I totally understand.”
“I’m not leaving you until this is resolved. Jess is fine without me. She may not like the situation I’ve placed myself in, but she understands you need help.” He stopped and gazed down at her until she wanted to squirm out from under his attention. “Unless you’re trying to tell me you don’t want me here.”
“That’s not what I’m saying at all.”
He raised an eyebrow. “So this doesn’t have to do with our past?”
She shook her head. “Ella always wants me around when she’s upset, and I figured Jessie might need you.”
“Jess’s fine. She’s with Sydney and we have other family who’ll take care of her too. You and Ella are all alone right now.” He was right, and it hit her like a punch to the gut.
She turned away. She never thought of herself as being alone. Her parents were always there for her, but they were on vacation, leaving her alone at the moment. Very alone. Vulnerable in so many ways. Ella’s illness. Fowler’s stalking. Reid’s kindness and strength threatening to melt all of that away.
“Megan?” Reid rested his hand on her shoulder.
An invisible pull encouraged her to step closer. To let him wrap an arm around her and hold her until the turmoil and danger went away.
