“Come in.”
Leland entered. “If you’re done in here, I’d like to shower.”
His gaze landed on her, standing on the far side of the bed then shifted behind her to the photo. She’d put it back but hadn’t moved far enough away.
“What happened?”
“She died.”
That was it. He made no pretense of not understanding. No elaboration. No emotion. He simply walked to his dresser, grabbed clothes, and disappeared into the bathroom.
Julia stared at the closed door. When she heard the rush of water, she fled. Not wanting images of Leland in the shower stuck in her head.
In the living room, she paced as scenarios spun through her head. Was it an accident? An illness? Was this why he refused to commit?
She reached for the secure phone Leland had provided. Cari answered on the second ring.
“I wondered how long before you called.”
Julia huffed a quiet breath. “It should have been before now.”
“Mm-hmm, I know that tone. You’re at his place. How’s it going?”
“I’m bored out of my mind.”
“Protective custody will do that,” she said. “But consider the alternative. You don’t want that.”
Julia swallowed. This was true, and Cari would know, having been through a similar trauma.
“How are things between you and Leland?”
Julia hesitated. “There’s a photo.”
“That sounds ominous. Who of?”
“Him. And a woman with an engagement ring.”
Julia heard Cari’s sharply indrawn breath.
“Do you know what happened?” she asked. Then quickly, “Actually, no. Don’t answer that. I shouldn’t have asked.”
“Of course, you should,” Cari countered.
“No. Really—”
“Yes,” she insisted. “Especially since that stubborn man refuses to tell you why he’s commitment resistant.”
Julia blinked. “You think so?”
“I know so. He’s in love with you but refuses to admit it,” Cari stated, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
She actually laughed. “We’re talking about Leland Hale.”
“He punched a gate, a car, and that idiot dom who hurt you. Now, he has you living under his roof when you could have stayed with me and Nick. Connect the dots.”
Julia hesitated. “He has a pretty elaborate alarm system.”
Cari snorted. “We have gates, surveillance, and perimeter alarms. Dev would’ve had patrols running 24/7. The house is only a step removed from Fort Knox.”
