Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 76628 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 383(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 255(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76628 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 383(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 255(@300wpm)
“I’m almost there.” The moment I heard her start crying, my entire world flipped upside down. I was going to kill whoever did this. “Don’t cry, sweetheart.”
A few sobs slipped free before she managed to say, “Of all the nights I picked to listen to a damn true crime podcast!”
Morgan sat on her sofa with her legs drawn up and her arms wrapped around them. I could see she was still shaking, even though she was trying hard to act like she was okay. I sat next to her and held out the hot tea Georgiana had made.
“Here’s the tea,” I said quietly, waiting for her to take it. Blayze sat on her other side, and Lincoln was in the chair opposite the sofa.
“Thank you,” Morgan replied softly as she reached for the mug. Her hands shook, and I had to hold back the rage I felt for the person who’d scared her.
Brock walked into the apartment, a scowl on his face. “The police seem to think it was teenagers messing around. There were a couple other businesses hit as well.”
Morgan took a shaky breath, and I thought I saw her shoulders relax a little.
“Why don’t you come on back to the ranch tonight, Morgan?” Brock suggested.
“No,” she replied. “I was a bit rattled, that’s all.”
Lincoln stood, walked over, and sat on the coffee table in front of her daughter. Taking her hand, she said, “Of course you were. Anyone would be. I think your father is right, though. You should come home. Just for tonight.”
Morgan shook her head, giving her mother a soft smile. “Honestly, Mom, I’m fine. I don’t want to leave. Besides, Ryan is staying the night in the guest room.”
My gaze whipped to Morgan, then around the room. All eyes were on me—and I found myself focusing on Brock more than anyone else.
“Is he?” Brock asked at the same time I said, “I am?”
Before I could even utter another word, Blayze stood. “Okay, then it’s settled. Ryan’s going to stay. I’ll be sure to follow up with the police tomorrow. It’s late; I think we should all head on home.” He looked down at Morgan. “If you’re okay with that?”
She nodded. “I’m exhausted and ready for some sleep.”
Lincoln stood and kissed Morgan on the forehead. “You’re sure you want to stay here?”
Morgan dropped her legs and stood. “I am. And like I said, Ryan will be here.”
I forced myself to nod when Lincoln gave me a smile.
“Thank you, darling, for staying with her.”
“Um…of course.”
Lincoln stepped around the table and Morgan followed. Brock walked up to her. “You call us if you need anything, pumpkin. Got it?”
Morgan kissed her father on the cheek. “I will, Daddy.”
Brock turned to face me—and I readied myself for whatever was about to come.
“Thank you for staying with her tonight, Ryan. I feel better knowing you’re here…that she’s not alone.”
Okay, not what I’d expected. But he wouldn’t be saying that if he knew the dreams I’d had about his daughter. Clearing my throat, I shook his hand. “Of course, Brock. I don’t mind at all.”
He slapped me on the arm and started for the front door. Georgiana hugged Morgan, followed by Blayze. I stood back while Morgan walked to the door and said goodbye to her family. Blayze paused in front of me, and I saw the smile he was attempting to hide as the corners of his mouth twitched madly.
“We’ll talk tomorrow?” he asked. I wasn’t sure if it was a question or a command. I decided to take it as a question.
“For sure.”
He kissed his sister on the cheek and then shut the door. Morgan locked it behind him and turned to face me. I was ready for her to make some kind of joke about me staying so many feet away from her or something about lines that couldn’t be crossed.
Instead, tears spilled from her eyes, and she threw herself at me. I instantly wrapped my arms around her, holding her tight. After a moment, I lifted a hand and smoothed the back of her hair, noting how fucking soft it was. “Shh, it’s okay. I’ve got you.”
She buried her face in my chest while we stood there. Hell, I’d stand there all night if she needed me to. When she finally got herself calm, she stepped back. Using the back of her hand, she wiped it under her eyes, then across her nose, and I fought the urge to grin.
“I’m sorry I broke down. It’s just…that stupid podcast and those dumb teenagers!”
“Hey.” I reached for her hand, ignoring the fact that she probably had snot on it. “It’s okay. It would have scared the hell out of me too.”
She sniffled. “It would have?”
I nodded. “Yes! Especially if I’d been listening to that damn podcast. My mom’s cat jumped onto the kitchen counter once while I was listening to it, and I screamed like a little girl.”