Page 22 of Unbroken

Heat flared around her heart, but she couldn’t shake the nagging sense of unease. It all seemed too good to be true. There were a dozen emotions roiling in her stomach, and she couldn’t begin to decipher all of them at the moment.

She needed some time to think.

She gestured toward the door.

“I’m sure I’ve taken up enough of your time. I should probably get home.”

“I’ll walk you out.”

Aiden nodded, then headed toward the door.

“I’ve got a break between cases right now. How about I pick you up tomorrow around seven?”

She smiled. “I'd like that.”

Maya watched as he grabbed his keys, then locked up behind them before leading the way down the stairs. The whole way, he stayed half a step ahead, and irritation flared briefly before realization dawned.

He wasn’t being rude by walking in front of her—he was protecting her.

The sound of his voice jerked her from her thoughts.

“Where did you park?”

“Second row.”

She pointed, and Aiden headed that way.

“You don't have to walk me to my car,” she said softly. “I'm a big girl.”

“I know.”

He smiled at her.

“But I want to.”

She used the key fob to unlock the door, then slid into the driver’s seat. Aiden stared down at her, one hand on the door, waiting until she’d started the engine before speaking again.

“See you at seven.”

“See you then.”

Aiden closed her door, then stepped back and shoved his hands into his pockets. She shot a little wave his way, then shifted into gear.

She risked a glance in her rearview mirror as she pulled out of the lot, and her heart leaped in her chest.

Aiden stood in the exact same spot, watching as she drove away.

Back at her apartment complex, she parked in her designated space, then glanced around before climbing out of the car. She continued to scan the lot as she made her way toward the building, and she hung back as a man exited.

All the while, she watched him from beneath her lashes as he moved down the steps and away from her. Once he was gone, she let out a little breath and headed inside.

Inside her apartment, she locked the door and slid the three deadbolts into place. She checked all the windows, then stepped into the shower.

She soaped up and rinsed off, thinking about tonight and what tomorrow would bring. He'd asked her out when he didn't have to.

That meant something, didn’t it?

She wasn't sure she could give him her heart yet… but she knew he would wait for her, just as he'd promised.