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“Great, I’ll be right back.”
And Hayden thankfully left me alone for the rest of the meal, and I got a sense that his boss had rebuked him for asking me out while on working hours since he seemed subdued for the rest of the meal.
I didn’t mean to be grateful for it, but I was.
I didn’t need the added convolution of emotions considering Ezra had me spun up enough. Plus, I was feeling defeated. I’d been here for two weeks, and I hadn’t found a trace of Jessica.
I realized I was grasping at straws. Looking for something that might not even be there.
Thoughts of the little clues weaved into my mind. The Time River logo. The matching name of the complex. That had to be something, didn’t it? But it was getting harder and harder to believe since I searched the faces of every person I passed, no matter if it was in the café or I was driving down the street, and had found nothing.
Each day that passed without finding her stole more of the hope that I would.
The muddle of feelings grew deeper since Ezra looked like he was a second from coming unglued every time I caught him staring at me any time I’d go to Hayden’s table.
I needed a breather from it all, and I finally found a second to steal away, so I headed through the double doors and into the country store and wound around to the hall that led to the restrooms at the back.
I pushed inside, washed my hands, splashed water on my face, looked at my reflection as I whispered, “Where are you?”
I didn’t know if I was talking to Jessica or myself.
If I’d gotten lost, too. If I’d stumbled to a place where I was the one who was going to get hurt.
With a paper towel, I patted my face dry and stepped out, though I stumbled when I found a mountain had sprouted up across the wall.
Ezra had his arms crossed over his chest, clearly standing guard.
“Overbearing much?” The razzing left me on little more than a wheeze because I was no longer feeling so light.
He pushed from the wall, so powerful as he crossed to me. At his proximity, my back hit the wall, and he didn’t hesitate to box me in.
I should hate it.
Fight it.
Instead, I breathed in his masculine scent.
Citrus and pine.
Warmth glided into my senses.
My fingers buzzed with the impulse to touch him.
He looked both ways to make sure no one was watching us, shielding and covering, and I was sure he was going to kiss me.
Instead, he leaned in and said, “Whatever you do, stay away from that guy, Savannah.”
A frown cut into my brow, and I tipped my chin up at him, such a reckless girl when I taunted, “Why? Are you jealous?”
“Call it what you want, but know I fight for the things that mean something to me.”
Then he turned and walked out of the hall, disappearing at the end, taking my breath and another mangled piece of my heart with him.
TWENTY-EIGHT
EZRA
TWO YEARS AGO
Two days. She’d been gone for two goddamn days. Without a word. Without a trace. While Ezra had gone out of his mind, worry and dread spinning him into a ball of desolation.
Searching every street all while keeping it a secret. Giving Brianna the respect that the therapist had said she needed. Support in the space afforded.
But this?
The lie he’d told his mother when he’d asked her to watch the kids for the next couple days had soured on his tongue.
I got Brianna a two-day getaway at the ski resort for her birthday. Would you mind if we took it together? We could use some time alone.
She’d patted his face, love pouring out. Of course, I don’t mind. The two of you deserve time to yourselves with how hard you work, both at your jobs and taking care of your kids. You’re so good together, but to keep relationships strong, you have to nurture it, and I’m so proud of you for taking the time to do that. Besides, you know I’m half bored out of my mind now that I’ve retired.
Now the lie that had tasted sour had transfigured to venom, the bitterness so severe he thought he might be foaming at the mouth as he moved back through the house. He’d gotten home after driving every street of Time River again, and when he’d opened the garage, Brianna’s car had been inside. He’d nearly come undone with relief, though the anger had immediately spun him into disorder again after he’d stepped inside and heard the shower running from the bathroom in their bedroom.
He’d repaired that fucking mirror, but it might as well have remained shattered.
He crept forward like he was wading through a field of landmines, getting ready to be blown into a billion tiny pieces as he turned the knob and slipped into the bathroom.
