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Emma
“Riley, down!” She burst into a fit of laughter as he leapt from the back seat and licked her face.
“He seems better already.” Luke smiled as he reached over, petting Riley’s head.
Taking a moment to wipe her face, she turned to Luke. The intensity of his gaze caught her off guard, sending her heart aflutter. Unspoken words seemed to drift like a mist between them as she felt every bit of what his eyes were saying—that he still loved her.
“I guess he’s ready to get out,” Emma said, reaching for the door handle.
As they exited the car, the sun had begun to set. The warm, salty breeze gently tousled Emma’s hair as she surveyed the scene.
There’s the smashed box of treats I was supposed to deliver. I’ll need to bake more tomorrow.
Her phone still lay in the grass near the driveway, its sleek surface glistening in the fading light. After picking it up, she walked toward the porch, noticing a piece of fabric from Chad’s torn pant leg. There was also a note tucked under the door.
I’m so sorry I hit your dog. I swear I didn’t see him.
Please call or text me when you get a chance.
912-555-555
Katie
Emma decided she’d call her later to let her know Riley was okay.
Folding the note, she looked back toward Luke and Riley. Her breath hitched as she caught sight of the tire marks from Chad’s car in the driveway. The memory of the day’s events left an unnerving stillness in its wake.
Emma turned to Luke. “Would you mind staying? Just...the thought of him out there unnerves me.”
Luke nodded. “Of course. I’ll stay for as long as you need me.”
The fear melted away at those words.
…for as long as you need me.
She knew Luke meant every word.
Stepping inside, Riley came between them, sitting down in front of Luke’s legs. He laughed and bent down to scratch behind his ears.
“How’s it feel to be a hero, bud?”
Riley let out a little whine, then rolled over on his back for belly rubs.
Emma’s heart warmed, watching the exchange between them. “How about we get you some treats, huh?”
Riley barked and followed Emma to the kitchen.
Setting the note aside, she checked her phone. She scrolled through several missed calls and stopped at a voicemail from her father. Emma pressed the phone against her ear.
“Hey, Emma, it’s Paul. We got a call about an incident at your house and the caller mentioned someone matching your ex-husband’s description fleeing the scene. We’re trying to track him down. Call me back when you get this and let me know you’re okay. Also, let me know if you were able to catch any of the incident on your security footage. Thanks.”
Emma hung up the phone and shot him a quick text:
It was him and I’m fine, now. I’ll send the video later. I’m exhausted. Let me know if you find him. Call you tomorrow.
She put her phone back in her pocket and gave Riley a treat.
“Need anything?” Luke asked, peeking around the corner. “Water? Ice? A large strawberry margarita?”
