“Reese?” Garrett’s voice was just loud enough to draw her attention from the horror playing out in her mind.
She swallowed and blinked hard, not wanting her new boss to think she was a complete and total headcase. Refocusing her gaze on Principal Ryker, she offered him a smile, even as her head still spun from the connection. “Principal Ryker, I didn’t know you were an artist.”
The man glanced from her to Garrett, and back to her. “I’m not. My wife likes to paint sometimes and asked me to pick up a few things for her on my way home.”
“I see,” Garrett said to the man. “Well, it was nice seeing you. We’ll leave you to your shopping. See you in school.” Then he placed a hand on the small of Reese’s back and led her away to another aisle. As soon as they were out of earshot of the principal, Garrett leaned into her and asked, “Hey, are you okay?”
His warm breath hit the side of her neck, bringing her fully back to the present moment. She nodded, hoping he didn’t see how shaken she still was by what she’d just seen. So many questions raced through her mind. Why was Principal Ryker in prison? Who wanted him dead? None of this made any sense, and to make matters worse, he didn’t look much older than he was right now.
“Reese.” Garrett caught her midstride and held her in place, turning her slightly to him so she could just see the outline of his jaw. He had a bit of a five o’clock shadow and she desperately wanted to run her fingertips over it. “What happened back there?” He asked, cupping the side of her neck. “Was that what I think it was?” There was a mixed sense of horror and awe in histone. She’d hoped he wouldn’t pick up on what happened, butshe should’ve known there was no hiding anything from Garrett. He was way too observant, and he cared. Reese nodded, still feeling a bit shaky.
“You saw him die?” His tone was flat now, like he wasn’t sure if he should be impressed or worried.
She nodded again, then whispered, “It was awful. He was killed in prison.”
“Prison?” Garrett took an involuntary step back, not bothering to hide the shock in his voice.
“I know.” Reese found it hard to believe herself. “I wonder if he has something to do with you being at the school.” Garrett hadn’t really told her anything about the undercover case he was working on, but if the principal was going to end up dying in prison at roughly the same age he was now, it didn’t seem like a far-fetched thought.
“He might, but now I’m really wishing I could convince you to not work there. Reese, please think about it.” His hand held hers in a firm, but gentle grip. It was like he was holding on to her when this whole time she’d been the one needing him to ground her.
“No, Garrett. And this isn’t me being stubborn or careless.” It really wasn’t, at least that’s what she told herself. “This is me getting my life back, and not letting some unknown variables keep me from doing something I enjoy doing. We have no idea why he ends up in prison, and while teaching art wasn’t a dream of mine, it is the closest I’ve come in over a year to feeling like myself again. An artist. Please don’t make me give that up. Besides, teaching at that school will mean I’m just down the hall from you all day. I know I’ll be safe with you, Garrett. I just know.”
Reese couldn’t see the slew of unreadable expressions crossing his face, but she felt every single one of them in thedeepest and longest ragged sigh she’d ever heard. “If giving in to you gets you hurt, or worse, I’ll never forgive myself.”
He wouldn’t. She didn’t even know how she knew that, but she did, which is why she said, “It won’t. I’m a bad ass, remember?” She didn’t feel like one right now, but she’d loved hearing him call her that.
Garrett shook his head and tried to hold back a smirk on those sexy full lips. “My sweet, beautiful, badass.”
Reese smiled, wishing she could see his eyes along with the crooked smile that tugged at the corner of his mouth. “I like the way that sounds. I think I have everything I need for now. Let’s go home.” She’d said the word without thinking. “I meantyourhome,” she corrected quickly.
Holding the basket with one hand, Garrett wrapped his free arm around her waist. “You had it right the first time.”
