Rocky’s arm wrapped around her waist as she watched the officer walk forward to speak to the handcuffed man. His response didn’t seem to answer the request.
They watched the officer open the passenger door and check the glove box. He froze for a minute before setting a roll of duct tape on the roof of the car. The next few things Melissa couldn’t identify from that distance. From the reactions of the officers watching, those items weren’t good.
Finally, the cop walked back to Melissa. “Take a picture of this card. You can tell your insurance company that he will face a number of charges and was taken to jail.”
Quickly, she searched for her phone and realized she didn’t have it. Rocky pulled out his and closed the call between thembefore snapping an image. When they were alone again, Melissa asked, “You still had me on the phone?”
“I wasn’t closing the connection until you were safe. Let’s go check out your car and get your phone.”
Melissa’s heart sank as they walked around the car. The bumper was pushed in and one wheel was dangerously low. “I think if I put some air in the tire, it will be okay.”
“It’s not safe, sweetheart. I can tell the alignment is off. They’ll tow your car to a mechanic I know. Let’s go home, Little girl.”
“I can’t just let them take my car. I have to work tomorrow! Tami is counting on me.”
“Then we get anything you need from the car before they take it and put it in my trunk,” Rocky said without hesitation.
“Why?”
“You can drive my car until yours is safe.” He reached out to loop a lock of hair that had fallen over her cheek back behind her ear.
He always takes care of me.“What will you do?”
“I’ll work from home, take my bike, or take a ride share if something urgent comes up. It’s not a problem, sweetheart. Come on. Let’s grab everything. Get your phone and pop the trunk open.”
In a few minutes, they had everything loaded into Rocky’s car. He’d already given the keys and directions on where to take the car to the tow truck driver, so everything was handled.
As they walked away hand in hand, Rocky repeated his earlier statement, “Let’s go home, Little girl.”
“Home sounds fantastic. Can I see the nursery?”
“It’s your nursery, sweetheart. I can’t wait to see what you think. I put our Christmas tree up in there today.”
“I love Christmas,” she breathed. Her body vibrated with excitement next to him.
That enthusiasm was infectious. Rocky couldn’t wait to show her the special lion ornaments he’d added to the traditional balls he usually hung on the tree. Melissa made everything more enjoyable.Thank you, PLAYTIME.
Rocky leaned over and scooped her up into his arms. Keeping her steady against him, he took big steps to reach the car. Quickly, he tucked her into the passenger seat and buckled her belt. Rocky kissed her lightly before stepping back to close the door. He knew any date would feel like a holiday with Melissa in his life.
CHAPTER 13
She hesitated before sliding into Rocky’s car. All she had to do was inhale his scent imprinted inside and felt so much safer. Collapsing into the contoured seat, Melissa hugged herself to add one more layer of comfort.
“Little girl. You’re all right,” Rocky said and kissed her temple as he drew the seatbelt over her. He gently rearranged her arms to set the chest strap in place.
“You’re here. You make everything right.”
“I don’t think you needed my help with this one, Lissy. You had him scared.”
“I did, didn’t I?” she asked, proud of herself for standing up to him.
“You did.” Rocky pressed a hard kiss to her lips before standing up and shutting her door with a definite thump.
When Rocky slid in beside her, Melissa turned in her seat to look at him. “Daddy?”
“Yes, Lissy.”
“Thank you for teaching me to stand up for myself.”
