“What about Ivan’s men?” she suggested. “They’re always around here somewhere.”
Liam smirked. “It’s all right, Ms. Parker. I get the hint. I’ll find someone else to take me down.”
For heaven’s sake, you ninny, he’s asking you to drop him off at a funeral. He didn’t ask to spend the night with you,” she thought, chastising herself.
“I’m sorry. It’s nothing against you. I still have two units to check. Sometimes, I get pulled away, and I don’t want you to miss it,” she informed him while she fiddled with her pen.
“Again, I’ll find someone else,” he reiterated firmly, but his eyes said something entirely different. It seemed as if he guessed her thoughts completely.
She shot him a nod before turning toward the next unit. Anger brewed in her chest as he simply nodded and went to speak to one of the female veterans in the lounge area, not giving her a second thought.
Addyson groaned as she stopped dead in her tracks and stomped toward him. When she stepped closer, he stopped talking to his friend and arched an eyebrow at her.
“Did you forget something?” he asked, seeming almost amused.
“Be at the entrance at 1500, and I’ll take you,” she said curtly before turning around and walking away.
“Thank you,” he called after her, making her grit her teeth in annoyance.
She finished her final rounds, grabbed her coat, and made her way to the entrance. Liam stood tall and proud in his dress blues. When he saw her coming, he held the door open for her and followed her to her car.
“Thank you again for taking me,” he said, breaking the silence as she backed her vehicle.
“It’s no problem. As you mentioned, I live in town,” she replied coldly as she turned onto the mountain roads.
The rain started again, making her groan. She loved the mountain on sunny days, and the winter turned into a wonderland. The rainy times, however, made her think of Sam’s funeral and all the promises never fulfilled.
“Since we’re riding in the car together, may I call you by your first name?” he asked, breaking the silence.
“I’m Addyson,” she told him, gripping the wheel and slowing down around the curves.
“If you’re not comfortable driving in this, I’m happy to take over,” he offered, watching her.
“I’m used to the rain. When we met this morning, Kassie warned us of some trees falling. It has me on edge,” she confessed.
“Yes, the weather has stunk the last few days. It makes everyone melancholy. Even the kids in the nursery feel it. I haven’t heard the twins cry for the last two days,” he told her.
Knowing he spoke of the founders, Chase, and Kassie’s babies, she laughed. “It’s pure chaos. I don’t know how Kassie stays organized with all the kids. The twins have settled into a predictable sleeping pattern these days. It seems like the whole nursery quiets down when they do.”
“One of the Security Serenities team members, Whiskey, took me to the nursery and introduced me to his daughter, Ari. He’s completely smitten by her. His son LJ ran into the room before checking in for afterschool care and I’ve never seen two people brag over a baby as much as they do.”
“Usually, his wife, Samantha, keeps Ari with her. She must be on a business trip,” she surmised as she came around the next tight curve.
Thunder crashed, and lightning lit up the sky, and the tree leaned over the road as Addyson slammed on her brakes. Liam grabbed the wheel, turning it away from the tree, sending them down the muddy mountain. The car bounced off trees. One of the windows in the back broke. The car spun a hundred and eighty degrees before jerking to a stop. A big crack sounded in the air. Addyson jumped as Liam unbuckled her and pulled her lower in the seat. The broken tree crashed through the driver’s side window. Liam’s quick actions saved her life.
“Are you all right?” he asked, peering down at her as she lay halfway in his lap.
“Yes. I think so,” she answered shakily. “What about you?”
“My leg is pinned under the dash,” he said calmly. “Do you have your phone? We’ll have to call Doc.”
“What about the police?” she asked, listening as the car creaked. Her hand clutched Liam’s as she wondered if the car would slide down further.
“They only have two officers on duty at one time. Doc knows the mountain. He can get here faster,” he said, brushing the blood from her forehead. “You have a small gash. It might take a few stitches. Do you have a headache?”
“No,” she said softly as his tender touch sent her trembling.
“Addyson. Where’s your phone?” he prompted her again.
