“Last night.”
“So, the office has been unlocked this entire time?”
Maverick wanted to shout a string of obscenities at this stupid, selfish woman. “What the hell is your problem, Lisa? Your daughter almost died.”
“I have my own problems. I’ll let Cassandra know. She’s a very important lawyer.” And with that, Lisa hung up.
Carly’s better off without her.
He called Ed Stone next.
“Ed, this is Ashton Hott, Carly’s—”
“Hey, Ashton. How’ve you been?”
“Carly is in the hospital and—”
“What happened?”
“Someone tried to kill her.”
“Oh, dear. Was it because I suggested she meet clients in the park?”
What the hell is wrong with this family? “I shot out the back lock of your office building to get to her. I let Lisa know—”
“That bitch doesn’t care.”
“Since you own the building, I thought you’d want to know I arranged for a locksmith.”
“Thank you. Can I talk to Carly?”
“She’s sleeping.”
“When she’s better, you guys should visit. Florida is a nice change for me. Give her my love.”
Maverick hung up. He couldn’t fathom his family being so hard hearted. As her words floated back to him, he grasped the full weight of her fear. If we broke up, I would lose my best friend and his family. I would lose the people I love the most.
He returned to Carly’s bedside. “You’re not going to lose me,” he whispered. “Not ever. I will love you and keep you safe forever. You are my life, Carly.”
Her eyes fluttered open. “You are mine, too,” she whispered.
2 7
T O GE T H E R
A shton had fallen asleep in the hospital chair, his head resting on Carly’s lap while she stroked his hair and back. Being able to touch him made her deeply happy. Despite her exhaustion and pain, she was grateful to be alive.
The doctor entered and he sat up.
“How are you feeling?” the physician asked.
“About the same,” she rasped out.
“Were you able to eat something?”
She wrinkled her nose. “A few bites.”
He shone his light into one eye, then the other. “Open your mouth.” He shone the light, then switched it off. “Your blood tests look good. While you did go into cardiac arrest, your heart is otherwise very healthy.” He examined her neck. “Those bruises will heal.” He checked her wrists and ankles. “I’d get some aloe for those rope burns.”
