“No. I wish you hadn’t heard me.”
Like always, Ashton bore the hardship alone. She pushed off him, peered into his eyes. “I’m grateful I did. You shouldn’t go through this alone.” She offered a soft smile. “Your mom was…she was awesome and an amazing person. I see so much of her in you.”
“The emptiness never goes away. It haunts me. On every mission, I look for her in the faces of the hostages.”
Her heart was heavy, the tears welling in her eyes. This man was there for everyone, yet he refused to lean on anyone…ever. She had no idea he’d been struggling like this for so many years.
“She would be proud of the work you do, of the man you’ve become. You might feel like you’re alone, but I’m here. I’ve always been here.”
Pulling her close, he folded her into his arms. “You always know what to say or do to make me feel better. You are the only person who knows the good and the bad.” He dropped a tender kiss on her head. “We’ve got something pretty damn special, you know that?”
She wiped away the tears. “Yeah, I do.” She breathed easier knowing his secret. They were together and that was all that mattered.
“Thank you for…for being you. For being my rock. For being my beautiful Carly girl.”
“We’ve always been each other’s besties.”
“I missed you so much these past few days.”
She melted. “Me, too, Ash.”
They grew quiet. Moments later, his breathing changed, his sleep peaceful. She lay awake a long time, appreciating their tender embrace. She loved sharing a bed with him, loved the feel of his skin on hers. Loved how he let her comfort him. She loved so much about this man that she couldn’t imagine living her life without him.
2 0
T H I NGS GE T H O T T
“W hat’s that beeping?” Maverick asked. Carly bolted upright. “One of the trackers.” She rushed out and clicked on the software, silencing the alert. “Internado’s driving home.”
Maverick followed. “From where?”
“Greta’s.”
“At four forty in the morning?”
“Must’ve been one hell of a private party. I hope he goes back there tonight.”
“If you aren’t here, how do I stop the beeping?”
“My password is Carly the PI, all one word. Then, click the stop tab in the tracking program.”
Maverick’s boner bobbed, snagging Carly’s attention. She arched her brow before reaching into the cupboard for a can of coffee, causing her T-shirt to ride up, exposing her sexy ass. Now his boner was really bobbing. He bit back a smile. She was playing this way too cool.
“Kathy Internado is still in Richmond because their youngest daughter had her third child,” she said. “I’m guessing she drove down there to help out.”
“Do you want children?”
She whipped around. “What? Where did that come from?”
“I do.” He smiled. “Plus a dog, too.”
She sauntered close, peered up at him. “Were you asking because you’re ready to make one…now?”
He chuffed out a laugh. “What does Mrs. Black want?”
“The Mrs. would love a family one day, but today, she wants to catch Internado doing something morally reprehensible so Mr. Black can continue saving the world from bad guys.”
“I like your priorities. I’m going to take a shower and get to work.” Maverick draped his arms over her shoulders and stared into her sleepy eyes. “Thank you for being there for me last night.”
