Page 19 of Under the Radar

Her whimpering stopped.

“I’m right here, baby,” I said quietly. “You’re safe.”

She let out a little puff of air, her body relaxing. I kept stroking her head and murmuring words to her. She shuddered and went still, her breathing evening out.

I kept stroking her hair until I was sure she was deep into sleep again. I carefully stood and backed out of the room, keeping her door open.

In my room, I yanked off my shirt and jeans, then brushed my teeth. I dragged on some sleep pants and lay on my bed, keeping my door open as well. I wanted to be able to hear her if she had another nightmare.

I wasn’t sure what brought it on.

Maybe she was overtired? Or being in a new place? Thinking about going back to work? I recalled how tense she got when I mentioned Toronto. Maybe she’d had a bad experience there and talking about it brought back an unwelcome memory. I would have to tread carefully.

In the meantime, if she needed me, I was there for her.

* * *

I was at the table when she walked in the next morning. I smiled at her and tipped my pretend hat. “Morning, Officer.”

She laughed and shook her head. “Why are you up so early?”

“I’m often at the garage early. Gives me a chance to get things organized before everyone shows up.” I eyed her carefully as she poured a cup of coffee into a travel mug. “How’d you sleep?”

She frowned. “Okay. Why?”

I decided not to mention the nightmare right now. I shrugged. “I was wondering how comfortable you were on the floor. We’ll move your stuff tonight.”

“I was fine,” she assured me, twisting the lid on the mug tight. She offered me a smile.

“See you tonight.”

“No breakfast?”

She shook her head and grinned. “Cop. Donuts.”

I laughed as I carried my mug to the sink. “Well, have a good day, dear.”

She stopped beside me and smiled. “You too, Chase.” Then she kissed my cheek.

I watched her depart, leaving the warmth of her lips on my skin. I wanted to drag her into my arms and kiss her thoroughly. Send her to work with a real smile.

I hoped that one day, that would happen.

* * *

Dom chuckled. “You listening, kid?”

I shook my head. “Yeah, sorry. I missed that.”

He sat back, crossing his arms. His muscles bulged, and he looked scary. But he smiled. “What’s on your mind?”

“Oh, nothing important. I was walking around the house last night, looking at some jobs that needed to be done.”

Maxx came over, pouring a cup of coffee and taking a sip. “Houses and cars. Expenses never end.”

“So I’m discovering. I need to replace the fence and the roof.” I scratched my chin. “And I want to enlarge the deck out back. I like sitting there, but with the grill, there is really only room for one chair.” I had to laugh. “Never thought about those things when I just rented the place.”

Stefano came around the corner, hearing what I had just said. “Ownership. Whole other ball game. And you helped with my deck. I’ll help with yours. Fence too. Roofs, I know nothing about.”