Page 109 of Maximus

Christ, she was killing me. Before I could say anything or kiss the hell out of her—which seemed to be a better option since I couldn’t find the words to explain all the ways her belief in me set off a chain reaction of emotions—she settled back down next to me. Eva’s head rested over my heart, which was appropriate since she’d snuck into my life and stolen it. Her hand went to my flank.

“Can I ask you something?” she whispered.

“You can ask me anything.”

“Why did you change your mind about me talking to the authorities?”

Eva’s change of topic had me reeling. “What?”

“Well, when Zane first brought it up, you were adamant we not come. What made you change your mind?”

“You did. What you said about needing to do this so you could move on and put the past where it belongs, in the past. I remembered that you’re not some damsel in distress, you’re strong, resourceful. And I admit, there’s a part of me that likes that you want to step up for Bubba and Zoey so they can put this behind them, too. But mostly, I’ve come to the realization that I can’t say no to you. I want to give you and the boys the life you deserve and to do that I have to let you be you. So, if that meant coming back to Alaska, a place I want you nowhere near, I’ll suck it up, be here with you, and make sure you’re safe to do what you need to do.”

If it was possible for a person to melt into another human, Eva nearly accomplished it. Her body had gone soft and pliant as she gave me more of her weight, snuggling so close we were damn near fused together.

This isn’t contentment, it’s goddamn euphoria.

“I…”

Eva started then stopped again, just like she’d done last night. So I prompted her the same way, hoping she’d finally say what I wanted to hear.

“You what, honey?”

“Nothing,” she mumbled, and disappointment ached in my chest.

I wanted to hear her say the words, so I could say them back.

“Thank you,” she continued.

“For what?”

“For understanding I have to talk to the authorities. For believing I’m strong. For taking care of me while I do this. I want it all behind me so we can move on. I need to be free of all my guilt, so I can come to you with a clear conscience.”

“You never have to thank me for taking care of you, Eva.”

“Well, I am all the same.”

I could barely speak past the tidal wave of emotions or the swelling in my chest. I’d given up trying to figure out what was so different about Eva that made me go from a cynic to a lovesick idiot. The fuck of it was, it had only taken her hours from the time I met her to start the transformation.

And every day since I first laid eyes on her, it was like I was reborn, reshaped, molded into this new man who I didn’t recognize but liked.

Eva’s breathing evened out and when I knew she was sound asleep, I kissed the top of her head and said the words I’d been fighting to keep under wraps.

“I think I’m in love with you, Eva,” I whispered.

Eva didn’t respond.

* * *

The Nesbett courthouse looked like any other municipal building. There was nothing particularly noteworthy or impressive as we rode the elevator up to the top floor. That morning after Eva had gotten ready for her meeting, she’d asked me my preference on what she did with the boys. I was torn. I wanted them with us so they were close but I also wanted them safely locked behind closed doors where no one would see them. After discussing it with Eva, she decided to leave them at the hotel.

I trusted they were in good hands with Anaya, but the rock in my gut became heavier the longer we were away from them.

“You know they’re gonna be fine,” Eva told me when we stepped off the elevator. “They like Anaya and she’s great with them.”

I could not believe Eva was consoling me about the boys.

So much for concealing my worry.