Page 74 of Drive Me Crazy

"If there's anything else I can help you with or questions I can answer for you, just let me know." I look at my watch, ready to get back to work.

Agent Adams scribbles in a book, never looking up. "Just one more question before I let you go."

"Alright." I crack my neck, finally drawing his attention.

"I want to make sure I have this right; you and Mrs. Carver are friends. You have no romantic ties?" He scratches his jaw, staring at me.

I square my shoulders, ready to dig in on him. "Huh, why do I get the feeling you're implying something that's gonna piss me off?"

"It's a simple question, but if you'd rather not answer it." He half shrugs.

"If you're asking if we're lovers, no, we’re not. But if you’re wanting to know if I love her, yes. I’ve always loved her, and I always will." My blood boils as he starts scribbling in his little book again. "You might want to also let everyone know; I've been in love with her since we were kids but hadn't spoken to her since the day of their accident."

His brows shoot up. "Did you know Carver was getting regular updates on you?"

"Like a private investigator?"

He nods. "Apparently he knew how you felt about his wife."

"Let's get one thing fucking clear," I grind my jaw. "the second that piece of shit laid hands on her, she was no longer his wife. He lost the right to call her that and didn't deserve her whatsoever. Not that he ever did to begin with."

"I agree." He hesitates. "For the record, this thing is done but I want you to know, I don't blame you for hating him. I would've felt the same way about the man who hurt the woman I loved."

I shake my head. "Love. I love her, but I'm not much better than Carver."

"How's that?" He narrows his eyes at me.

"I let her down, he should've never gotten that close to her." I shove my hands in my pockets to keep from hitting something.

He closes his book, tucking it under his arm. "Now I understand why you don't like me."

"What are you talking about? I don't know what you mean." I set my jaw.

"It was my job to protect her, not yours. I failed, not you." He smirks, reading me like a book. "Just an observation, but when we got to the scene, there was no way in hell anyone was getting to her. You put your body in front of a gun for her. If taking a bullet for someone means you don't deserve them, I need to up my game for my wife."

"Bullet?" I gape at him, dumbfounded.

He pats my back, smiling. "He fired his gun; we were faster and better aim."

"He tried to kill her." My skins crawls.

"Then I'd say it was a good thing you were there." He hands me his card. "I appreciate your time, if anything were to come up, you can reach me here. Ridge, you should give yourself a break. For you and her."

"Thanks, I appreciate it." My shoulders slump, giving in from all the pressure I've put myself under.

Mack walks over slowly. "Stop running!"

"I'm literally standing here." I chuckle.

She wheezes with a hand on her back. "Oh, it felt like you were running."

"What are you doing here?" I reach for her hand, pulling a chair around. "Sit down."

She glances at the seat and then to me. "If I get down, you gotta get me back up."

"When have I ever let you down, Babe?" I wink as she leans in and kisses my cheek.

"Never!" Her eyes float past me and she steps back. "On second thought, I need to pee."