Page 84 of Driven to Love

Chapter 24

From the corner of her eye, Addison watched Nash as he drove. After the police took her statement and the paramedics checked her over, they released her.

Sitting across from him now, it was clear. No matter how much she loved this man, she couldn’t be in his life.

Hers was a train wreck. This new revelation broke her heart more than she ever thought it could. She’d always thought she had her shit together, but after the last few weeks, between Amber and now Corey, she couldn’t inflict her screwed-up life on Nash and Davey. Even if they thought they could handle it.

Davey. Tears stung her eyes. She loved that kid. She didn’t know how, but in this short time, they’d formed a bond that was stronger than Addison had thought possible to have with a child.

And Nash. Shit. A tear rolled over her lash line.

“Hey, it’s okay.” He reached over and squeezed her hand.

The warmth of his touch made her tears flow even faster.

Life was unfair. Here sat the perfect family guy, the one she’d been searching for. Internally, she snorted. Of course, she’d never thought she was the problem in her relationships. But now she could see it. She wanted the perfect little family, but her life didn’t fit that mold.

Maybe someday, but not now. Right now, her life was a dumpster fire. And she couldn’t drag Nash and Davey into it.

He pulled up in his driveway and parked.

Addison reached for the door.

“Wait. Let me.” Nash scooted around the front of the truck and opened her door like the gentleman he was.

Crap. The tears flowed harder.

“Oh baby. Let’s get you inside. I’ll run you a nice, hot bath.”

She nodded. No words came as she followed him into the bathroom.

She leaned against the counter and watched him test the water. When the tub was full, he gave her a sad smile. Blue eyes bore into hers. He grabbed the door handle.

Don’t leave. The words hung on the tip of her tongue. He was a gentleman, but she didn’t want that right now. She wanted him, even if she shouldn’t.

But he didn’t leave. Nash locked the door. With sure steps, he approached her and cradled her face. “Do you want me to help you?”

She nodded.

With sure fingers, he undressed her, then scooped her up in his powerful arms and carried her to the tub. He slipped her into the water.

She hissed.

“Too hot?” Concern crossed his face.

“No.” Her torn skin from the bindings ached from the warmth. No doubt it was good for them, but she’d seen the look of murder in Nash’s eyes when he rescued her. The last thing she wanted was to see the pain that quickly followed when he realized she’d been injured. Even if it was only some chafing and bruising.

Once she was fully seated in the tub, Nash stepped back. She reached for him, staying him with a touch.

She should thank him, but the words stuck in her throat.

Tell him to leave.

She couldn’t. Instead, she leaned into the moment of weakness. “Stay.”

He hesitated, scanning her face for signs. To stay? To go?

She bit her lip.