Page 32 of Maggie’s Match

Several people agreed as arms wrapped around her waist. It helped to keep her on her feet since she doubted that she had the energy to stand much longer.

Without saying a word, the sheriff nodded to the younger officer, who quickly disappeared from sight.

When Rick stepped into the lobby, it was to his entire family cheering. His parents hugged him, but he pulled away and rushed over to where she’d been shoved into a seat.

Feeling his arms wrapped around her was the best medicine she could have asked for. They held onto one another until he gently lifted her in his arms and carried her outside, following the rest of his family.

She was set inside the back of someone’s car, Rick still holding her as she half listened to him talking, telling the story. Then he held her as the car grew silent. The sound of the motor along with his heartbeat next to her ear lulled her to sleep.

She didn’t wake until he shifted to carry her inside. The sun was just coming up, and she doubted she could open her eyes fully.

“Sleep,” he said softly. “You’re in my room.”

She didn’t have the energy to argue and honestly didn’t care. He laid her on the bed, and she was happily surprised when he settled next to her. He held her, comforted her.

“Maggie, I know you probably won’t remember this, but I love you,” he whispered as she drifted off.

Chapter Twelve

Rick woke with a start. The bed next to him was empty and cold. Sitting up, he ran his hands over his face and then winced as a sharp pain split across his lip and eye.

“Shit,” he groaned.

“Here.” Maggie rushed into the room, wearing the same sweat clothes she’d been wearing at the police station. She held a wet washcloth in her hand and had a small box in the other. “I went and got the med kit from Becca’s bathroom.”

He took the cloth from her as she sat on the edge of the bed.

“Are you okay?” he asked, taking her hand after setting the cloth down.

“I am. “Thanks to you,” she said, avoiding his eyes.

“He touched you,” he said softly.

She closed her eyes. “Not now.” She shook her head and, to his horror, a tear slid down her cheek. He gently wiped it away, happy that she didn’t flinch or jerk away.

“Later,” he agreed. He relaxed when her eyes opened and settled on his face.

“Now, let me take care of you.” She motioned to his face. “I hear your family stirring, and I know they’re going to want answers before they head home.”

“Right.” He sighed. Then he held still while she wiped all the dried blood away from his face. He knew it would be easier and faster to just let a hot shower wash everything away, but something told him that she needed to do this little bit.

“Better?” he asked, already knowing he had a black eye and a fat lip.

He’d been raised on a ranch. He had been bucked off a horse or kicked by a cow enough times to know what it felt like.

“Better,” Maggie agreed, cupping his face in her hands. “You’ll want to put a steak on that eye.”

“I think I smell some cooking out there. Wait for me?” He nodded towards the bathroom. “I’ll be a minute.”

She nodded. “I grabbed a change of clothes.” She pointed to her bag just inside the door.

“Do you want a shower?”

She shook her head. “I showered at the hospital. I’ll shower again after your family leaves.”

He leaned over and gently placed a kiss on the top of her head. “I’ll be just a moment.”

When he came back out, she was sitting on the edge of the bed in a pair of worn jeans and one of her button-up shirts. She even had her worn riding boots on.