AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Cole transferred Vickie to the orderly who turned to take her through the emergency entrance. He then disappeared down a hall immediately to the right which housed the entire medical wing of the large complex.
Lauren felt so relieved that sudden tears started to her eyes. Vickie was safe and that was all that mattered.
“Can you two stay for a bit? I always have fresh coffee ready until well into the morning.” She glanced up at the sky. “Although, it’s getting close to dawn. You’re welcome to bunk here for the day, if you’d like. I always keep a couple of guest apartments free just in case.”
“Thanks, but we’d better be going,” Lauren said. “Cole has to get back to Savage. But I’ll be here first thing in the evening since my shift starts at eight.”
“Good. I’ll let you go then. Thanks again, Cole, for helping us out. Appreciate it.”
“Anytime.”
Maeve was already moving as she lifted her hand in a farewell wave.
Lauren turned in the direction of the driveway. They wouldn’t have trouble leaving the Landing. Maeve’s security spell was designed to let anyone out. You just had to get permission to come back in.
Given the nature of Maeve’s refuge and that she had over a hundred people living on the premises, it was the only way to run the operation. One full-time staff person processed all the calls requesting admittance.
Cole turned toward her. “Is it okay with you if I see you home? I won’t come in, but I’d be easier if I knew you’d arrived home safe.”
“That’s fine.” She lifted slowly in the air and he joined her.
With Vickie in safe hands and the adrenaline on the wane, Lauren was left with a dull sensation. Now that she was in flight and would be home in less than a minute, she was forced to face the reality that Cole would be taking off. She didn’t know when she’d see him again.
Several thoughts flew through her mind at once, things that maybe she could say to keep him around, but nothing suitable came to mind. Cole had helped her rescue Vickie, but little had changed between them. She might have healed his knee, but he still didn’t trust her or her kind.
She therefore remained silent as he flew beside her.
By the time they reached her home, panic had set in. She didn’t want him to leave, but she had no idea what to say that might persuade him to stick around or even to agree to see her again, so they could talk. But she had to do something to let him know she still wanted him. She just wasn’t sure what.
~ ~ ~
As Cole descended to Lauren’s front walk, the adrenaline in his system was still pumping and had given him a serious high. He kept thinking about the miracle of picking the girl up in his arms and having enough presence of mind to get her past four bodyguards.
When he touched down, he turned to face Lauren. “Thanks for including me. I apologize for refusing to help at first. If you need me again, I want you to call. This was great tonight.”
A slow smile curved Lauren’s lips. “We got her to the Landing safely.” She pressed a hand between her breasts. “Nothing else matters.”
“It doesn’t, does it?”
He stared into her soft violet eyes. He wanted to say something more, but nothing came to mind.
He knew only one thing. He didn’t want to leave. If it had been earlier in the evening, he would have asked her to go for a drink, just to talk the adventure out.
But it was late, and he should leave.
Besides, he didn’t want to give her any false hopes by sticking around.
He was about to say his good-byes, when she moved into him and planted a kiss on his lips.
He was startled for a moment then realized this was exactly what he wanted: To be with her one last time. But would she go for it?
She drew back. “Thanks so much, Cole. You were fantastic tonight. The way you maneuvered the three of us out of the hall at just the right time and in just the right way. You did good.”
He took a small step toward her, unable to help himself.
She gasped softly, and her hand reached for him, connecting with his arm. He swore electricity arced between them.
He stared into her eyes and watched her lips part. Her eyes dilated, and her tropical-citrus scent rose in a wave of sensation that almost knocked him flat.
