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Trevor was still considering the options. She noticed that the wariness hadn’t left his eyes. “Then you’re staying here, with me. That way, I’ll know you’re safe.”
“I can’t just sit around here like some fearful hostage. I’ve got a job—”
“With Claud.”
“That will be rectified very shortly.”
“Then stay with me for a couple of days—”
“Just that long?”
Trevor smiled despite his fears. “You’re welcome forever, you know that. As far as going to work, forget it. You’d be too vulnerable.”
“I can’t—”
“Let that accountant take care of things.”
“For how long?”
“As long as it takes for the private investigator to put the pieces together and convince the police that Claud’s dangerous.”
“Oh, Trevor, you’re jumping at shadows. Claud would never hurt me.”
“That’s a chance I’m not willing to take.”
Seeing that there was no way she could convince him otherwise, she gave in. “In that case, I’d better dash home and pack a few things.”
“I think it would be safer if you stayed here.”
Ashley smiled indulgently. “I’ve lived in these clothes for two days. I need to change into something more practical than heels, a silk blouse and a skirt. I feel positively grody.”
Trevor’s eyes slid down her body. “You look great.”
“But I feel sticky. Now, nothing you have here is going to fit, so I’d better go home and pack a few things. I’ll be perfectly safe. Mrs. Deveraux is home; I just called her a few minutes ago.”
“I don’t know—”
“Give me a break, Trevor.”
“All right. I’ll come with you,” he said finally, reaching for his wallet and stuffing it into his back pocket.
“I thought you had to stay here and wait for Everett’s call.”
“The recorder will take the message. Or, he’ll call back.”
“But—”
“You’re stuck with me, okay? I’ve worried enough about you and I’m not about to let you out of my sight, not until I’m satisfied that you’re not in any danger.”
“Worrywart.”
Trevor helped her with her coat and his fingers lingered on the back of her neck. “It’s just that I can’t take any chances,” he said roughly, his voice catching on the words. “You’re the most important thing in my life.” Gently he touched her shoulders, forcing her to turn and face him. “Nothing else matters—my career, this house—” he gestured widely to encompass all of the estate “—nothing. Unless you’re with me.”
“But for so many years—”
“I was alone. I lived, Ashley, and I thought I could bury myself in my work. I guess I was somewhat satisfied. But then in December, when I saw you again, I knew that I’d been living a lie and that I could never go back to that empty life again.”
“But you didn’t call, or write. I didn’t hear anything from you.”
