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Biting her bottom lip, I smile. She’s nervous.
“Nope. I was taking some time to think, and then I had to find someone to watch Kraine. Thankfully Nolan and Becca at the grocery store took pity on me, and Kraine’s currently chewing on a bone in the back office, being treated like a king.”
Nolan and Becca. The Teagarden sisters. Sheriff Dunning. Pierce. They’re all there for people when they need them. I have a lot to learn.
We stare at each other as I take in every inch of her, and my memories of her aren’t doing me any justice. I swallow and ask, “And what did you decide?”
She takes a huff of air. “I decided…” She stops when she looks at Pierce, who has the biggest shit-eating grin that even takes me aback.
I growl at him, “You can leave now.”
“Hey, I’m the boss.”
“Leave.”
The man sighs and walks toward the door and turns. “I guess you’re off for another six?”
Nodding, I say, “That’s what I’m hearing from the doc.”
“Pierce pats the door frame. “I’ll back check in soon.”
“Not too soon,” I offer to get a chuckle from him.
“Right.”
Pierce gazes at Maitlyn and smiles at her, and I can’t stop my jaw from tightening. The man isn’t a threat, but I won’t let my guard down with any man. It’s my job to protect and uplift her, and I’ll do the best damn job ever.
“I’m Pierce since Jake’s lost his manners in your presence.”
Her shy smile gut-punches me. “Nice to meet you, Pierce. I’m Maitlyn. I’m Jake’s girlfriend.” Her beautiful blush rises on her cheeks. “If he’ll have me, of course.”
Pierce chuckles. “And that’s my cue to leave.” He doesn’t waste time. He makes sure the door is closed on his way out.
She turns and cups her hands together in front of her, like she wants to reach out to me, but is worried I’ll push her away. I yearn for her, too.
“I’m sorry I didn’t get here sooner.
Shaking my head, I open my arms. “You’re here now. Come here.”
“Is the boyfriend-girlfriend thing okay with you?”
“Hell yeah, it’s okay, but it won’t stay that way for long.
She stops walking and stares at me. “It won’t?”
“Nope. I’m gonna have my ring on that finger in no time.”
The biggest smile graces her lips, and she runs toward me and gets gentle when she hugs me.
“Baby, I’m not gonna break,” I say into her soft golden hair.
“You were shot. I’m not taking the chance.”
I kiss her head and clutch her tightly in my arms, and I finally feel peace when she embraces me as fiercely.
“You need to get back into bed, mister.”
“Only if you join me.”
