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“Sometimes.”
Goosebumps spread across my skin. His eyes darkened, reflecting a flicker of the fairy lights above us.
“Bad people?” I asked.
“Always.”
“And you did that on your own?”
“We had a team, so no, I wasn’t alone. And we were good at our job. We had each other’s backs, and it kept us safe.” He blinked and rose to sit up, swinging his legs over the lounger. I took a sip of the cooling tea, waiting for him to gather his thoughts.
“Do you feel safe?” he asked.
I smiled. “I do. I honestly don’t understand all the security.”
“Predicting a madman’s plan is science.”
Was I taking the threat too lightly? “Yeah, but they can’t do anything. I mean, I want nothing to do with the Hartleys.”
“I know that, and you know that, but they don’t.”
“So, let me tell them.”
He burst out a laugh. “You’re not getting anywhere near Chad.”
“But if you cut the snake’s head—”
“Another one may grow. Let me take care of this, Grace.”
“How long will it take? Not that I mind you staying here. I appreciate the extra, um, unnecessary caution.”
“Until we eliminate the threat and you’re back on your feet. The salon will need renovations, which we’ll do virtually, and by the time you go back to work, it will be all over.”
“And after then? What will you do once I’m no longer a target?” I asked.
He drew in a lungful of air and released it with a whistle. “I don’t know.”
Rain pounded against the glass in tune with my heart, except I wasn’t sure whether it synched with Hunter’s. He had no idea what he wanted and no future plans. But he had space for me, and my time was running out. I finished my tea and stood up.
“I should go to sleep. I’ll call Emma first thing in the morning to come over.” If anyone could get me to the clinic, it was my best friend.
“All right.”
“And I’d like an update on the Hartleys and who’s telling them that I want anything to do with their estate.”
“Of course.” He nodded.
I went to bed confused, but refocused on the goal. Except somewhere deep in my dreams, that goal painted a picture of Hunter pushing our son on a swing underneath the willow tree by the pond. They fed the koi fish and kicked a ball as I rubbed my swollen stomach. The sound of their laughter rose over the croaking of the toads.
The clatter of dishes forced my eyes open, rousing me from the quick dream. The sun was shining between the drapes and birds were chirping beyond the open window. I stretched, hopped out of bed, brushed my teeth, and changed out of my pajamas before dialing Emma’s number.
“I need you here right now. It’s an emergency.”
Downstairs, Hunter had set out breakfast in the sunroom. The smell of coffee and croissants filled the house.
“You baked?” I asked.
“They were frozen. I just popped them in the oven. Good morning. Did you sleep well?”
