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“If you ever want me to spend the night, all you have to do is call me.”
How about tomorrow night and the next and the next? I’m going to miss your warm body cuddled up to mine.” He pulled me into his arms and kissed me passionately. “Most of all, I’ll miss you holding me like this.”
13
Bailey
For the next two weeks, Cole stayed every other night with me, and it was a magical time. Then, he assumed his role as Viper and joined the Delta Force Guardians. Viper Like Steel, Ghost, Spartan, and the team rescued people and stood guard over them for protection. When he left to assist in the search for missing teenagers suspected of being abducted by child predators, I had no idea how long he’d be gone.
I resumed my daily running routine and visited Jaz and the babies regularly. My cookbook continued to sell well, and I started working on another one. Three weeks had passed since Cole left, and one day, while running, I decided to take a different route that led toward Izzy’s residence. I might have been a bit anxious about encountering Bo Taggert, but I shook it off.
As I ran, I sensed someone watching me, so I stopped and surveyed my surroundings. I spotted a large stick and picked it up, prepared to defend myself if necessary. I heard a chuckle and turned around.
“Two boys, about twelve years old, stood there, and I assumed they were Bo Taggert’s sons. “Hello,” I said, smiling.
“Hey,” one of them responded. “You’re on private property.”
“I apologize, I didn’t know that. Could you please direct me to the way to get off this private property?”
“Are you running away from someone?”
“No, I run because it makes me feel free. I know it may sound silly, but that’s why I run.”
“How far do you run?” one of the boys inquired. I might want to start running with you. It sounds fun.”
“Are you out of your mind? If Pa sees you running, he’ll just give you more chores to keep you occupied,” one of them remarked, I presumed he was talking about Bo Taggert.
“My name is Bailey Peterson,” I introduced myself. “I moved on the mountain almost a year ago but only started meeting people here a few months back.”
“She’s one of those Peterson’s,” one of the boys whispered to the other.
“Where did you live before coming here?”
“California. Someone was following me, trying to kill me. He already killed my sister Jackie. She was my only sister, and then I discovered I had more family when I moved here.”
“What happened to the man who wanted to kill you?”
“The police killed him.”
“I’ve seen you running around the mountain before. You always wore a sweatshirt with a hood.”
“Yeah, I was hiding from Donnie Turner. He was the guy hunting for me. Where do you live? Can I get a drink of water? I forgot to grab my water bottle.”
“Sure, but be really quiet so Pa doesn’t spot you; he’s been sick this week and might not like strangers on the property.”
“What’s wrong with him?”
“I don’t know, but Ma is upset because he refuses to go into town and see a doctor. Follow us, and we’ll get you some water.” I followed them through a grove of trees and entered a beautiful botanical garden. “It’s beautiful,” I whispered, not wanting to disturb the tranquility.
“Our Ma loves flowers, and Pa loves making her happy,” one of the boys explained.
I was taken back by this revelation, as it didn’t align with the tough image I had of Bo Taggert. Just then, I noticed a woman come out of the house. She stood on the porch, and more children came out of the house, all staring at me.
“Ma, this is Bailey; she forgot to bring her water on her run today. I’m going to get her a drink.”
“Hello,” I greeted, stepping forward. She had the same Peterson family eyes. She resembled Jackie, me, and the other cousins, except her hair was blonde. I wasn’t sure she would speak to me, but then she came down to greet me.
“Can you please help me? Bo is really sick, but he won’t let me get help. He’s stubborn most of the time, but I need you to help me. Come inside with me. Can you take a look at him? If he yells, ignore him. My name is Izzy.”
