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The engine turns off, and the blazing lights are gone. I blink a few times, my vision coming into focus just as the car door slams shut, and a tall frame moves closer, coming to a stop at the porch.
It’s been years since I saw Chase Williams. The guy has always been built. Hell, he even used to play defense on the football team. But it seems like he somehow got bigger in the time he’s been gone. He has at least a couple of inches on me. His muscled arms are crossed over his chest as he frowns at me, a disapproving look on his face. And he’s not the only one. What looks like a German Shepherd is standing by his side. The dog’s dark black and brown fur makes him blend with the night, except for his eyes. Those dark eyes watch me carefully, and I have a feeling that if I make one wrong move, the animal won’t have a problem jumping at me and ripping my throat out.
Still, I lift my chin a bit higher. He might be Rebecca’s big brother and have some kind of wolf mix next to him, but I wouldn’t cower in front of him.
“Chase,” Rebecca pushes past me, her voice slightly breathy from our kiss. “You’re back.”
That icy gaze stays on mine for a heartbeat longer before it shifts to his sister. “I came as soon as I could. Did you find her?” he asks in a low tone.
“Yes.” Becky pushes a strand of her hair behind her ear. “She’s in bed. She got all the way to town, looking for Dad.”
That frown between Chase’s brows grows deeper, but he just nods, a contemplative expression on his face.
Rebecca places her hand on his forearm. “She’s fine.”
Chase visibly flinches, but he doesn’t pull back. Instead, he meets her gaze. “And you?”
“I will be.”
Another nod as he clears his throat. “I’ll be inside.”
With one final glare in my direction, he turns on the balls of his feet and walks away. I watch his stiff back, and for the first time, I notice something else.
A limp.
It’s barely discernible, but it’s definitely there.
“Is he okay?” I ask once he’s out of earshot.
Rebecca turns to me, a surprised look on her face. Almost like she forgot I was there for a second.
“Yeah, he…” She lets out a sigh. “He was injured, but he’s been doing better.”
“I’m so sorry, Rebecca.”
“He’s home and in one piece, that’s the only thing I could have ever asked for.”
The words are even; like she repeated them enough times, they’ve become a mantra. Then again, when you go off to war, there are no guarantees. Hell, there are no guarantees anywhere.
“Re—” I start, reaching for her, but she takes a step back, glancing away.
“I should go. Check in on Mom.” Another step back. “I… Thanks for helping today.”
Her fingers curl around the doorknob.
“Yeah, sure.”
“Goodnight, Miguel.” With one final glance at me, she steps into the house.
“Ni—” The door closes before I can even finish. “—ght.”
I run my hand over my face, my thumb skimming over my lips. I swear I could still feel Rebecca’s mouth pressed against mine. Feel her taste on my tongue.
Fuck.
What the hell have I done?
REBECCA
