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He saw the trembles each time they crossed over her body. Though she made no other reaction.
They were back at his house in short time. A movie stretched the evening out, and when it was bedtime, he tried to erase the day from his mind by making sweet, slow love to her.
The alarm the next morning jolted too soon. Eve rolled out of bed first, taking a shower and making breakfast while he lagged behind. He didn’t want to start a new day. He wanted to lounge in bed. Touch her. Soothe her. Himself some. Forget the world and the troubles in it.
When he pulled into the back alley behind the cafe, he wrapped his hand around her neck, pulling her closer.
His lips were soft when all he wanted to do was crash them upon hers. Release all the anguish, the frustration, and the love he held back. But knowing she needed slow and easy, he refrained from making a fool of himself.
“I…”love you.“Wish we could’ve stayed in bed all day long today.”
She smiled against his lips. “Next time say something and we can play hooky.”
He knew neither of them would’ve done it, but it was nice to pretend.
Then his hand tightened and his expression turned fierce. “Call me if you have any problems. And I mean anything.”
She backed away as best as she could with his hand still wrapped around her neck, frowning. “Nothing’s going to happen. I told you Darrian isn’t stupid.”
Yeah, and now they had an unknown entity to deal with as well. Someone who’d been breaking into her home since the moment she arrived. Griffin didn’t know why or what this person had been doing, and having the unknown glaring at him wasn’t something he enjoyed. It unnerved him.
“Doesn’t mean I won’t worry.”
She pressed her lips against his as if that would dispel the unease in his stomach. It didn’t, but he enjoyed her sweet touches anytime she bestowed them.
Then she was slipping out of the car, and he worried for some inexplicable reason that she was slipping from his life.
Eve figuredafter finding the cameras and knowing she hadn’t been going crazy that her anxiety would settle down. Instead, it was in full-blown panic mode. She sensed Griffin on edge, disappointed in himself he still had no answers. Three days had gone by since he located the cameras and nothing. Of course, rushing the process couldn’t be done. As soon as forensics finished doing their job, hopefully, they’d have the answers they wanted.
On top of that, today was the day she’d see Darrian for the first time since she fled. She knew that was the reason for the majority of her anxiety. Just seeing his face.
Juliet had given her the day off despite her protests. She’d go to court and then go to work. But Juliet knew her better than she knew herself. Or the simple fact she’d been through this sort of thing herself. Once court was finished, she’d need a breather from everyone.
Even Griffin.
Of course, telling him that wouldn’t go over well. He wouldn’t understand. She knew Juliet would, but the thought of talking about it frightened her.
“You ready?” Griffin popped his head into the bathroom doorframe with a gentle smile.
She knew he was hiding his own worry behind the easy twist of his lips. Their worries were completely opposite though. She feared Darrian would get his way and the protection order would be null and void. Griffin worried about her and how she’d react to everything.
Her brush hit the counter with a soft thud as she nodded and returned a smile. It didn’t reach her eyes, but if he could pretend then so could she. They walked out of the bathroom and toward the front door.
“I thought we’d have some lunch two towns over afterward. Rosetta’s has some of the best Italian dishes in the area.”
She strapped her purse over her shoulder, maintaining her smile. “Let’s see how the day goes first.”
Griffin brushed a hand across her cheek. “I won’t let him hurt you. You don’t even have to speak to him. Don’t let him ruin your day.”
Too late.
Darrian had ruined every day of her life. It was impossible not to let him ruin another one.
They left, arriving in town way earlier than they needed to. But better to be early than late. They swung by Mocha Merriment to grab a cup of coffee. No one said anything to her about the upcoming court appearance, but she could see it in their eyes they wanted to. Ugh. She still hadn’t gotten used to that part of small-town life. Everyone knowing your business.
When they walked into the courthouse, she blinked in surprise seeing Juliet and Bryce standing in front of the doors that would lead to her fate.
“What are you two doing here?” She wished her voice sounded steadier. More in control of her emotions.
