I squeeze my eyes shut and breathe slowly, just like he told me to when he was keeping me together, his body surrounding mine, holding me up and letting me fall apart, all at once.
“My mom,” I repeat, voice cracking. “She died during childbirth. And I know I didn’t actually kill her, I know it’s not my fault, but…” I cling harder, and he clings right back. “But if she hadn't had me, or been pregnant or alone, she would still be here.”
“Oh, Georgia.” He sighs, trying to turn around.
I shake my head. “No, let me just… I need to get it out. I need to tell someone.”
He stills for a long moment, then softens. “I wanna be that someone.”
My breath hiccups, and I ignore the way those words make me feel.
“She was eighteen when she passed. Born and raised here, in Heart Springs, but she left at some point. I’m not sure if it was when she was already pregnant, or if that happened after she left, but she wound up in West Virginia. All I have is my birth certificate, hers, and her death certificate. No pictures, or records of anything else.”
“How…” He trails off. “Never mind, you don’t—”
“She hemorrhaged,” I murmur and he flinches. “The hospital couldn’t handle the extent of her blood loss. She passed quickly, I think, but she was alone, and she didn’t list a father, so I…”
“You were in foster care, weren’t you? Like Aurora?”
I nod against him, but don’t I answer. For a long time, neither of us speaks, but when he finally breaks the silence, I’m surprised by how quickly he’s put it all together.
“That’s why you’re here. In Heart Springs. You’re lookin’ for answers, then you’ll go back.” He releases a rough breath. “Said you only signed a six-month contract.”
My eyes snap open, and I loosen my hold on him. “You remember I said that?”
He scoffs, chuckling quietly and glances at me over his shoulder. In the dark, I can barely make out his stormy eyes. “Spent nearly a decade in the Rangers fightin’ for my life, baby. Really think I didn’t pick up a skill or two?”
I blush, my body lighting up at the nickname—nearly fell out of the saddle the first time he said it. That paired with the smile on his face, laughter in his deep voice, and the feeling of his softshirt against chiseled muscles brushing my skin—it’s too much and not enough.
It’s also a terrible time for my core to wake up, or my nipples to stand at attention.
Really terrible.
He’s going to think tears and death make me horny.
“I guess,” I murmur, stepping back. “But yeah, my contract is six months—so is my lease. I figured if I can’t find anything in that amount of time, I never will.”
Honestly, I’m not sure what my plan is. I love Heart Springs. Love the people I’ve met, the shops downtown, and the environment. I’ve missed the country. Missed the storms that rage, and the rainbows that follow. Breezes filled with petrichor and animals instead of smog.
There’s not a whole lot tying me to my life in New York. I gave up my apartment to move here, sold half my belongings, and yeah, quitting Safe Haven was hard, but I’ve loved the work here just as much—maybe more.
Abby’s in New York. But, she’s about the only person I’d truly miss. My heart would ache for the other friends I’ve made, but nearly two months away and I haven’t heard from a single one of them. Just her.
Could I leave Abby? Could I stay here? Do I even want to?
Kade crosses his arms and looks away, bearded jaw ticking. “And then it’s back to New York.”
The words sound like they were dragged over gravel.
“Are you…” My eyes narrow, my heart skipping a beat or five at his tone. “Are you mad at me?”
The thought makes my stomach hollow out and nausea crawl up my throat.
“No,” he mutters, sounding very much mad.
I press a hand to his arm and his gaze snaps back to mine so fast, I drop it. He snatches it back up and uses the grip to tug me forward. I stumble into his body with a sharp inhale.
“You didn’t keep up your end of the deal, darlin’,” he rumbles, throwing me for a damn loop. I feel like I have whiplash. “You were cryin’ because my family made you sad. Made you think of all the shit you’ve lost, right?” His Adam's apple bobs as he drops his voice and presses a hand to my chest, right over my heart. “You ran and hid away becausethishurt too much to stay. Right?”
