She reached out and squeezed my arm. “You aren’t alone in dealing with this. And I know you’d have my back if the roles were reversed.”
I’d had to walk Aspen through a brief overview of what was happening with Adam since there was a chance he could show up here again. She’d been understanding and empathetic. She’d also told me I wasn’t going to be closing alone anytime soon.
“I like working at the café,” Cady added helpfully. “I’m a good worker.”
I laughed and booped her adorable little nose. “You are the best worker.”
Her little chest puffed out. “Did you hear that, Mama?”
“I did.” Aspen lifted her daughter into her arms. “I think you’ve earned an ice cream sundae for dessert. What do you say?”
Cady pumped her fist in the air. “Yes, yes, yes!”
I grinned. “Sounds like a good reward to me.”
We grabbed our purses and headed out. We were only parked a few vehicles apart, and Aspen waited while I climbed into my SUV. I gave her a wave, and she got Cady into their station wagon. I waited until Aspen was behind the wheel and then pulled out.
As I wove my way back to the cabin, I breathed a little deeper. I’d been on edge all day, just waiting for Adam to show his face. But I hadn’t seen a single glimpse of him. Hope flared somewhere deep. Maybe work had called him away, and he’d forgotten all about me. It was a naïve hope, but it was far better than the alternative.
I turned into my gravel drive and made my way to the cabin. Searching the surrounding area, I didn’t see any signs of another soul, so I got out and hurried to the door. Unlocking it, I stepped inside and locked it again. Air whooshed out of me. Home. Safe.
I looked around the space and took in all the new furniture. Warmth spread through me at what these pieces would always signify: friendship, care, and love.
Crossing to the couch, I flopped down onto it. My ribs barely protested now, so I knew they were healing. I set my purse down on the coffee table and pulled out my phone. Unlocking it, I scanned the messages. My heart sank as I zeroed in on one.
Unknown Number
Come home with me or your best friend loses his badge.
My stomach twisted, and saliva pooled in my mouth. This wasn’t happening. But I should’ve known it wouldn’t take long for Adam to resort to threats.
I closed my eyes and breathed deeply. This wasn’t Atlanta. Adam didn’t have pull here. But the Hartleys did. Their family had deep roots and were probably the most well-respected residents in town. Adam might try to mess with Nash, but he wouldn’t succeed. Still, that didn’t mean he wouldn’t make Nash’s life miserable for a while. That idea had guilt swirling in my belly.
Tires crunched on the gravel, and I leapt to my feet, hurrying over to the window and peeking outside. Two police department SUVs made their way down the drive and parked. Nash slid out of one, and Lawson the other.
I crossed to the door and opened it as they climbed the front steps. “Hey.” My gaze swept over both of them. Nash’s expression was unreadable. Something about that made me sick to my stomach. “Is everything okay?”
He nodded. “Just a long day.” He pressed a kiss to my temple as he moved inside. “I’m gonna grab a shower and get changed.”
“Okay…”
Nash disappeared down the hallway before I could say anything else.
I sent Lawson a worried look.
He gave me a reassuring smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You got any soda around here?”
“Sure. Coke work?”
“That’d be perfect.”
I grabbed two sodas from the fridge and met Lawson in the living room, handing him one.
“Thanks,” he said as he lowered himself to the couch.
I toyed with the tab on my Coke before cracking it open. “I met Charlie’s best friend.”
Lawson’s expression lightened at that. “Cady’s a real firecracker.”
