“Of course.” Lynn reached to give her friend a hug. “I do appreciate the offer to stay with you.”
“And it’s open any time, just say the word.”
Mia didn’t stay interested in the toys for long before she was back and fussing at her daddy’s feet. Nathan scooped her up in his arms. “I’m pretty sure this little gal is hungry. We’d better get going.” He nodded to Lynn. “I’ll drop you back off at your place.”
“Sounds good.” Lynn turned and hugged her friend again. “I’ll see you here tomorrow morning. I’ll drive myself since I plan on leaving from here to go back to the hospital.”
Sharon agreed. She smiled and waved goodbye as they made their way out.
Once she’d secured her seatbelt, Lynn covered a yawn as exhaustion set in. She’d dozed a little at the hospital earlier this morning, but otherwise, she’d been awake since before two. She planned on eating a sandwich, calling the hospital for an update on Perry, and then getting some sleep.
Nathan pulled up to Lynn’s place. “I know this probably sounds silly, but if you’ll give me your keys, I’ll check your place out first. Make sure Jeb hasn’t messed with it.”
Lynn handed him her keys and then grinned as he walked up to her house. She turned to look at Mia in the back seat. “Your daddy sure is a gentleman. Did you know that?” She reached back and tweaked the little girl’s knee, earning herself a giggle. “Yes, he is.”
She scanned the street in front of her house, noting the cars. She wished she’d made more of a point to know her neighbors. It’d be easier to spot a car that wasn’t supposed to be here. If she could get a license plate, it would help.
Nathan returned and opened the passenger door before handing the keys to Lynn. “Everything’s all clear. If something comes up and you’re worried, call me, okay?”
She nodded but Nathan ducked his head to look into her eyes. “I mean it.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I’ve been meaning to ask…Can I still call you Lynn? Or would you prefer Bethany?”
“I’d love it if you called me Lynn.”
He nodded, a hint of relief in his eyes. “I can understand why you left the music industry behind. I can even get why you changed your name and tried to start over again.” He paused. “But I have to ask: If things only get harder now that Jeb knows where you are, is leaving again an option?”
“No.” She didn’t even have to think about it. “I’ve built my life here, and I have no intention of letting that go. I may have to deal with some things I tried to escape from, but I suppose that was going to happen eventually.” Lynn gave him a reassuring smile. “I’m not going anywhere.” She held her breath then, hoping and praying the same would be true for him. That he’d be willing to weather the difficult days ahead—preferably together.
He smiled in return. “Good. I’d better get Mia home.”
She wished he didn’t have to go. “Thanks for everything today. For the hospital, the ride, and for clearing my place.” She waved goodbye to Mia before getting out and closing the door behind her. Nathan stood close enough for Lynn to get a whiff of his aftershave. Memories of what it was like to be held in his arms came flying back. She needed to get inside before she made a fool of herself. “I hope you and Mia have a good night.”
“You, too, Lynn. Be careful.” He studied her for several moments as though he were going to say something else.
Only when he dropped his arms to his sides did Lynn give another nod. “I’ll see you and Mia at Little Lambs tomorrow.” With one more attempt at a normal smile, she turned and started up the driveway. She was glad they’d had a chance to talk a little, but she wished she knew where his head was. Was he still struggling with what the future might hold?
She hadn’t gone more than a few steps when she heard her name followed by Nathan’s arm on her shoulder. His hand slid down to hers where he clasped it gently and tugged her around to face him.
Without a word, he leaned in with the softest, sweetest kiss she’d ever experienced. It lasted only a handful of seconds, but it was enough to turn her legs into jelly.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Certain at least twenty pounds had been lifted off her shoulders, Lynn reluctantly walked away from Nathan and went inside. After closing and locking her door, she leaned against it and released a happy sigh. Maybe they really did have a chance of surviving this together.
Thai rubbed against her legs with a meow. Lynn leaned over to pick him up. “Sorry, buddy. I guess I’m a little distracted,” she said with a dreamy smile.
~*~
Jeb slammed his binoculars against the center console of his car and cursed. After everything today, the guy still had the audacity to go after her? Jeb had half a mind to walk down the street right now and prove to Bethany exactly why she should be with him instead.
But the more he thought about it, the more he realized he needed to get Bethany alone. Talk some sense into her. Surely then she’d see why he was the better choice.
He just had to figure out the details.
~*~
It was anything but easy for Nathan to drive away and leave Lynn at her house. Even though he scanned the street as he left, he couldn’t help but feel like he was leaving Lynn at the mercy of the psychopath who wouldn’t leave her alone. He’d be feeling much more relaxed if she’d agreed to stay with Sharon.
He had to admire her, though, for standing up to her stalker and not letting him completely change her life. A lot of people wouldn’t have the guts.
