Her tenacity was only one of many things he admired about her.
Maybe it was foolish to have kissed her before they had a chance to iron everything out. There were a lot of things he wanted to know—questions he wanted to ask. But she’d been adorable, with that look of vulnerability and uncertainty in her eyes. He couldn’t let her walk away like that. Especially when he understood how she felt. The situation wasn’t easy—not by a long shot. Choosing to kiss her, though? He wished he was as certain about every other decision he had to make.
If Mia hadn’t been waiting on him, he no doubt would’ve gathered Lynn into his arms right there in the driveway and kissed her until they were both breathless.
Just thinking about it had him smiling.
He’d figure out a way to see her soon. If there was one thing that their week apart taught him, it was that he didn’t want another one like it.
Mia whined from the back seat, bringing Nathan to the present. “Sorry, baby. We’re going. Let’s get you home.”
As he pulled away from Lynn’s house, he prayed for protection not only for Lynn but for himself and Mia as well. The stalker had been focused on Lynn for years, he was bound to make a mistake soon.
Nathan could only hope to be there when he did.
ChapterSeventeen
Lynn entered work with a smile on her face the next day, a detail Sharon immediately noted.
“Someone’s in a good mood.”
Lynn shrugged as she put her stuff up and got ready for the day. She lowered her voice. “No sign of my stalker, and Nathan kissed me after he took me home last night. So yeah, I guess I am in a good mood.”
Sharon grinned then. “Oh, I’m so glad. Does that mean you two are okay then?”
Unfortunately, Lynn wasn’t sure what it meant. But at least it was a sign they were moving in the right direction. She told Sharon as much. “I wish I knew for sure. I have to make sure I get in to see my sister this evening. Otherwise I’d see if Nathan and I could meet and talk.”
“Things are weird right now. You two will figure it out.” Sharon winked.
For the first time in days, Lynn really felt her friend might be right.
She only saw Nathan for a few minutes when he brought Mia by before he was off to work. The day went well and was uneventful—just the way Lynn preferred. Before she knew it, it was evening and Nathan was back to pick up his daughter.
“Are you going to head over and see your sister next?”
Lynn nodded. “I figured I’d swing through somewhere and grab a sandwich to eat on the way. I’d take her something to eat, except she may be on a restricted diet. Then do I pick something up for my parents or not? Way too complicated. So I’ll see how she’s doing and maybe run down to the gift shop and get her a balloon or some flowers or something like that.”
“That sounds like a good plan.” Nathan picked up Mia and settled her in his arms. “I’m going to take this munchkin home. If you need anything, call me.”
The way he looked at her then, Lynn had a feeling he would’ve kissed her if they’d been somewhere besides Little Lambs. She wished they were somewhere else.
“I will. You two have a relaxing evening. Would it be okay if I call later and let you know how the visit went?”
Nathan’s face brightened. “Of course. I’ll be looking forward to it.”
Lynn waved as they left and then released a happy sigh.
Sharon came up and nudged her shoulder. “Keep that happy feeling when you see your parents in a while.”
Lynn scowled at her. “You just had to mention them. Are you trying to depress me?” She chuckled. “Truthfully, I’m going to see my sister and talk to Nathan tonight. I won’t let my parents get to me.”
And she maintained that attitude all the way to the hospital. Her parents were nowhere to be seen in the waiting area, so she went to Perry’s room only to find it was empty.
Fear and panic gripped her as she dashed down the hall to the nurse’s station. “Where is Perry Truitt? I just went by her room and she wasn’t there.”
“Oh! I’m sorry—are you a member of the family?”
“Yes, I’m her sister. I was coming by this evening to check on her.”
