Scott leans forward, his voice sharper now. “People are dying, Daniels. How much more evidence do you need?”
The detective raises a hand, his tone steady yet authoritative. “I understand. It’s frustrating for me too. But I can’t file a report based on your gut. Let me know if you uncover anything concrete, and I’ll put some questions out there in the meantime.”
As we leave the station, the cool evening air wraps around us. My hands tremble as I adjust the strap of my bag.
Scott turns to face me, his eyes determined. “You’re staying with me.”
“What?”
“You’re not going back to the inn or sleeping alone. Not until this is resolved. You’re staying at my place.”
“But I…”
“No arguments. You’ll be safe there. I’ll make sure of it.”
I agree to go. My fear gives way to a fragile sense of security.
“Okay, let me call Hannah and ask her to watch Ding at her place tonight.”
After I get off the phone with Hannah, Scott places a hand on my back as we walk to his truck. “Let’s go. We’ll figure the rest out in the morning.”
As the truck rumbles down the quiet streets, I lean my head against the window. The fear lingers, but I’m not alone. Scott will keep me safe.
Chapter 32
Maddie
After I put away my things in the extra room, I curl up on the worn leather couch, staring out the window. His house is quiet except for the occasional clink of a spoon and mug in the kitchen. He’s brewing us some tea.
Like Scott, this room is sturdy, reliable, and cozy. It’s covered with bookshelves filled with titles about diving and marine exploration, along with framed photos of Scott with his dive team and family. Every object serves as a reminder of why I trust him. My eyes turn to the piano, and my chest clenches. A beautiful vase of fresh flowers rests next to it. While we were together, Scott created a morning routine of picking fresh flowers from his backyard and putting them on the piano for me. He hasn’t stopped.
Scott walks in, holding two steaming mugs, his hazel eyes soft as they meet mine. “Chamomile.” He sets one down on the table before me. “Thought it might help you relax.”
“My favorite. Thank you.”
He sits beside me, the couch dipping under his weight, and for a while, we drink our tea in silence. It isn’t awkward anymore. It’s comfortable. This place is home, and my heart aches with longing. I want my home back. We don’t turn on the television, but Scott takes out some cards and shuffles them. I pick mine up and we play. After he beats me a few times, I feel an urge to clear the air. I need to know where we stand.
“Hey,” I say, setting my cards down. I pull my hair back and straighten.
He turns to me, his expression open yet cautious.
“I’m sorry,” I begin, my voice trembling. “For everything. For Wes, the secrets, all of it. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I know what I did to you, to us. I was so focused on finding answers about Nathan that I didn’t think about the risks or you. I’m grateful for your help.”
Scott leans forward, his elbows resting on his knees. He wipes his face with his hands, his gaze dropping to the floor a moment before returning to mine. “I was angry. But more than that, I was scared. Scared of losing you. After everyone I’ve lost…” He pauses, drawing in a deep breath, the raw emotion in his voice cutting through me. “I didn’t know how to handle it.”
Tears fill my eyes as I whisper, “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“I know you didn’t. Maddie… I’ve been in love with you since the day we met. Even though I tried to let go, I can’t. I don’t want to…”
The corners of his mouth rise as he speaks, then they fall. He’s so handsome, every part of him. I’m falling in love with him all over again.
“…and then, when I thought I may have lost you.” Darkness crosses over his face. “I couldn’t bear it.”
His words pierce my heart, causing my tears to spill over. “I…”
“Never apologize to me again,” he murmurs. “Just tell me we’re done hurting each other.”
My lips tremble. “No more secrets. I love you.”
