Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 58253 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 291(@200wpm)___ 233(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58253 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 291(@200wpm)___ 233(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
Her gaze fell to his as she took in his haggard face, no less handsome for being so exhausted. The desire to reach out and stroke his cheek was strong but she waited, needing to get through the discussion about Jeremy before she turned the subject to them.
“I am. It’s just unbelievable to think back over what happened yesterday,” she said, which was true.
He inclined his head. “If you’re up to telling me, what happened next?”
She gestured for more ice chips and he helped her take some and wet her mouth before answering. “Tim warned me Jeremy had probably been alerted to the forensic search and results they’d found, and that he might be volatile.”
“That’s an understatement,” Dex ground out.
“Yes. But I told him I’d be careful.” Thinking back, she realized how unsuspecting she’d been, never considering how badly things could turn.
“Why didn’t you call me?” he asked gruffly. She sensed the hurt behind the words but there’d been no real reason to think she needed him at that point in time.
“I thought I could handle Jeremy.” She gave Dex a little shrug, her cheeks warming with embarrassment. “Based on his recent behavior with me, I figured not being alone would keep him from approaching me again. I never thought he’d shoot me. I didn’t know he even owned a gun.” She shivered at the reminder of the moment the bullet struck and the pain afterward.
She squeezed Dex’s hand, fear taking hold. “He can’t get in here, right? I mean, I’m safe?”
He shook his head and gently caressed his fingers along her cheek, causing her to tremble even more. “You’re fine. I’m not leaving and your brother has a security guard outside. A female who is as unobtrusive as she can be. Ian moves quickly.”
She managed a smile at his accurate description of her brother.
As for Dex not leaving… “You need to eat, shower, and sleep,” she said gently. “And I’m relieved there’s a guard.” She let out a long breath, feeling better about being stuck here.
She lay her head back on the pillow. No sooner had she done so than her thoughts went back over the hours prior to the shooting. And the days after they’d returned from Florida. Things had been hot and cold between them and she had only herself to blame.
“Dex—”
“Samantha—”
She laughed at their mind-meld.
“Ladies first,” he said. She noted her hand was still in his, his fingers wrapped protectively around hers.
“Okay.” She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts. “I don’t know if this is the right time but we need to talk.”
He slid his chair in closer, a concerned look on his face. “Go on.”
“Before I got shot, you said you had a business dinner and might not come by. Now, don’t get me wrong, we aren’t living together. You don’t owe me every night. But—” She picked at the blanket tucked around her with her free hand, not meeting his gaze. “Things between us have been weird. Off.”
“I know and I can explain,” he said.
Now she did look at him and saw regret in his sad eyes and expression. “Can I say one more thing first?” she asked.
“Of course.” He brushed her hair off her cheek and tucked it behind her ear. “I’m listening.”
She swallowed hard, the words not coming out easily. Nerves settled in her belly and her stomach pitched, but it was time to lay out for him what she just realized herself.
She was certain about loving him and she knew what she wanted. Whether she’d driven him so out of his mind with confusing messages, he felt differently, she’d find out. Though his behavior now gave her the courage to admit her feelings.
“I realize that I was giving you mixed signals.”
“Sweetheart, no—”
“I was,” she insisted. “I said I wasn’t looking for a relationship, that we’re friends, but you were there. Every time I needed you, you stepped up without asking. And if I regret one thing, it’s not giving you all of me the same way. But I noticed the change in you after Florida, and I just need to know if it’s us you aren’t sure of.” She swallowed past her dry mouth. “Or if you think you were doing what I wanted, giving me space? Or if my issues are just too much?”
He held up a hand. “Samantha, stop. Please.” He visibly shuddered, his emotions clearly on the surface, too. “I screwed up, not you. I understood why you needed time to cement your feelings. But when those photos of us came out, Austin called and said the president of the network was furious about the bad publicity. That I didn’t want to give him a reason to pull the deal based on the morality clause in my contract.”
She gasped. “Oh my God.” She pulled her hand out of his and covered her mouth for a brief moment. “Why didn’t you tell me? I knew Austin was worried but I didn’t know how serious things were. I never would have gone to Florida with you or—”