Page 86 of Her Only Hero

“Come, let’s sit,” he said and led me to the great room. The couches were more comfortable than they looked. Or maybe it was because I was more tired than I thought.

“And is Patrick agreeable with you being here? With me?” Aram said with concern.

“He’s the one who suggested I come back here, if that’s okay with you.”

“I would hope you know it is more than okay with me.” He watched me fidget in my seat. “You haven’t told him about us, have you?”

My mouth became desiccated. “Not yet,” I said without explaining. “Aram, may I use your bathroom?”

“Of course. It’s down the hall. First door on the right.”

“Thank you.” Soft wall lighting led the way, creating a relaxed and inviting ambiance. I flipped on the bathroom light. Floor-to-ceiling, herringbone marble adorned the room, and an inviting soaker tub sat under a wall-mounted fireplace—a perfect sanctuary to unwind and escape. Like Aram, this house enchanted.

I rejoined Aram in the living room and sat across from him. He had put two glasses on the coffee table.

“I thought you would like some water.”

“Thank you.” I took a few sips and sank into the sofa.

“Can I get you anything else?”

I put my glass on the table. “No, thank you.”

“How about you lie down and close your eyes?” He retrieved a throw blanket from a chair and put it beside me. “I’ll be in the other room.”

“You are always so kind,” I said and yawned. I closed my eyes and thought I heard him say, “Not always.” I placed the fleece blanket on the armrest and tipped onto my side. My cheek rested on a cloud of softness. His gesture had been sweet.

My phone buzzed and startled me. I grabbed it. “Hello?”

“Hey, how are you doing?” Patrick said.

“Good. What’s going on?”

“As we speak, there is a crew of detectives scouring my house and the property for any sign of invasion. They’re also setting up an electronic perimeter.”

“Have they found anything?”

“No, not yet,” he said. “I don’t know how long they’re going to be. Would you like me to make arrangements for you to stay at a hotel, even though I prefer you stay with someone?”

“I can go to one of the motels nearby,” I said. “What about you?”

“I’ll be on scene here. Please let me know where you decide to stay. And be aware of your surroundings, just in case. Can’t wait to see you, this has been a long day.”

“Me too. I’ll be in touch,” I said and hung up.

“You’re going to a motel?” Aram had entered the room without me noticing.

“The crew is still working at Patrick’s house. I’ll just book something for the night and be on my way.”

“Nonsense. I have an extra room.”

“Aram, it’s not right.”

“Okay, you stay here, and I will go to a motel,” he said.

I giggled. He continued to bring humor to heavy situations.

“I’m serious, June.”

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