Page 77 of Unexpected Heroine

It was clear they had quite a bit of experience working together. Yet it was a touch antagonistic. And I couldn’t tell which side it originated from. I wonder what their past relationship is. But not enough to get into a discussion about it today. After reliving my trauma for the cops, my brain might as well be minced meat pie.

And not the good kind like Michelle Blackwell used to make for the church potluck back in Climax.

Unless you count the strange groan-sighs coming from Tomer’s chest, several seconds go by without his response, so I offer a compromise. “What if I slept on the couch in your office?”

Since I’m buried in his chest, I can’t see his response. But I sure do feel it. Frustration was evicted from his throat apartment, and relief moved in.

Pulling my head back, I glance up at him and am rewarded with his turquoise eyes shining. One corner of his mouth quirks in the slightest of smiles.

Then his expression melts suddenly, shifting into a grimace. Out of nowhere, he announces, “No. I’ll lie down with you.”

My eyes draw to thin slits as I study his expression. Where on earth did this about-face come from? I know he wants to get on the computer and do whatever hacking shit he does. And I’m making that concession for him.

Why isn’t he taking it?

Unable to read him, I simply ask, “Don’t you want to do your research?”

Without an ounce of hesitation, he says, “I want to be here for you more.”

Well, damn.

I dive back into his embrace, aching for him.

He’s choosing me over his need for revenge.

A few minutes later, we’re cuddled up in bed, and my head springs off the pillow. “Oh no!”

I promised Stella I’d have a video call with her last night because she’s been getting suspicious from all the short texts.

His entire body tenses. “What’s wrong?”

“Sorry for freaking you out. I just remembered I never called Stella last night like she was expecting. Has she texted you today? Is she worried? I don’t want her to call Freya because then Freya will have to tell her what happened to me or lie about it. I don’t wanna put her in that position.”

He grimaces. “Oh yeah. Sooo . . . about Stella.”

My pulse spikes. “What about her?”

He sits up, backing himself against the headboard. “I hope you don’t mind, but I contacted her early this morning for you. She’ll be here around 1500. Her flight lands at 1415. My coworker Jonesy is picking her up at the airport and bringing her here.”

Tears fill my eyes again, and my throat gets scratchy. “My Stella Bella is coming here?”

He nods, tentativeness woven into the movement.

Sweet man.

“Today?” I squeak.

“Yes. Is that okay? I thought you’d want her to help you through all this. So I bought her a ticket. I’m not great at all?—”

Cutting him off mid-sentence, I fling my arms around his shoulders and crawl onto his lap. “Thank you.” I kiss him once. “Thank you.” Another kiss. “Thank you.” Peppering him with rapid-fire smooches that drift from his lips to his chin, to his forehead, then all over both cheeks and up to his eyes. I kiss his entire fucking face. “Thank you, babe. I love you so much. Thank you. Thank youuu.”

A rich chuckle I don’t usually hear from him meets my ears, warming my heart more than this thoughtful gesture. Pulling back, I release my death grip on his cheeks to wipe away my tears of happiness.

“Your smile.” I fight back a sniffle. “I haven’t seen it enough lately.”

His face softens, happiness ebbing. “There hasn’t been much to smile about, sugar bear.”

“I guess that’s fair.” I slide my hands up his pecs and onto his shoulders, reveling in the heat of his skin. “I know we’ll be happy again soon.” A genuine smile dances up my cheeks. “Because you saved me. You’re my real-life hero.” I give him one more kiss, this time letting our lips linger.

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