Page 86 of Resist

Her brows furrowed, that same look of confusion she’d worn all the time when they first started seeing each other reappearing.

“I know you’re used to taking care of yourself, Ainsley, but for just this one night, can you hand the reins over to me and trust that I know what you need?”

She studied his face for a moment, and then—thank God—she nodded. “I called you because…”

He saw the first chink in her armor, her exhaustion giving way to pain.

“I don’t know what to do. All I knew was that I wanted you. Needed you.”

Coulton knew exactly how hard it was for his powerhouse of a woman to admit she was lost. “You don’t need to know what to do,” he said. “Just trust that I do.”

He rose from the booth, offering her a hand. She slipped her small one into his without hesitation, leaning on him heavily as he pulled her into his arms. He placed a soft kiss to the top of her head.

“It’s going to be okay,” he reassured her. “I’m here. I’ve got you.”

Her arms looped around his waist as a soft sob escaped. Unfortunately, Ainsley stemmed the dam immediately, cutting her grief short.

“Come on.” Grabbing her jacket and oversized bag from behind the bar, Coulton led her to the street, locking the tavern and pulling down the gate.

It spoke to Ainsley’s level of exhaustion that she didn’t question where they were going. Or what they were doing. Instead, she simply followed his lead.

Once they were in his truck, he fired off a text to his parents, letting them know he and Ainsley were on their way back. He also told them that her father had died.

The ride from Mick’s Tavern to his condo was a quiet one. When Coulton pulled into a parking spot in front of his place, he got out, crossing in front of the truck to help her out. Ainsley hesitated once she was on the sidewalk, looking at his building.

“Your parents are here,” she said, as if just remembering.

“Yes.”

She looked down at herself. “I haven’t showered since yesterday morning. This is my second day in this outfit and I…” She ran her fingers through her hair, giving him a rueful grin. “Are you sure you want to introduce me to them?”

Coulton cupped her cheeks, giving her a soft kiss. “They are going to love you,” he reassured her. “I texted to let them know we were on the way, and about Mick. Trust me when I say, me introducing you to my parents is just one of the ways I’m going to take care of you tonight.”

He didn’t know how to explain to her that what she needed right now was the warmth, love, and unconditional acceptance of a mom and dad. Luckily, she’d get all three of those things in droves from his parents.

She let him lead her inside, her hand in his as they walked into his condo.

Mom and Dad must have heard them at the door, because they walked out of the kitchen together.

They both gave Ainsley warm, welcoming smiles, though Coulton could see the concern etched in his mother’s eyes.

“Mom, Dad, I’d like you to meet Ainsley Hall,” he said, still holding her hand. “Ainsley. These are my parents, Chase and Melanie Moore.”

Dad stepped forward immediately, shaking Ainsley’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Ainsley. Coulton hasn’t stopped talking about you since we got here.”

Ainsley slid Coulton a pleased look as he playfully rolled his eyes.

“Way to make me sound cool, Dad.”

“Oh, son. That ship sailed years ago.”

They laughed as Mom moved closer.

Ainsley reached out to shake her hand, but Mom brushed it off, pulling her in for a tight embrace. Mom gave the greatest hugs on the planet.

Ainsley’s surprise was brief, then she wrapped her arms around Mom, sinking into the embrace.

“Coulton told us about your dad,” Mom murmured, holding her tight. “I’m so sorry.”

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