Page 83 of Chilled

“Don’t worry about me. I’m fine.” She felt even better knowing Nick wanted someone to be with her when she woke. Brenna chose to think it meant something, but she didn’t want to see him when she looked like a train wreck.

“I’m going to shower and see about getting discharged. I’m sure there are others who need this bed more. Besides, I need to get back to work.”And Nick.

Alice shook her head. “You amaze me.”

“Why?” Brenna searched the room for clothing, finding a neat stack of jeans, a T-shirt and a jacket in the corner.

“You never stop to think about yourself. You’re always on the job or thinking of other people. That’s why everyone loves you so much.” Alice hugged her. “I need to get back to the kids. I’m not sure how long Paul can handle them.”

“I’m sure he’s fine. The boys are so well-behaved.”

Alice’s brow furrowed. “They had to be. Stan would accept no less.”

Brenna hugged her sister. “I’m so sorry. I was so busy with my own life I had no idea you weren’t happy.”

Alice hugged her back. “Thankfully, we have a chance to start over. I’m going to make the best of it, and the boys will get to be boys.”

While Alice hunted down the doctor, Brenna dressed in the clothes Alice had brought for her.

With discharge papers in hand, Brenna left the hospital with her sister, eager to get back to the hotel for a shower and then go to the station and Nick.

When Paul returnedto the station from helping move Alice, her mother and kids to the shelter in nearby Roanoke, he gave Nick the news that Brenna had checked out of the hospital and gone to the hotel. Nick wrapped up the reports he’d written and hit the road.

The river had crested during the night, sweeping away many homes along the banks, but thanks to the evacuation plan, no lives had been lost.

With the evacuation complete, there was little traffic on the streets, and it didn’t take him long to reach the hotel on the dry side of the city.

All the way up the stairs, he tried to think of what he’d say to Brenna and came up blank. His chaotic thoughts kept replaying the scene in the burning house and the emptiness he’d felt when he’d thought he’d lost her. Now that the future loomed ahead of him, what did he have to offer this amazing woman?

As Nick entered the suite, Brenna stepped out of the bathroom, her hair clean and dry and her face clear of all the black soot from the previous evening. Everything Nick wanted to say rose in his throat to strangle him.

Without uttering a sound, he strode across the room and pulled her into his arms, crushing her to him. He stood for a long moment inhaling the fresh scent of her shampoo and feeling the beat of her heart against his. When he thought he had his emotions under control, he stepped back and looked down into her eyes. “I love you, Special Agent Jensen.”

Her eyes misted, and she smiled up at him. “And I love you, Agent Tarver.” Then she hiked her fists onto her hips. “So, what are we going to do about it?”

He sighed and shook his head. “I don’t have anything to offer you.”

“You just gave me everything I ever wanted.” She placed a hand over his chest. “You gave me your heart.”

“You’ve had that from the first time I saw you biting your lip.” He leaned close and pressed a kiss to that lip.

When he backed away, she pulled the lip between her teeth. “My sister needs me now. She’s moving to Minneapolis with me.”

“Minneapolis?”

She gave him a weak smile and nodded. “They called a few minutes ago. I got the job.”

Clasping her hand in his, he pulled her close. “Then I guess I’ll get a transfer to Minneapolis.” Somehow, he’d make it happen.

“Are you sure?” Her eyes sparkled with hope.

“Never more certain in my life,” he said softly. “I want to be with you.”

“And I want to be with you.” She snuggled closer, smoothing her fingers over his shirt.

“Will you come with me to Virginia to meet my mother and brothers?” he asked.

Brenna smiled. “I’d love to.”

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