Page 86 of Return to Me Always

"Of course. Well, so I let the authorities know. Had to borrow someone's mobile. Then it took a while. They couldn't go out right away because of the bloody storm of the century. But I knew where you were headed, and I sent them there."

I heaved a sigh of relief. Thank God he had, or I might have died right there on the cliff—again.

The thought of it all whirled around in my head like a tornado. Was I meant to die there once more? Why had all this happened? Even though it was over and Malcolm was dead, I still didn't have an answer to my biggest question.Why?

The only person I could talk to was right next to me, and I wondered if we'd ever be alone to discuss it. And if we were, would he even speak about it? Would he repeat those same amazingwords?

I've been dreaming about you all my life, lass.

God, I wanted that with every part of me. And more than that, beyond anything in this world, I wanted his love. In the helicopter, I had been so convinced that he must love me. But I'd just been shot, and now, I wasn't sure ofanything.

The feelings inside me were overwhelming. Exhaustion tangled with the swirling emotions, and I let my head fall back on the seat as Ben and my mom continued talking, their voices fading.

"Come here," Tyler said softly.

Really? I looked up into his eyes, imagining I saw a tenderness there that I hadn't seen before. But I couldn't be sure. After all, this was a man who had told me he didn't believe in love.

While I hesitated, he held out his hand, and that was all it took. I closed the small distance between us, moving toward him. His arm came around me, and I wiggled till I found the perfect position.

He felt incredible. I didn't understand how all that hardness could be so comfortable, but it was, just like on the motorcycle. And just like then, I felt safe.

The only difference was this time... this time, I was in love. And I realized not just in love with the man of my dreams, but in love withthisman, right here, right next to me, holding me.

***

After one stop for food and gasoline about halfway through our trip, we finally arrived in London. Slowing down for the traffic woke me up because of course I'd fallen asleep up against Tyler again.

And even though I was now awake, I didn't move. My heart felt all melty and my insides gooey as I relished the feel of him.

The unknown stared at me, and my sleepy brain tried to process what would happen next. Would my mom be okay with me staying? And if I did stay... no, not if. I was stayingno matter what.

But what would happen between Tyler and me?

Ben pulled over at a police station, interrupting my anxious thoughts, and I separated myself from Tyler.

"Thank you," I whispered.

"No problem." He flashed a small smile. "Ready to get your mobile back?"

I laughed. "Heck, yeah."

***

To my relief, we were back in the car in less than ten minutes, and it felt great to have my phone, wallet, and passport back—and even my coat. And Tyler now had his wallet too. I couldn't help but wonder what he'd do about a phone.

A flutter of panic hit me as I realized I didn't have his number, and he didn't have mine. But I refused to ask him. How many times had I put myself out there already? How much rejection could I possibly take from someone who didn't believe in our destiny?

But God, would we ever see each other again?Or was this it?

Sickening dread filled my stomach and spread throughout my body as we drove the short distance to my old hotel. Within minutes, Ben pulled up and popped the trunk.

As I opened the door, my hands were trembling, my fingers fumbling with the handle as I somehow made it out onto the sidewalk.

Oh, God.I couldn't do this. I couldn't say goodbye to this man.

But like slow motion in a movie, Ben walked over to give me a quick hug. "Good luck, Kitty Kat. Maybe I'll see you around." He pulled back to wink at me.

"Thanks." I managed a weak smile. "Thanks for everything. I'd probably be dead if it weren't for you."

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