Page 9 of Protecting his Heart

“That’s it.” Evan’s hand cupped his cheek. “Keep breathing. There we go.”

Tears pricked at Owen’s eyes. “I don’t know…”

Evan studied Owen’s expression for a moment and then leaned forward, pressing his lips to Owen’s cheek, just near the corner of his mouth, and then to the other side. Owen dropped his head forward, resting their foreheads together. He closed his eyes and breathed. The scent of Evan wrapped around him, and he fell back into his memories of that night, needing the reassurance that they had, actually, experienced something amazing that Owen had ruined the next day.

He lifted his head again. “I’m sorry,” he said.

“You don’t need to be sorry. It was just a panic—”

Owen shook his head. “I’m sorry,” he said again, swallowing hard. “I thought I was doing the right thing.”

Evan stared at him, barely blinking. “And now?” he whispered. Owen’s heart pounded, and his breathing became choppy again. Evan tightened his hold. “Later, okay? We’ll talk later. Just breathe.”

Owen followed Evan’s inhales and exhales, having never experienced a panic attack himself before, although he had seen others have them. The feeling of being adrift and unable to gather his thoughts was unlike anything he’d experienced before. A sort of heightened drunkenness that was overwhelming.

“Are you okay to say goodnight to your mum? I’m sure she’s worried.”

Owen took a big breath and nodded. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be.”

Evan stood, taking Owen’s hands to help him stand and keeping hold of him until he was steady on his feet. Then he stepped back, and Owen immediately missed his warmth. He focused on his mum, though, and entered the house. Sally gathered him into her arms and rubbed his back.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

“I am. Just a lot going on.”

She cupped his face, her gaze going behind him before returning. “He’s a good man, Owen, and so are you. Despite how things have turned out, it’s not impossible to go back. You can’t change the past, but you can relive it the way it was supposed to happen.” Her voice was low enough that he didn’t think Evan could hear, but he’d been right. His mum knew everything.

“How did you know?”

She smiled. “You’re my son, and he is just as much so. I know you both. I saw it happening for years. And when you both came home that morning, you looked broken. And when he left, you broke some more. I don’t know what happened between you, but I know it can be saved. Talk to him. Figure it out because you belong together.”

Owen closed his eyes, a lone tear trickling from the corner, which his mother wiped away. He huffed. “I’m supposed to be the strong, protective one. I’m a bodyguard, for god’s sake.”

She chuckled. “Only in your job. Outside of your job, you’re human. Love like one. Faults and all. But talk. It’s important.” Her eyes took on a faraway look. “Extremely important,” she murmured and then smiled again, refocusing on him.

He slid his arms around her and hugged her tightly. “I’ll try.” He pulled back.

Sally kissed his cheek and then the other one. “A good excuse to get close.” She winked.

Owen huffed a laugh and shook his head. “I knew you were up to something.”

She turned to Evan and held out her arms. “Kisses,” she said.

Evan laughed and did as she asked, kissing her cheeks and hugging her. She whispered something to him that Owen couldn’t hear, but Evan nodded.

“Right, get home with you. It’s getting late,” Sally said.

“It’s not even seven o’clock yet!” Owen said.

“Exactly. My bedtime. I’m old, remember?” She crossed her eyes and stuck her tongue out, something she’d always done before sending them to bed at night.

They laughed and headed out. Owen rubbed his face as they wandered to the car.

“Do you want me to drive?”

Owen glanced at Evan and nodded. “Yes, please.” Pulling the keys from his pocket, he threw them at him.

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