Page 43 of Second Chance Savior

I unlaced my boots and tugged them off. “If you expect me to refuse comfort and demand the sofa instead, you’ll be disappointed.”

“Disappointed you won’t argue with me? No. Maybe surprised. I thought you’d argue over just about anything.”

I pursed my lips. But I knew what he was getting at, and it was fair. “Sorry for being grumpy about the trunk. You were keeping me safe. You saved my life multiple times tonight.”

River sank onto the seat, hands in his pockets, legs sprawled. “I’m sorry about the almost-kiss. And the groping.”

I couldn’t help snickering at the matter-of-fact way he’d said that.

“All part of the life saving,” I said. “I get it. Though I’m not sure I’d call it groping. You were a little more gentlemanly than that.”

“No, there was definitely groping. Wildly inappropriate. I’m appalled at myself.” He blinked a few times, totally deadpan. “But you enjoyed it, right?”

Now I was laughing. How did River always manage to do that to me in the most ridiculous ways?

“You are the worst.”

He smiled. “I try. At least you got that I was joking. When we were younger, I don’t think you would have.”

“I had a sense of humor. Maybe it’s your delivery that’s improved.”

“Maybe.”

I sat across the table from him. I’d pulled my damp hair back into a ponytail, and I was wearing a University of Denver hoodie and sweatpants that belonged to Hodge’s sister. Inside his home, I’d felt like I could let down my guard. But only now, laughing with River, did I truly feel like the danger was over. For the moment anyway.

“What do we do now?” I asked.

“It’s been a difficult few hours. You should rest.”

“I don’t feel like resting. Don’t tell me it’s the adrenaline. I haven’t been to war, but I’ve dealt with stressful shit. Politics is cutthroat too. I won’t be coddled.”

He tilted his head. Assessing me. “Okay. Do what you want. As long as it’s inside the RV.”

River had showered after me at Hodge’s place, and he’d done little more than finger-comb his hair into riotous waves. Only a hint of stubble showed on his jawline. He’d brought his own change of clothes in the duffel and his laptop too, which he took out and set on the table. He’d charged it up at Hodge’s house.

And now here we were, just the two of us.

“Could I send some messages?” I asked. “There are people I have to contact. My office. Brynn. My parents. They have to know that I’m okay.”

“I’ll see what I can do. But you cannot use your phones. They’ll be tracked in an instant. That’s how it has to be for now.”

My work and personal cells were still in my clutch, which was tucked along with my gown into a plastic bag. I gritted my teeth at the thought that I couldn’t check my messages. How long did he mean byfor now?

“Then why are you using your laptop? Isn’t that equally problematic?”

“This device is secure. I’m going to contact my friends in Hartley. Both to inform them about what’s happened, and to ask for whatever aid they can provide.”

“Then why can’t I use the laptop to contact people too?”

“I said, I’d see what I can do. I meant it. Just give me a few minutes.”

I sat back and crossed my arms. “You think these Protectors can help us?”

“I do. I trust them more than any other team I’ve been a part of, and that’s saying a hell of a lot given the units I’ve served with. With the Protectors, I trust their hearts.”

I’d rarely heard River speak so sincerely. With passion. In my experience, most things he said were tinged with cynicism or sarcasm.

At least, that was what I remembered of the man I’d known before.

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