Page 78 of The Overdue Kiss

“Was anyone else with you at the shop?”

“No, I was by myself.”

“And when was the last time you saw your ex before this morning?”

“About seven months ago.” She swallows nervously, and Tristen grabs her hand.

“He has a restraining order, so he shouldn’t be anywhere near her,” Des grumbles.

“It’s already in my notes.” The officer points his pencil at me. “And you are?”

“I’m Maya Santos, a friend of the family.”

“Do you know anything about Mr. Welton?”

“Not firsthand. Only that he was calling Reese and harassing her.”

The police officer scribbles furiously to the point I wonder if his notes are even legible. He directs his next question to Reese. “Has he tried to make contact with you? Phone, email, or through a third party?”

“Yes. He called a few times when he got out of prison. I ended up blocking him. I thought this was all over.” She presses a hand on her stomach.

“You are safe. Mr. Welton is locked up until his hearing and has a pretty shiner on his left eye that’s left him in a quieter mindset. I think he was in the process of forcing you into his vehicle when your friend here stopped him.”

Reese raises her brows, her gaze landing on a scowling Tristen.

“I wish I could have done more, but I didn’t want to share a cell with him.” Tristen flexes his bruised fist.

“Well, we appreciate the assist.” The officer flips his notebook closed. “I think we have all the information we need for the moment. We appreciate your cooperation. If you remember anything else, please give us a call.” One officer hands his business card to Des, and the two men nod before strolling out of the room.

Reese lets out a long breath.

Dr. Cooper stops at the opening of the curtain. “If your nausea returns or you start to feel worse, please hit the call button for the nurse. In this situation, rest is the best medicine, so just lie back and relax. Hopefully you’ll be feeling better soon.”

Tristen smirks at her as the doctor leaves the room. “Told you.”

“I’m resting because the doctor said so, not because of my brother’s bossy friend.” She cranes her neck into the pillow to meet his gaze. “But I am thankful you were there this morning... even if I don’t remember it... gosh, I don’t even want to know where I’d be right now if you hadn’t stopped him.”

Her eyes well up, and her lips begin to tremble.

Des bends over the bed rail and swipes a tangled strand from her forehead. “Think about what the officer said. You’re safe. Don’t let the fear of what-ifs consume you.”

He bends down close, praying quietly over her, the words just between the two of them.

I sidestep out of the room when she starts to sob, letting them have their privacy.

“Maya?” Des calls out, following me. “Are you leaving already?”

“I was just going to head back to the waiting room and update everyone.”

He glances over his shoulder and back to me, torn on what to do.

“Don’t worry about me. Your sister needs you.”

“I wasn’t there when Granny died, so this is my chance to make it up to her. It will probably take some time for all of us to process what happened. I’m not sure how long.” He rakes his fingers through his hair. “But when she is feeling better, do you think we can try our date again?”

“Absolutely. It’s my turn to be patient now. Whenever you’re ready, let me know—just don’t stand me up.”

He picks up my hand and brings it to his lips, searing my knuckles with the heat of his kiss.

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