Page 116 of The Way We Win

We got back after midnight, after spending the day at thehospital and giving reports to the police department. Garrett stayed behind to be sure everything went smoothly.

Jack didn’t kill Rip Sinclair. He claims to be sorry he didn’t, but I’m glad he doesn’t have that hanging over his head.

Even if it would’ve been self-defense, even if Rip broke parole, crossed state lines, illegally rented a car in my name, and kidnapped me, I don’t want Jack bearing the guilt of taking a life. Even a bad one.

“Were you able to sleep last night?” Jack’s voice is gentle, and he rubs the damaged hand I love up and down my arm.

“I slept like a baby.” I smile, thinking about curling into his arms in the middle of his large bed. “Better than a baby, since babies don’t actually sleep very soundly.”

“They sure look cute doing it. Like you.”

A laugh huffs through my nose, and I hold his arm. “Speaking of babies, I need to see my big baby.”

I texted Austin as soon as I was safe, and we were on our way to urgent care. I had to use Jack’s phone, since I’d lost mine in the maze.

Then I FaceTimed with him when I was sure Rip was headed back to prison. I was glad I could tell him we were safe. I could tell him his dad was going away once and for all.

But even seeing his face wasn’t enough. I need to hold him, look into his eyes, and be sure he’s okay. What happened was traumatic enough, and for so long, it was just Austin and me.

“Dylan said they’re making a big breakfast at the restaurant this morning. Everyone’s anxious to see you’re not hurt.”

“Even though you assured them I wasn’t?” I look up at him again, and a little smile curls those serious lips.

He leans down and presses them to mine, and I reach up to thread my fingers in the back of his hair. Our mouths open, and our tongues slide together, and I could stay here forever.

Until my stomach growls.

We both laugh, and our teeth clink together. “I’d better get you fed. You haven’t had a decent meal since Friday.”

“I guess breakfast at McDonald’s doesn’t count?”

“It does not.” His voice is a teasing scold.

He holds my arm as I unwind from the blanket and stand. My lips tighten when I study his arm in a sling.

“I need to talk to Liv anyway.” Reaching down, I take his coffee mug. “I’m going to get her to help me change my name ASAP. I never dreamed Rip could pull a stunt like that, and it’s never going to happen again.”

Jack catches my waist, stopping me before I can go to the kitchen. “Maybe I can help you with that.”

My brow furrows, and I hesitate. “Help me with what?”

He carefully removes the sling then takes the coffee cups out of my hands and puts them on the side table. Holding both of my hands in his, he pulls me between his legs while he’s still sitting.

“For so long, I tried to bury myself in work and pretend like this wasn’t happening between us. I tried to deny my feelings and tell myself you didn’t think of me that way…”

My heart beats faster, and energy surges in my stomach. “Jack…”

“I’m not denying it any more.” His blue eyes hold mine, and I’m drawn to him like a flower to the sun. “I’m not pretending anymore. I want you standing beside me, and I don’t care who knows or what they say. You’re mine, Allie, and if you’re changing your name, you’re changing it to Bradford.”

Tears fall onto both my cheeks when I blink. “What are you saying?”

I know what he’s saying, but I have to hear him speak the words.

“All the way, on that long drive in the dark, when every mile was an eternity, and I didn’t know if you were okay, if you were scared, if he was hurting you. Turning it over and over in my mind, all I could think about were the things we never did… I knew when you were in my arms again, it was for keeps.” He looks down at my hands, studying my fingers, specifically my left ones. “Come with me.”

He stands abruptly, leading me through the screen door into his large house. We pass through the kitchen into the living room, down the long hall to his master suite.

We’re moving quickly, and my heart is racing. My eyes are fixed on his broad shoulders, and I can’t stop the smile aching in my cheeks.

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