Page 60 of The Stolen Dagger
“Leah, as your brother, I’m only going to say this once,” I started. “Katherine is your best friend. You love her. You don’t want to throw all that away because of this one thing. You, of all people, know that sometimes it’s better to withhold things to keep other people safe. Especially people you care for, like Katherine cares for you.”
“But she?—”
“All I’m saying is Katherine may have a reason for not telling you whatever is going on, and I know you are just as worried for her as she is for you. When she’s ready to confide in us, she will. Just give her some time to work it out.”
I shifted in my seat behind the wheel of my black Chevy pickup, itching to turn the key in the ignition.
Instead, I placed my hand that wasn’t holding the phone on my bouncing leg and watched a few of my brothers-in-blue walk to their own trucks. The setting sun cast a golden glow that reflected off the west-facing windows of the precinct.
Finally, after a few moments of silence on the other end of the call, Leah sighed.
“Fine,” she grumbled. “But I should have known setting you two up would come back to bite me in the ass.”
I chuckled. “That’s what you get for playing matchmaker. Although, I shouldn’t be surprised. You’ve always been a hopeless romantic, always rooting for true love.”
“Wait,” Leah’s voice screeched in my ear. “Did you say true love? Are you in love with Kat?”
I opened my mouth to deny it but hesitated. My grip on the phone loosened, and I leaned back in my seat.
Am I?
The fact I couldn’t deny it and realized that I didn’t want to, made me think I might be. But what if Katherine didn’t feel the same?
I cherished our time together these last few days. Even though it was under less than desirable circumstances, I had realized just how much I’d missed her these past few months. I’d realized just how much of a gap had grown in my life—in my heart—without her.
And when the opportunity arose, I suggested she stay with me. At my apartment. In my bed.
I didn’t hesitate. I just wanted her close. I wanted to know she was safe.
But she didn’t stay with me because she wanted to be with me. She only did so because of Adrian.
If Kat hadn’t received that first note from Adrian in the bar, would she have come home with me? Would she have given me a chance, or would she still be ignoring me?
More importantly, would I have realized my feelings for her?
Yes, I would.
I smiled.
Despite every threat against us, I was falling in love with Katherine. That revelation made me even more eager to see her.
“I think I am,” I finally replied and started my truck, only to forget Leah was still on the phone as a giddy noise screeched through the speaker.
With a permanent smileetched on my face, I pulled in to my apartment complex and parked just outside.
After my call with Leah, I contemplated heading straight to the bar but decided to play it cool.
It would be best to wait until I knew for sure she felt the same. I didn’t want to overwhelm her. I wouldn’t risk losing her again.
Dialing Katherine’s number to check in one last time, I exited the truck but halted on the pavement when I noticed Katherine’s crappy Honda Civic just a few spots down. My grin dropped, and my brows scrunched.
Her shift isn’t over for another hour. What’s she doing here? Did she get off early? Why didn’t she call me?
I waited a few more seconds for the call to connect, but it never did. I pocketed my phone and took the stairs two at a time, hustling up to my apartment.
With the click of the latch, I entered slowly and shut the door behind me. It was dark and quiet. The setting sun provided ample light so I could see into the kitchen and across the hall. Nothing was out of place or pointed to her being there, but my guard was up all the same.
Maybe she’s in the bedroom.
