Page 76 of Axe-ing for Trouble
“I can handle myself,” I assured her, gently taking the glass from her hand. “I want you here.”
Her breath hitched. “You do?”
In the dim light of the moon, eyes still wet with tears, she looked so innocent. So fragile. “Yes, Mila. I want you here. We’re so close to figuring this out. And until then, I will do everything I can to keep you safe.”
She rested her head on my shoulder and let out a heavy breath.
“When I was a little girl and I’d have nightmares,” she said, “my dad would take me outside to look at the stars. It was a reminder that all our problems were small compared to the vastness of the universe. It was comforting, you know? That realization. The perspective it gave.”
“Then put your shoes on.”
It was below freezing, but I’d do anything to take away the fear still gripping her.
We bundled up, and I eased into one of the Adirondack chairs in the backyard and pulled her into my lap. Together we stared out at the vast sky, drinking in the glow of the stars and the waning moon above our heads.
“I’d do this when I was on assignment overseas. I’d go out and take in the night sky. It made me feel connected to home. To my family.”
We sat, curled up, for a while, keeping each other warm.
When a big yawn escaped me before I could stop it, she stood. “Thank you. Now let’s get you to bed, big guy.”
I hauled myself up and stretched, then shoved my hands into the pockets of my coat, wishing I’d thought to wear gloves.
As I balled them into fists, one hand wrapped around a cool metal object.
Shit.
I pulled the thumb drive out of my coat pocket.
“What’s that?”
“I’d forgotten. Noah gave this to me earlier. He wouldn’t tell me what it contains, but he said it would help us.”
Her eyes widened as I handed it to her. “Evidence?”
“I hope so.”
She punched my shoulder, her face scrunching. “You had critical evidence and forgot to tell me?”
“I’m sorry.” I cringed, holding my hands up in defense. “I rushed home to tell you, but then I got distracted.”
She let out a giggle and patted my chest. “It’s okay. I forgive you. And for the record, the fastest way to earn forgiveness is with orgasms.”
Hope bloomed in my chest. “Noted.”
“Now let’s go to sleep. We can look at this first thing tomorrow.”
Once we were settled, her surrounded by pillows and me lying on my side, keeping my hands to myself for fear that I’d hurt her in my sleep, she eyed Ripley, who was standing sentry between us and the door, and patted the mattress.
“Come here, girl,”
Ripley cocked her head and looked at me. I’d trained her not to jump on the bed. She spent most of her days in the woods, and though I bathed her regularly, it was impossible to always keep her paws dirt-free. This was my sanctuary. Hers was the very expensive L.L. Bean orthopedic dog bed on the other side of the room.
“It’s okay, girl,” Mila cooed. “He’s a big softie. He won’t deny you. Up.”
Ripley didn’t need another invitation. In one smooth move, she hopped onto the bed, and after circling twice, she curled up by Mila’s feet.
“Good girl. Love you, Ripley.” Mila stroked her fur and smiled back at me. “She’s the best dog.”
