Page 80 of Run the Play
“I’d be leaving myself behind,” he tells me. “There isn’t a world in which you and I don’t exist as one.”
“Sweet words, number one,” I tease, lightening the mood.
“Only for you, baby. He’ll get what’s coming to him. I promise you that.”
Fear and worry for what happens next washes over me. “I’m sorry for any heat or unnecessary drama this brings to your doorstep.” I feel bad that the media is most likely going to rake us over the coals, but then again, maybe justice will win. Perhaps it will only be Chaz who will do the time for his crimes.
“Stop. This is our home, it’s our doorstep, and they can bring it all they want. They won’t get inside. Not in here.” He removes his hands and places one on his chest over his heart and one over mine. “And not beyond these walls. This is our home. Our safe space. We’ll deal with whatever comes our way. Together.”
“You saidourhome.”
“You’re moving in with me.”
“Oh, am I?” I ask, unable to hide my smile. I want nothing more than to live here with him. I’m ready to start the next chapter of our lives together. No more letting fear hold me back. I have nothing to fear with Landry.
“You are. This is where you belong with me. You stay here most of the time anyway. Why not make it official?”
“If you insist,” I say, leaning to place a kiss on his chest.
“That was easier than I thought it would be,” he says, laughing.
“Don’t expect me to be this docile with every decision we make,” I warn him.
“I don’t care as long as I get to call you mine.” He reaches around me and grabs the shampoo. “I know your head has to hurt. I’ll be gentle.”
“I can do it.” I wince. Just thinking about it hurts.
“Let me take care of you. I was so scared, Rowan. I was afraid to step in, terrified you might get hurt worse. I was frozen with fear. I need to take care of you. Please let me.”
“Okay,” I say, my shoulders sagging with relief. He’s my other half, and I need to lean on him right now. He makes my heart happy, and knowing he wants to take care of me, fills me with more love than I ever knew I was capable of.
He does just that. He takes his time washing my hair and then conditioning it. He uses steady, gentle hands to cleanse my body. His expression is mixed with pain and anger as he washes over my bruises. I take my turn with him, and by the time we’re done, I no longer feel Chaz’s hands on me.
Only Landry’s.
We put on lounge clothes, I pull my hair up in a wet knot on top of my head, and we head back to our family, who are waiting on us. We find them in the kitchen. Corie and Sloane have madespaghetti and garlic bread. I take a minute to look around the room at each of them. What happened today was terrifying, but knowing I’m not alone, that I have all of these amazing people in my corner, it eases the hurt and washes away the fear that threatened to choke me in the moment.
“Brownies are in the oven,” Sloane tells me. “We thought something sweet would hit the spot.”
“Thank you for this—all of you. I love you guys,” I say, my voice cracking. “I’m so used to being alone.”
“Not anymore,” Knox says.
“I know. You’ve all accepted me into your lives, and for the first time, I feel like I have a support system. Thank you for being here. Thank you for driving back with me and staying tonight.” I peer up over my shoulder at Landry, who’s got his arms wrapped around my waist from behind. “I wanted to spend tonight with my family.”
“Dammit, Rowan!” Corie says. She comes around the island and pulls me out of her brother’s arms and into hers. “Are you okay?” she whispers in my ear.
“I’m okay,” I assure her. However, I don’t whisper the words. I say them loud and clear so that everyone can hear.
“Well, move over, Core. You’re not the only one who wants a hug.” Sloane pushes Corie playfully out of the way and hugs me tightly. “We’ve got you,” she assures me.
And they do. I know they do.
The guys all take their turn, much to Landry’s dismay. They give him a hard time about it, and he just shrugs. Knox mumbles, “I told you so,” and everyone laughs.
It’s the perfect end to a shitty day. I’m surrounded by these amazing people—my family. I’m not sure if they chose me or if I chose them, but either way, we’re here together, and that’s what matters.
“Let me take him so you can eat,” I tell Baker. I steal baby Camden out of his arms and move to settle on a stool at the end of the island.
