Page 46 of Raven's Curse
Greer leaned back in her chair. “I’ve nearly tripped over you a dozen times.”
“I don’t mean physically. But even then, it’s been in an annoyingly overprotective way. I just…” Christ, how did he say he couldn’t think about losing her without hyperventilating. “I’m not sure…”
She forced a weak smile, studying him for a few seconds before bracing her elbows on the table. “It’s okay if you think we missed the moment.”
That voice inside his head started poking at him as dread settled low in his gut. “What moment?”
“Ours.” Her chin quivered. It wasn’t something others would notice, but he did. Like an earthquake-level event that rocked him to his core. “I know I was the one who wasn’t ready. Who kept pushing things off. And I suppose, I’ll have to live with that if what’s happened has changed things.”
“What? No. I mean…” He pushed down the rush of fear. “Why do I get the feeling we aren’t having the same conversation?”
Another quiver, then she stood, popped the last bite of her burger into her mouth before she tossed some cash on the table. “You’re right. I’m tired. Can we talk about this later?”
She pushed past the table, walking quickly to the door. The hinges creaked, the cool night air rushing in as she stepped outside, her silhouette blending in with the shadows and fog just starting to creep through town.
Chase jogged to catch up, reaching her as she opened the driver’s door before cursing and spinning. She stopped cold, trapped between him and her SUV. Just like that first night before everything had gone off the rails.
Before he’d gotten lost in the abyss.
He held firm, hating the way her eyes teared over. “Greer…”
She held up her hand. “You don’t owe me an explanation. I get it.”
He stopped her from shoving him out of the way. “Get what? Because if you’d let me stumble my way through the conversation, I was trying to apologize.”
“For what?”
“Not being there for you the way I should have been. Getting lost in all that darkness. Having my head stuck up my ass. You pick.” He sighed. “I’m not on the other side of this, yet. Losing Rhett…”
He pressed his hand against the vehicle. “Even knowing I couldn’t have saved him, I still feel responsible. Still question if I deserve,” he gestured between them, “all this. But I’m still crazy about you. A fact I’m scared nothing will ever change.”
Greer stared up at him, eyes wide, mouth slightly open. As if she wanted to speak but couldn’t find the words.
He smiled. “I don’t expect the road back to be easy. I’m just hoping there’s still one open for me.”
Greer bit at her bottom lip, a couple tears breaking free before she fisted his shirt — stepped into him. Head pressed against his shoulder, her heart thrashing against his chest.
Definitely all the redemption he needed.
He gathered her close, holding her tight as the world faded for a moment, all the chaos and pain easing. He didn’t take it further, content to simply stand there, entwined.
A throat cleared behind them. “I’m thinking you two should spend more time in this parking lot. Good things happen.”
Chase groaned as Kash’s voice cut through the tender atmosphere, snapping him back. He hugged Greer tighter for a moment before easing away — looking over his shoulder. “Are you stalking us?”
Kash shrugged, one arm wrapped around Jordan, Nyx hugging his other leg. “Just stopped for some coffee before heading back to the station.”
Greer sighed. “You already worked a full shift at Raven’s Watch.”
“And you already worked more than that.” Kash tsked. “There’ll be plenty of time for all of us to catch up on sleep once this asshole’s behind bars. Until then, we need to spell each other off. That includes you.”
“Men.” Greer focused on Jordan. “You sure you’re okay?”
Jordan tilted her head. “After twenty years running missions for Rook, pulling a few extra hours is nothing. I’m fine. The baby’s fine.” She waved at the Bronco. “Get some sleep.”
Kash winked at Chase, the ass, before they headed for the café, looking way too relaxed. Or maybe Chase had simply forgotten how to play it cool. Box away any unwanted feelings. It had been second nature in the service. Since he’d met Greer…
He’d been floundering.
