Page 42 of Guarded Secrets
Thirty minutes later a PA named Anayah was pressing a bandage over what she assured Keeley was a neat row of stitches that shouldn’t leave much of a scar. Keeley hadn’t wanted to look in the mirror. Owen’s low voice carried from the hall where he’d gone to use his phone.
“I gave your cute boyfriend a bag of supplies,” Anayah said. “Keep the wound dry and covered with a bandage for at least two days. See your primary, or come back to the clinic if there’s any sign of infection.
“We don’t think you have a concussion, but if you develop any of the symptoms we talked about, same thing, see your primary or come back. Any questions?”
Keeley shook her head slowly, not sure if she should correct the boyfriend comment.
“Don’t worry, hon. You’re tired. I gave the boyfriend the same information so you’re in good hands.”
Oh geez. “Um, he’s not really my boyfriend.”
Anayah laughed. “I’d say it’s only a matter of time then. Let that cutie take you home, get some Tylenol in your system, and get some sleep.”
They stepped into the hall and Owen draped an arm over her shoulders, pulling her into his side.
Anayah gave her a laughing goodbye. “Right, not your boyfriend,” she whispered so only Keeley could hear.
Owen shoved his phone into his pocket. “I gave Abby an update. She’s going back to bed now.”
Keeley yawned. “Good, because Dad will be up early no matter what. Thank goodness Mrs. Troung is coming in tomorrow so Mom will have help.”
He didn’t speak as they drove through the night. He parked the Bronco in front of her garage, got out, and rounded the hood to her door, steadying her when she slid out of the vehicle.
“Give me your keys.”
She should’ve known he wouldn’t drop her off and leave.
His head swiveled, gaze searching the area as they made their way to the cottage door. He unlocked the door and had her wait in the entry while he conducted a search.
She hated feeling vulnerable. Hated that the attack made her scared of sleeping alone. She could always go to her parents’ house and spend the night in the guest room.
The whole thing had her completely pissed off. She should be able to sleep in her own home without feeling afraid.
“All clear.” Owen reached behind her and turned the dead bolt on the door.
Maybe she was getting punchy because she stared at him in confusion. “How are you getting out if the door’s locked?”
His grin flashed, breaking the tension that seemed to have settled around him. “You’re exhausted, princess. Go get ready for bed.”
“What are you going to do?”
He shoved his hands in his pockets. “Stay with you. I’m not leaving you alone after what happened.”
“I’ll be okay. She got my purse. I don’t think she’s still a threat. I wish I knew why she wanted my purse, but that’s what she was after.”
“We’ll talk tomorrow.”
As much as she wanted to go straight to bed, she crossed the living room to the alcove where she had a desk and a two-drawer filing cabinet. She only had two credit cards so it shouldn’t take long to contact the companies.
She finished one call with the happy news nothing had been charged, then dialed the next. The agent was competent, sincerely sympathetic for her awful night, and confirmed that nothing had been charged with that card either.
Plugging in her phone next to her bed, Keeley yawned again, suddenly so tired she could hardly keep her eyes open.
In the bathroom for an abbreviated bedtime routine, she finally gave in and looked at her reflection in the mirror.
Oh lord, she looked like a hot mess.
All color had leached from her skin, making her eyes look overly large with dark smudges under them to give her a hollowed-out look.
