Part 41 (2/2)
She nodded. ”Harry would like that.”
”And Liz?” he teased again, forcing her to make an admission.
”Liz would like it, too.”
”I'm afraid to push my luck too far, but what about dinner as well? I make a mean steak.”
This was spiraling out of control, and Holly knew it. Eventually, he would be asking more personal questions. And the more he knew her, the more he would be apt to realize when she was lying. And yet the invitation was alluring. She had been frantic about saving money in the event they might have to run again. She and Harry had been living on hot dogs, cereal, tacos and fifty other recipes for hamburger. The cowboy hat had been a rare treat for Harry.
Harry looked at her longingly.
But this invitation would lead to another and another. Dare she start something she couldn't end?
She couldn't completely isolate herself and Harry.
But a lawman?
She nodded. ”Thank you, we would like that.”
A broad grin spread across his face. Then he turned back to the trail they were following as if afraid she would take it back.
She should. She should call him tomorrow and cite a headache.
But she knew she wouldn't.
'NEW ORLEANS'.
Meredith left her mother's side only when Gage appeared at the door. Mack must have told him where she was.
His gaze went to the bandage on her arm, then to her mother. He asked questions with his eyes.
”I'm all right. A little sore,” she said. ”My mother ...”
She didn't have to say anything. The labored breathing, the color of her mother's skin said it all.
He didn't say he was sorry, and she appreciated it. She knew everyone was being kind but she'd heard the words entirely too many times lately.
Instead he held her for several moments, careful not to hurt her arm.
”I couldn't find my sister,” she said. ”Not in time.”
His arms tightened around her. ”Perhaps it's time to stop looking.”
”I promised.”
”Okay. How can I help?”
She wanted his help. She needed his help. She needed him and the light he brought to a now hostile world. But she'd already hurt him. Violence swirled around her like a whirlwind. She didn't want him to be in the line of fire again. She didn't answer that question but asked one of her own.
”Any news from the shooting board yet?”
”No. It'll take a couple of days.”
”Thanks for sending Mack. I think he kept the reporters away last night.” She tried to smile.
He studied her face. ”Last night wasn't your fault. If anyone is at blame, I am. I should have realized how far he would go.”
He looked exhausted. He hadn't shaved and light bristle shadowed his cheeks. She reached up and pushed back a lock of his hair. ”I think you should go home and get some sleep.”
”I'll stay with you.”
'Remember what happens to people around you.'
”No,” she said. ”I... want to be alone with her.”
He stared at her for a long time. ”I want Mack with you then.”
”This could be over,” she said.
”It could. And it couldn't. You might still be a target.”
”Thank you for saving my life.”
He smiled. It was a tight smile but she liked it. Liked the p.r.o.nounced dimple in his chin when he did.
She wanted to say more. She wanted to go home with him. She wanted him to go home with her. Just his presence made her world brighten, and right now it was in great need of the light.
”Go home,” she said.
”You'll call me if you need anything? You'll cooperate with Mack?”
”Yes.”
He put one of his hands to her cheek. It was a tender gesture and all the more meaningful since he so rarely revealed emotions.
A little like herself.
The thought was agonizing. That's what her mother had done. Kept her feelings and emotions wrapped in fire-r.e.t.a.r.dant covering. Was she following her mother's example?
She didn't want to be like that. She didn't want to keep people at a distance. But she had. Learned behavior? Or simply a defense?
She stood on tiptoes and brushed her cheek against his stubbled one. It scratched her face but she didn't mind. ”Thanks for coming.”
”I really would like to stay.”
”You need some rest. I'll be here.”
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