His laugh sounded easy. “Ah, is that boyfriend of yours still in my way?”
“No.”
His eyes widened in surprise. “No?”
“No, I mean…” She clicked her seatbelt on. “We broke up, but—”
“Good. I’m glad to hear that particular obstacle is gone.” He put the truck into reverse with a shrewd grin. “As to your question, my sister is at Sunrise Hospital.”
Chloe frowned and couldn’t help but comment, “Most people aren’t so happy when two people break up.”
“You and I, Chloe, aren’t most people.” He backed out of the spot before addressing her again with—was it passion? Possessiveness? Hunger? “Of course I’m thrilled you’re single. The only thing keeping me from you is no longer a concern.”
“You…” Shocked by his bold statement, she couldn’t even finish her sentence. Stranger yet, his determination didn’t scare her.
The side of his mouth slid up in a sexy arch. “Want you?” He stepped on the gas pedal, propelling them forward. “Yes, I do.”
Chapter 3
“Mom, Dad, this is Chloe Nash.” Sawyer turned to Chloe, who was standing behind him in the hospital room. “Chloe, these are my parents, Beth and Roger Quinn.”
Chloe offered her hand to his father. “I’m sorry to meet under these circumstances, Mr. Quinn.”
His father shook her hand, arching a curious brow at Sawyer.
Sawyer smiled in return, as his parents were well aware that he hadn’t had a girlfriend for more years than he wanted to count. He explained, “Chloe is a private investigator who works for a good friend of mine, Porter Marshall. She’s offered to help us locate Travis.”
“Oh, wonderful. Please call me Roger.” His father shook Chloe’s hand more firmly now, enclosing her hand in both of his. “We appreciate any help we can get.” His concerned eyes swept toward Sawyer’s mother, who sat in the chair next to her sleeping daughter. “I’m worried for Ashlyn, with Travis still out there.” The dark circles beneath his eyes confirmed his concern. It was clear that neither of Sawyer’s parents had slept much since Ashlyn’s attack, and Sawyer figured it’d stay that way until they caught Travis.
“Ash wakes up every couple of hours,” said his mother. “But she’s pretty out of it when she does.” She ran her fingers through her curly hair. “Do the police have any leads?”
“I’m afraid not,” Sawyer answered, noticing how his mom’s body sagged against the bed with disappointment. “Have either of you eaten anything today?”
His father shook his head. “We haven’t wanted to leave her.”
“W
hy don’t you go to the cafeteria?” Chloe interjected, her voice soft. “We can stay with Ashlyn while you get something to eat. The coffee is terrible, but it’s better than nothing.”
Sawyer’s heart warmed as he saw the sincere compassion in Chloe’s eyes. Christ, she was a beautiful woman. Her long chocolate-brown hair flowed over her shoulders, and her striking blue eyes reminded him of the ocean in Mexico. So clear. So pure. So honest. Her body, lush and full of curves, was perfect for his hands.
What he found more beautiful was her sweet concern for his parents and sister. When he first met her, his attraction had been a sexual one. For a month now she’d haunted him. How sweet would she taste? How pink would her cheeks become with pleasure? How would she sound when she moaned in ecstasy? But he hadn’t counted on the way his heart tripped around her.
Smart. Strong. Caring. Beautiful. She had that something the others didn’t. Which interested him, and soon became something he couldn’t ignore.
Chloe was, in fact, unlike any other woman he’d met. Too pure. Too innocent. Not in the BDSM lifestyle. Somehow knowing that made her all the more special. Deep down in his gut, he knew he hadn’t asked her to help him find Travis only because it would comfort Ashlyn. He had asked her also because of Sawyer’s curiosity over her. He wanted to discover why this little woman had captivated his mind for a damn month.
Snapping back into the moment, he turned his attention to his father. “Chloe’s right—you could use some food.” He placed a hand on his father’s shoulder. “We’ll stay here until you come back.”
His father nodded at Sawyer before taking his wife’s hand and helping her up from the chair. “Come on, Beth. A little break will give us strength. We have to take care of ourselves so we can take care of Ashlyn.”
“You’re right,” she agreed, if a bit reluctantly. It came as no surprise to Sawyer that his mom went straight to Chloe and wrapped her in a tight hug. “I don’t know you, dear. But if you’re helping us, that makes you a friend. I cannot thank you enough.”
A slight smile curved Chloe’s lips as she returned the hug. “No thanks required. Anyone who hurts a woman needs to be put behind bars.”
“I couldn’t agree with you more,” said his mother. She released Chloe, took her husband’s hand again, and added to Sawyer, “We won’t be long.”
Sawyer waited until his parents left the room before arching a brow at Chloe. “You see why finding Travis is so important?”