“Thanks.”
She carried it over to the table and started to dive in. As she opened her mouth to take a second bite, I got an uneasy feeling. “You’re not gonna get me in trouble with this, are ya?”
She giggled and shook her head no before taking another huge mouthful. I wasn’t sure I believed her as I stepped back to the fridge and pulled out some leftover lasagna. I was just starting to make myself a plate when Viper walked in with Rebecca. He stopped in the doorway and gave Cat a disapproving look as he asked, “Ice cream before dinner?”
“Mm-hmm.” Cat didn’t skip a beat as she threw me under the bus. “Lynch gave it to me.”
“Lynch?”
“Whoa. Hold up!” I dropped my fork and held my hands up in surrender. “The ice cream was her idea.”
Viper gave one of his looks. “Is that right?”
“Yeah, she said she always has a snack after school.”
“Yeah, and school was out hours ago.”
“Oh, don’t let him rattle you.” Rebecca smiled as she picked up the bowl and carried it over to the sink. “He knows better than anyone how convincing Cat can be. Isn’t that right, babe?”
“She has her moments.” Viper reached down, lifted Cat into his arms, and his expression immediately grew soft as he looked at her and said, “Not gonna be able to go with you and your mom tonight.”
Cat’s little nose crinkled as she asked, “Why not?”
“I’ve got things to tend to here.”
“But you said that last night.”
“Yeah, and I imagine I’ll be saying it a lot.” Viper’s tone was endearing in a way I’d never heard from him before. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t wanna be with you or your momma. You get that, don’t ya?”
“Yes, sir.” She nodded. “Will you be home tonight?”
“I’ll do my best.” He kissed Cat on the temple, then lowered her to the floor. “Now, be good and listen to your momma.”
“I will.”
Viper gave Rebecca a quick kiss and told her, “I’ll be home when I can.”
“I know you will.” She smiled, then turned to me. “Take care, Lynch.”
“You, too.”
As soon as they were gone, Viper turned to me and asked, “You working tonight?”
“Yeah, I’m about to head over and start my shift. Just grabbing a bite to eat first.”
“Good deal.” As he started out of the room, he stopped and snickered. “Try not to pick up any convicts on the way.”
“Heard about that, did ya?”
“That I did.” He shook his head and grumbled, “You boys and your women. It’s always something.”
“We’re just trying to keep things interesting, Prez, but you don’t have to worry about the lawbreaker and me.” I nonchalantly shrugged at him. “I don’t think things are gonna work out.”
“Oh, yeah. I’ve heard that before.” He gave me one of his looks, then he started out of the room. “I can almost guarantee we haven’t seen the last of your little daredevil.”
“I don’t know, Prez,” I called out. “I’m pretty sure it’s done.”
“We’ll see about that.”
RAELYN
There were two ways I dealt with the fact that I could possibly die at any moment. Either I’d face it head-on and fight with every ounce of strength I could muster without letting doubt and fear get the best of me, or I’d give up and allow myself to enter the depths of despair as if waiting for death to come for me.
Today was one of those depths of despair days.
I’d come in from work, put on a pair of sweats, then piled up on the sofa with a mountain of snacks and searched for the saddest movie I could find.
I was an absolute mess and only had myself to blame.
I’d finally met someone who wasn’t simply another hot guy; Lynch was smart and funny, and I truly liked him—a lot.
But instead of behaving like a normal human being and trying to get something started with him, I freaked out. I let my fears and insecurities take over, and it ruined everything. I could only imagine what Lynch must’ve thought when I ran out on him—probably that I’d lost my mind—and he’d be right.
I had, and I was a wreck because of it.
Since that night, I’d been in the mood of all moods. I couldn’t eat or sleep, and I didn’t even try to look presentable for work. My unusual behavior hadn’t gone unnoticed.
I was curled up on the sofa with my favorite blanket when Haleigh plopped down next to me with a huff. “Okay, enough with this pity party of yours. What’s going on?”
“Nothing’s going on,” I lied. “I’m just tired.”
“Rae, we’ve been best friends since middle school. I know when something’s bothering you, so just save us both some time and spill it.”
“I’ve just had a long week at work, and I’m a little worried about what’s going to happen with this whole getting arrested thing. I’m ready to put it all behind me.”