“Thank you,” I replied, sighing happily. “Rick… would you really have left?”
“I would,” Rick answered, but smiled as he reached out, stroking my cheek and fixing a strand of hair behind my ear. “I’m not the kind to force a woman, ever. But I’m much happier here, making sure you get what you need.”
“I’ve been pretty bitchy, haven’t I?” I asked, thinking of my behavior over the past couple of weeks. “A royal terror.”
“It wasn’t bad at first,” he laughed. “Got worse after Des Moines.”
“I’m sorry. Really.”
He kissed my forehead. “Now rest, Lacey. You’re never, ever going to have to be afraid or worry about anything. Not as long as I’m around.”
“What will you do?” I ask, and he points over to the lounge chair across from the couch.
“I’m going to be right there, doing what I do best,” he said. “Taking care of Lacey Connor and making sure she stays safe.”
What a way to end a long day. My last image, as I closed my eyes, was Rick, not looking at me, but scanning the room.
Making sure I was safe.
* * *