Close was exactly where I wanted to be, and not just because Laiken might be in danger. I wanted more of her understanding and warmth. More of that strength and stubbornness. “I’m trying.”
“It’s not easy for her.”
“I’m getting that. What I’d like to do is get her out of Wolf Gap altogether until you catch whoever’s doing this.”
Hayes stilled with his Coke halfway to his mouth. “That’s not a bad idea.”
“She’s not going to take off with me. She’s not a runner.”
“What if you couched it as a getaway? Even just a few days would give me some time to investigate.”
I scrubbed a hand over my jaw. “Hayes, I don’t know what you think is happening between Laiken and me, but it’s not that.”
He arched a brow. “Not yet?”
I chuckled. “Hope springs eternal.”
“I can tell you care about her. If you were looking for quick and easy, you would’ve seen that she was upset and turned away. Instead, at least twice now that I know of, you’ve made sure that she was okay and did what you could to help. But I’ve also seen how you two look at each other. There’s something there.”
Hayes’ words should’ve scared the hell out of me. And I couldn’t deny my rib cage tightened. But I wasn’t running. I should. I should go straight back to Ramsey’s, pack my stuff, and go back to LA. Or maybe to stay with my parents in Big Sur.
Instead, I wanted to chase down the woman with shadows in her eyes. Wanted to soothe them and do everything I could to protect her. “I don’t know the first thing about a healthy relationship. I might not be good for her.”
Hayes traced a design in the condensation on his glass. “Neither did I. But Ev and I figured it out. Had plenty of bumps in the road, but we found our way.”
There was a flicker of something that felt a lot like hope deep in my gut.
“I have a friend who owns a cabin higher up the mountain. I’m sure he’d let you use it for a few days. It’s off the beaten path.”
My mind started whirling, putting together pieces for how I could get Laiken to agree to walk away from Wolf Gap for a few days. “I bet it has some gorgeous views.”
“The best.”
I glanced down at my phone. “I’d love to take Laiken up there. But it would probably help if I could get her to text me back first.”
Hayes burst out laughing. “I guess movie stars don’t get everything they want.”
“Trust me. My life is far from perfect.” Another flicker of guilt swept through me at bringing Laiken into the darkness that sometimes swamped my world.
The humor fled Hayes’ expression. “We all bring baggage into relationships. But it’s nice to have someone help us carry it for a while.”
17
Laiken
I pulledinto a makeshift spot in front of the Grangers’ house. I simply sat there for a moment, taking in the familiar view. There was comfort in how well I knew it, down to which boards creaked when you walked up the front steps. How many times had Jase pushed me in the swing out front? Or chased me with a stash of water balloons? There were so many beautiful memories here, and I didn’t want to lose a single one. I didn’t want the loss of Jase and the aftermath that had twisted us all to taint them.
Shutting off my SUV’s engine, I pulled air into my lungs and then slowly let it out. I climbed out of the vehicle and headed for the front door. It opened before I reached the top step.
Chip smiled, but I saw strain around his eyes. “Hey, Laiken.”
I lifted a bag. “I brought lunch. Have you guys eaten yet?”
He shook his head. “I was just about to scrounge something up.”
“Well, now you don’t have to.” I pulled out a sandwich and a drink. “Why don’t you take a break? I’ll sit with Kay for a while.”
He reached out and squeezed my shoulder. “Thank you.”