Dirty Pucker (Denver Bashers #2)

34. Del

Chapter 34

Del

I thank the police officer who responded to our call about the break-in and walk him to the front door.

“We’ll get this information into the system right away,” he says to me and my mom, who’s standing a few feet away.

I ask him about filing a restraining order, and he tells me what we need to do. I tell him thanks and close the door.

“We’ll head down to the courthouse first thing tomorrow morning,” I say to Mom.

She nods. “I think that’s a good idea.”

I glance back to the kitchen, where Ingrid is rinsing out our mugs and loading them into the dishwasher.

My chest aches. She’s been amazing.

What was supposed to be a hot night at her place quickly turned into a family emergency. I wouldn’t have blamed her for dropping me off at my mom’s and letting me deal with this myself.

But she didn’t. She insisted on staying with me. She sat with my mom and calmed her down while I was busy checking on the house. She didn’t hesitate to comfort me and hug me when I needed it the most.

My heart thuds in my chest. This woman is beyond incredible.

“It’s getting late,” my mom says. “You kids should get home.”

“I don’t like the idea of you staying here alone after what happened. You should stay with me for the next few nights.”

She sighs and tilts her head at me. “Honey, I appreciate your concern, but this is my home. No one is going to make me too scared to stay in my own house, not even your dad.”

I purse my lips, frustrated. I try to think of a way to convince my stubborn mom to stay with me.

“Mom, please? Will you stay at my place? I need to know you’re safe.”

She sighs, looking sad. “Honey, I just don’t like the idea of you babysitting me.”

I take a breath to keep from sounding too frustrated. Before I can say anything more, Ingrid speaks.

“Del can stay with me while you stay at his place,” Ingrid says in a soft voice. “That way you have your own space.”

Mom looks intrigued at the idea. I notice an amused look in her eyes as she glances between Ingrid and me. “I’d be okay with that. If you’re okay with it?” she asks me.

I look at Ingrid. “You sure you’re okay with me staying with you for a few days?”

She smiles. “Yeah.”

“I’ll go pack a bag.” Mom disappears down the hall.

I turn to Ingrid. “You’re really okay with this?”

She grabs my hand in both of hers. “Of course I am.” Her expression sobers. “I’m with you. I don’t think your mom should stay here, at least not for a few nights.”

I drop a kiss to her lips. “Thank you. For everything.”

“Of course.”

While we wait for my mom to finish packing her bag, Ingrid cleans up the kitchen while I fix the window.

I grab my mom’s bag and load it into the back of Ingrid’s car. We lock up the house and Ingrid drives to my townhouse. We all head inside. I get my mom settled then pack a bag for myself.

Once we’re ready to leave, Mom pulls Ingrid into a hug. “I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done tonight, Ingrid.”

“It’s my pleasure, Nancy. Anything else you need, just call me okay? I mean it. I’ll have Del text you my phone number.”

Mom beams up at her.

Ingrid turns to me. “I’ll wait for you in the car.”

She steps out, giving me a minute alone with my mom.

I shut the door behind Ingrid and turn back to my mom.

“What a gem that young lady is.”

“She’s amazing,” I say softly.

A knowing smile pulls at her lips. “And how long have you two been a thing?”

I huff out a breath, not wanting to go into detail about my love life with my mom. So I give her an abbreviated version. “Not long. We were friends first, but there’s always been something more between us.”

Mom smiles like she’s keeping a secret. “I knew it. I knew the second you walked in with her there was something romantic between you two. She’s just your type.”

“Seriously, Mom?”

She crosses her arms, looking mildly offended. “Del, honey. Come on now. You think I haven’t noticed how almost every girl you’ve ever dated is beautiful and blonde?”

My cheeks heat. I guess my mom knows me a lot better than I thought.

I go to hug her. She squeezes me tight. “Thanks for everything, honey.”

“Call me in the morning when you wake up, okay?”

“Promise I will.”

I walk toward the door.

“Hang on to her, honey. She’s a keeper.”

My heart swells in my chest. “She really is.”