Hidden Fates (Hidden Heroes #4)

Chapter 10

Two hours later, the adrenaline had finally left her system, and Reese was feeling it in every inch of her body. She was exhausted and ready to sleep for the next three days. She couldn’t believe she’d actually kissed Garrett tonight, but she’d just been so relieved and happy to see him, and the way he was looking at her - she couldn’t see his eyes, but she’d felt the warmth and care of his gaze like a warm blanket wrapped around her. She could argue that she’d momentarily lost her mind, but that wasn’t true. She’d wanted to kiss him since that first day they met when he broke down the door and rescued her like a white knight. The craziest part was that she could swear he’d kissed her back.

“You really should consider protective custody,” Garrett said, turning onto his street. They’d just spent over an hour talking to his friends. She’d told them everything that happened from the moment she’d last texted with Garrett until they found her. It was obvious Russell knew where she was now, so it hadn’t taken Garrett long to convince her to file a police report and press charges on the two men in the van. One of them they now had in custody, but the driver was still out there somewhere.

“It won’t help,” Reese said, fidgeting with her cellphone that had somehow made it through the ordeal unscathed. Caden had found it on the dock, right where she’d left it, when he searched Garrett’s property. He’d surprised her with it while she was giving her statement. He didn’t need to go out of his way to bring it to her, but Reese got the sense that Garrett’s friends were a lot like him. Kind. Caring. Generous. And would do anything for each other and the people they cared about. So different from the man she called her stepbrother. “Russell can get around all that stuff, remember? He’s a cop. Besides, he’s already taken enough from me. He’s not taking my name, my identity, and my life, too. No way.”

“I’m just trying to keep you safe.” Garrett pulled into his driveway, killed the engine, and turned to face her in the dark truck.

This had already been the longest night of Reese’s life, and it wasn’t even close to sunrise yet. “I think I’ve proven that I can keep myself safe.” She’d been terrified the entire time, but she had managed to stay alive and think on her feet. That had to count for something.

“This time.” Garrett’s words hit her like a punch to the gut. “What happens the next time Russell tries to snatch you away from me? What if they decide to shoot first and ask questions never?”

“He’s not going to kill me,” she said with more certainty than she felt.

“How do you know that?”

“Because if he wanted me dead, I think he would’ve already killed me. He doesn’t, Garrett,” she said, placing a hand on his arm. “He already has too many bodies piling up. I have no idea what he wants from me, but whatever it is, he’s obviously not going to just come out and ask me. But I refuse to spend my life looking over my shoulder.”

Garrett let out a long sigh. “I can’t let you stay in the guest house anymore.”

“You’re kicking me out?” She couldn’t believe he would do that to her, and right now of all times. Hadn’t he sent her a text message earlier tonight telling her he wanted her to stay?

“No, of course not. I just mean we’re going to have to make some changes.”

“Like what?”

“I want you to move into the main house. With me.”

Reese’s jaw went slack. She’d never even been inside Garrett’s house and now he was asking her to move in with him. “I…” She had no idea what to say to that.

“And whenever you’re here by yourself, there’s going to be a patrol car parked outside to make sure no one tries to kidnap you or hurt you again.”

She couldn’t really argue with that. But moving in with Garrett… was that really what he wanted? “Okay,” she said, tentatively. Mostly to the second part. “But moving in with you, I’m not sure -”

“Come on,” he said, getting out of the truck. “Actually, stay there, I’ll come around and help you out.” He met her outside her door, carefully lifted her out of her seat and gently placed her on her feet. “Are you hurting?” He asked.

“I’m fine.” Her entire backside was sore and the scrapes on her hands and legs were still stinging, and her head was still throbbing, but she was alive, with Garrett, and that was all that mattered.

Garrett led her to his front door and opened it unceremoniously, as if they’d done this a hundred times before. “I can go to the guest house and grab some of your things after we get you settled in. Are you hungry? I can make you some dinner, or I also have pie in the fridge, and I can brew a fresh pot of coffee - or tea, if you prefer.”

“I - I don’t know.” She was entirely too overwhelmed by how fast everything was moving. Her head was still trying to catch up with everything that had happened tonight. “Do you think Luke and Tanner have figured out that guy’s connection to Russell yet?”

“I don’t know, but he’s locked up tight, so you can rest easy. He won’t be coming back for you, Reese.”

“I know, but the other guy…” She let her voice fade when she realized that Russell probably had a whole army of men he could easily send after her. So, worrying about one guy seemed almost absurd.

Garrett flicked on a light switch, then turned to face her, taking both her hands in his. “Reese, I can’t imagine what was going through your mind tonight while you were alone out in those woods, and I hate that it took me as long as it did to find you. There’s obviously a flaw in the device I gave you because it only works when both of us have access to a cellular signal. I’ll have to look into finding something better. But for now, I want you to know that we will find that second guy, and I will do everything in my power to keep you safe.” He didn’t sound impatient or even upset, just determined, and somehow that actually helped settle her.

No one had ever made a promise like that to her. Reese’s safety had always been her own responsibility, but it felt good to have someone to share that burden with. “Okay,” she said.

“Okay? That’s it?”

Reese nodded. “Yes. Okay. I believe you’ll do everything you can to keep me safe. I mean look at everything you’ve done already. I just hope you know how grateful I am to you and your friends for helping me, for being there for me when I had no one else.”

Garrett took a step closer to her, and for a moment she thought he might kiss her. He hadn’t said a word about the kiss, and while she knew she hadn’t imagined the sparks between them, she did wonder if maybe she’d caught him off guard. She hadn’t planned on kissing him, but he smelled like fresh grass and dirt, and summer picnics in the park. He reminded her of safety and joy, and everything she loved.

“You’re welcome. And I have to admit, I’m completely amazed by you, Reese Graham. What you accomplished tonight… You’re incredible.” Garrett kept his gaze low, studying the small circles his fingers were drawing on her knuckles that were sending little sparks all the way up her arm.

It allowed her to study his features as he spoke, something she rarely got to do in conversations. She didn’t doubt for a minute he was doing it for her, and it was a heady feeling to be in the presence of someone who was so respectful and mindful of her needs. “I don’t know about that,” she shrugged. “I just do what needs to be done, when it needs to be done.”

He nodded, keeping the small circles going around her knuckles in a soothing, rhythmic pattern. “Not many can say that and follow through. Despite being hurt, banged up, and nearly drowned, you kept a level head and got yourself out of an incredibly dangerous situation. I don’t know many people who could’ve done that, and managed to tie up the guy chasing you to boot. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were an undercover law enforcement officer for some secret government agency.”

Reese laughed. “Nope, just little old me. Nothing special.”

Garrett lifted her hand to his mouth and pressed a kiss to her knuckle. “You.” Another kiss to a second knuckle. “Are.” Third kiss to the third knuckle. “Special.”

Reese’s chest tightened at the sweetness of the man in front of her. She smiled and quipped, “Maybe to you.”

“No maybe about it, Reese Graham.” He lifted his head then, but just enough that his gaze locked on her lips. “And we’re definitely going to talk about that kiss, but not tonight. Right now, I’m going to give you the abbreviated version of the grand tour so you can get cleaned up and some much-needed food and rest. Sound good?”

At his words, she suddenly remembered how tired she was. The spell this man could put her under with just a simple touch and a few sweet words was beyond anything she’d ever known. “Yes.”

With the corners of his mouth barely lifting, he said, “great room.”

Reese didn’t want to take her eyes off the gorgeous man standing in front of her, but she quickly took in the large space with an open, eat-in kitchen and a massive living room area with a stone fireplace and cathedral ceilings with wood beams running across, giving the space a cozy, yet elegant feeling. “It’s beautiful,” she said.

“Let me show you the bedrooms,” he said, gently taking her by the hand. One of the reasons it had taken so long to give her statement was because Garrett had asked a paramedic friend of his to look her over and tend to some of her worst cuts, including the ones on her hands, which the paramedic treated with a special ointment and wrapped them so they’d be protected and heal faster.

Reese followed Garrett down a hallway until he stopped and turned on the light in a room with a double bed, two nightstands on either side, and a dresser. It was simple and clean, and Reese liked it a lot.

“Guest room,” Garrett said. “It has an ensuite full bathroom and a walk-in closet.” Standing in the hallway, he pointed to another door across the hall. “That’s my work out room. I have a treadmill, some free weights, and a few other things. You’re welcome to use it any time after you’re healed.”

Reese gave an absent nod, trying not to imagine Garrett in here, working out with his shirt off with all those sexy muscles on display.

“This last door is my room,” Garrett said.

Reese let out a sigh. This man hadn’t even touched her yet and she was already thinking about Garrett naked under the covers. This had been way too long of a day for her to be this turned on by the idea of him spending time in two rooms of his house, but it had been so long since she’d thought of a man in that way, and Garrett was safe. Even if they never kissed again, the idea of being with Garrett, of him using those incredible muscles on her felt tantalizing, and not the least bit scary.

“Why don’t you get cleaned up while I go get some of your things. There’s antibiotic ointment and a box of gloves in the cabinet under the sink. Put them on to protect your hands from getting wet.”

Sexy and sweet. Had she ever met a more caring man in her life? “I can get it myself,” Reese offered, not wanting to be an added burden.

Garrett gave her a crooked smile that melted her insides a little. “I don’t mind.”

The backs of her eyes burned with unshed tears as she fought for control. She wasn’t usually someone who cried easily, but today had been a rollercoaster, and Garrett was like the perfect balm to all her fears and worries. “Thank you,” she said past the lump in her throat.

“You don’t have to thank me for taking care of you, Reese. It’s always my pleasure.”

Reese didn’t know what to say to that. Then just as Garrett turned to walk away, she added, “Garrett?”

He stopped and turned to face her, but kept his gaze low so she didn’t have to jerk away to avoid making eye contact with him. My God, this man was something else. “I know you don’t want or need my thanks, but I really can’t thank you enough for finding me and bringing me here, into your home, I mean. I’m only alive and safe because you found me.”

Garrett smiled and shook his head. “No, you’re alive and safe because you were a bad-ass,” he said, his pride for her evident in his tone. “I only happened to come along after you’d done all the hard work.”

She couldn’t help smiling at his words, suddenly feeling like a warrior princess standing with her prince, ready to conquer anything that came her way. “I’ve watched tons of self-defense videos.”

Garrett nodded. “Good. They probably saved your life on more than one occasion. Go get cleaned up while I bring in some of your things. I’ll leave them just outside your door. When you’re ready, I’ll be in the kitchen. But take your time.”

“Thanks.” Reese couldn’t thank this man enough. She hadn’t felt this protected or taken care of since she was a little girl, but she couldn’t deny how good it felt.

A half hour later, Reese came out of the guest room feeling like a brand new woman. She’d washed her hair and body, covered all her cuts and scrapes with the antibiotic cream Garrett had left for her, and donned an oversized t-shirt and a loose pair of linen shorts. The leather jacket had amazingly protected her back so well that it barely had a scrape on it. Just a few nasty bruises that would heal in time.

Exhaustion still tugged at her and that bed was calling her name, but Garrett said he’d wait for her in the kitchen, and she didn’t want to keep him waiting. She was also secretly looking forward to spending a little more time with him tonight. Something about being near him settled her, and she was still feeling jittery inside after everything that happened.

Garrett was standing in front of the open refrigerator when she came in, his hair damp, wearing a clean t-shirt and gray sweatpants. Goodness, his backside was just as delectable as his front.“How does lasagna sound?” He asked without turning around.

“Amazing,” she said, commenting more on the view of his ass than on the food. She slipped into a chair at the kitchen table, grateful to be off her feet.

Garrett turned around and gave her a look that suggested he’d caught on to what she’d been referring to. “Good.” A smirk played on his lips, but then he pulled out a glass baking dish and let the refrigerator door close behind him. “Did you find the antibiotic ointment? I can get you more tomorrow. I also have over the counter painkillers you can take after you eat.”

“Yes, I found it, and pain killers would be great.” Her head was still throbbing, though not as bad as earlier.

He cut two slices of the lasagna and stuck them in the microwave for a few minutes, then put the rest back in the fridge.

“You know, technically, I already ate dinner tonight,” she said, then remembered, “oh, your sandwich and salad are still outside the back door.” She started to stand, but Garrett held out his hand to stop her.

“I’ll get it,” he said, gently taking her hand in his. “I haven’t had anyone cook for me in quite some time.”

“I know what it’s like to get caught up with work and then have to go to bed hungry because you’re too tired to cook anything. Obviously, my work isn’t life or death, but all the more reason you should have a meal waiting for you, especially on those nights you work late.”

It had been so long since she’d been with anyone or wanted to be with anyone. She definitely hadn’t planned on falling for the guy who saved her from Vivian, but here she was, sitting in his kitchen, soaking up every minute she could with him, and falling deeper and harder than she ever thought possible.

***

Garrett had completely forgotten about the sandwich until Reese mentioned it, but the sweet thoughtfulness of her gesture hit him square in the chest all over again. She couldn’t look him in the eye, but he didn’t need to see her eyes to know just how much she cared. “I’ll take the sandwich and salad with me for lunch tomorrow, but tonight, I want to eat with you, like we’d originally planned. If that’s okay.”

Reese smiled, and it was all the confirmation he needed that he’d said the right thing. He heated up the lasagna and joined her at the table. It had been such a long time since he’d shared a meal with anyone in his kitchen. The memories weren’t all good, but right now, he only wanted to focus on Reese. She forked some of the pasta and Garrett watched her take the first bite. There was something erotic about the way she ate, and especially when she let out a little moan. “This is really good.”

“Thanks,” Garrett said. “I wouldn’t call myself a chef, but I know my way around a kitchen.”

Reese laughed. “Okay, now I know you can cook. Tell me more about yourself. I told you about me and my art, and you know plenty about my step brother. I feel like I hardly know much about you at all.”

Garrett thought about it for a moment and realized she was right. “Let’s see, I have a sister who lives in San Diego. She’s the communications manager for the football team out there.”

“Really?” Reese asked. “That sounds like an interesting career.”

“Are you a football fan?” Garrett asked.

Reese shrugged. “As much as anyone, I guess. I heard they’ve had quite a turn around these last few years. The new players they brought on last season have really turned things around for them.”

“Yeah, it’s not always easy being a team player, but they seem to be making it work.”

“Do you usually work alone or with a team as a Texas Ranger?”

“We’ve had plenty of times where there were multiple Texas Rangers on one case, but I find that more often than not, I’m usually on my own, unless I’m in a situation that requires backup.”

“Does that happen a lot?” Reese asked. She’d been doing her best to keep her gaze away from his, and he felt bad that this was so hard for her.

“Hold on a sec.” Garrett stood, and went to turn on a lamp by the couch, then turned off the light in the kitchen. “How’s that?” He asked, sitting down at the table with his back to the light.

Her expression softened and she smiled. “Much better. Thank you.”

“No problem. Now, what did you ask me - oh, right. It happens sometimes. I mean, it’s obviously not every day. Like at the school, I’ll be on my own, but I can have back up there within about ten minutes if I need it. Texas Rangers also work with local police and FBI units that we can call on for help. It’s not as dangerous as it might sound.”

“And yet, you hear about Texas Rangers getting hurt all the time. I mean, police and FBI too, but you’re a Texas Ranger.”

Garrett smiled and put a hand to his chest. “Reese Graham, is this your way of saying that you worry about me?”

Reese nibbled her bottom lip and studied the food on her plate like it was the most interesting thing in the world. Even though he had no real claim on this woman, knowing that she cared that much about him meant a lot. Garrett covered her hand with his. “I always take every precaution,” he assured her. “You have nothing to worry about, but thank you for caring.”

“Of course, I care,” she said. “And yes, I worry.”

Her words came out soft, and he remembered how she’d admitted to not wanting to look into his eyes because she didn’t want to see his moment of death. “I care about you, too. I know coming to live with me here wasn’t exactly planned, but I am glad you’re here. I meant what I said earlier. I want you to stay.”

Reese smiled. “Me too.”

They spent the rest of the meal talking about nothing in particular. Garrett told her about some of his old cases, obviously avoiding the more dangerous scenarios he’d found himself in over the years, and Reese shared how her love of art, and especially mixed media art, started as a hobby that turned into a passion and quickly became a career.

“I was going to stop at the store tomorrow to grab a few things for our barbeque this weekend, but I’m going to let the guys know that it’s off until -”

“No,” Reese interrupted. “I’m done putting my life on hold for Russell. If everything he’s put me through taught me anything, it’s that I’m a heck of a lot stronger than I thought I was. I’ve waited long enough to meet your friends, Garrett. I want to meet them. Luke and Tanner were great, so I imagine the others will be, too. Besides, I’m not exactly on my deathbed. I have a few scrapes and bruises. Big deal. It might make for interesting conversation.”

Garrett couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped his lips. This woman really was something else. “I had a feeling you were going to say that. Okay, we’ll have the barbeque as planned. I should be home around six. Is there anything special you want me to pick up at the store?”

“No. I’m sure whatever you get will be great. Thanks.” she said.

“Not a problem.” Garrett took their empty plates to the sink. “Why don’t you head to bed. I can clean up and load the dishwasher.”

“I don’t mind helping,” Reese said, starting to stand.

“I know you don’t, but right now, the only thing I want is for you to get some rest.” He hadn’t missed the dark circles under her eyes, or the way she swayed slightly on her feet. She was beyond exhausted and he wasn’t going to keep her up a minute longer than needed.

Reese seemed to consider his words before giving in. “Okay. I guess I’ll just say goodnight.”

Garrett smiled at her easy acquiescence. “Good night, Reese. Let me know if you need anything. I don’t care if it’s the middle of the night. Just wake me up.”

Reese gave him a teary-eyed smile and nodded. “I’ll be okay. Good night.”

He watched her make her way back to the guest room and didn’t miss how she didn’t close the door. He made a mental note to leave a nightlight on in the hallway so she would be scared if she woke up in the middle of the night or came out looking for a glass of water or something.

As he loaded the dishwasher and wiped down the table, Garrett couldn’t help thinking about how far she’d come, from living in his guest house, hardly talking to him, to living in his house, having dinner with him, and sleeping in his guest room. Not to mention that kiss. He was at half-mast just thinking about it.

It was no secret that his past relationships had been complete disasters. So, bringing Reese to stay in his guest house, kissing her back when she so tenderly kissed him in the woods, and now moving her in with him - it was either the most insane thing he could ever do, or she was going to be the best thing that ever happened to him.