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He hit the button to start the car and turned to her.
“I love you,” she said.
“I love you, too.” He smiled. Unable to resist, he leaned over the armrest and laid a kiss on her forehead. “Now let’s get you home.”
He put the car in drive and pulled off. They remained in a comfortable silence as he navigated the car through the light traffic. Thoughts of the surprise he had waiting for her filled his head, but he couldn’t help notice Aspen was being too quiet.
“What’s wrong, Aspen?”
“Nothing.” She sighed.
“It doesn’t sound like it.” His gaze darted to her for a second before turning back to the road.
“I was just wondering. You haven’t really asked me much about that night Ray had me.”
He knew he hadn’t. So much had gone on that night, he was just thankful she had survived. But a few things had plagued him, but he figured whenever she was ready to talk about things, she would let him know.
“I didn’t think you were ready,” he admitted.
“I am. I don’t want us to go on with any secrets. If I am to heal completely, I’ll need to heal my mindandbody. So ask me a question.” She tossed her cane in the back seat and turned to face him.
He could feel her gaze on him and knew now was the best time to ask her.
“When Ray was screaming about offshore banks. Was what he was saying true?” He guided the car to a stop, pausing at the red light. He glanced her way and met her eyes.
“Yes.” She blew out a deep breath. “I’m a forensic accountant. Do I trust banks and the government completely? No. So a long time ago, I began saving my money in offshore accounts. My family is very well off, and I put some of my money in accounts to build a hefty nest egg.”
“And that’s what Ray wanted from you?”
“That, and me dead.” She nodded.
“If he would have gone to prison, what were your plans?” If Ray had wanted the money in her account and was willing to risk being captured to obtain it, must have meant it was a shitload of cash.
Her lips curved up into a small smile as she tucked her hair behind her ear.
“I had planned to disappear and never come back. There’s enough money there for me to live off of for the rest of my life. The world would have been my playground.”
His heart stuttered for a moment. Was she still planning to leave? Now that she didn’t have to hide who she was, what were her plans? They hadn’t really discussed a future. They had been focused on her recovery and rehab.
“And now?” he asked. He held his breath, and the light turned green. A car horn honked behind him, and he focused back on the road and drove.
“I sort of like it here in Columbia. This hot police officer has my heart, and I don’t think he plans on letting it go.”
He smiled and winked at her. Relief filled him at her response. “You’re damn right I’m not going to let it go.”
Aspen grittedher teeth as she slowly made her way up the stairs to Declan’s apartment. After being released from the hospital, she didn’t want to step foot in her house. She never really cared for the neighborhood, and now that she was free to do what she wanted, she would have to find a place to live.
But she was in no rush. Since being discharged, she’d stayed with Declan, and they’d fallen into a nice routine.
She tried not to think of the ordeal, but it would take some time. Her leg was a constant reminder of getting shot while running for her life. She hated that she’d been in the hospital when US Marshal Ball’s funeral was held. He may have been a hard-ass, but he had died while trying to protect her.
“Two more stairs, babe,” his voice rumbled behind her, breaking into her thoughts.
“Don’t be looking at my ass,” she called out over her shoulder. She giggled at the light touch of his fingers grazing the curve of her backside.
“I can look all I want,” he muttered.
She celebrated internally at making it up the last stair. Declan came up behind her, and she waved off his hand. She needed to be able to do this herself. Her handy dandy cane was all she needed for the moment. She was determined to be able to walk free without any assistive device and only wanted to hold Declan’s hand because she wanted to, not needed to.
