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Chapter 20
Rip was taken to the hospital so his injuries could be tended to, and this time he stayed there. He’d checked in with his boss to bring him up to date. Lela wasn’t injured, just a bit soggy and exhausted. She called Ashlee from the waiting room to recap recent events. Her friend didn’t waste any time getting to her.
The instant Ashlee arrived, Lela rushed over to give her a hug. “It’s so good to see you.”
“How are you?” Ashlee said. “And how’s Rip?”
“Once I get some rest, I’ll be fine.” Lela smiled. “And Rip is as stubborn as ever. But he agreed to stay here so the doctor could repair the stitches in his side and treat the other injuries. He’s going to be okay, though.”
She looked at her friend, who might as well have just stepped out of a fashion magazine. Ashlee wore white jeans with a cashmere sweater and leather boots. Her blond hair fell in soft waves to her shoulders, and she had glossed her lips with a sparkly pink color.
“It looks like you fared well at the safe house,” Lela said.
“I survived it,” Ashlee said. “Somehow Hunter managed to get some of my stuff from home, so I suppose I didn’t suffer.” She grinned. “And hours of cards improved my poker game. But don’t ask me to play Scrabble. I’ve had enough of that for a lifetime.”
Lela laughed. “I’m just glad you’re able to go home now.”
“I am too,” Ashlee said. “And Hunter couldn’t wait to get back to LA to see Tessa. She’s his girlfriend and he missed her a lot.”
“What about work?”
“That’s a good question,” Ashlee said. “I’m going to stay away for a few more days to see how all this plays out.”
“Same here,” Lela said. “I’m sticking close to Rip for now.”
*****
Rip was released from the hospital, but didn’t go back on duty right away. His boss told him to take a few days to recuperate, so he stayed in Houston—which made Lela happy.
Lela’s apartment was more comfortable this time. She shopped for groceries and cooked meals. And she had the luxury of looking out the windows to enjoy the view.
It was nice to have the opportunity to go out in Houston with Rip. Whether it was a stroll downtown, listening to music at a club, or a lunch of authentic tacos, Lela cherished every minute. She was lucky to have him with her, and the intimate nights together were especially memorable.
Lela was aware that Rip would have to return to Los Angeles. Each day, she hoped it wouldn’t be the last. But she didn’t bring up the subject, not wanting to spoil the time she had with him.
One day, Rip announced that he was taking her out for the evening. “Wear something fancy,” he said. “I want this to be special.”
His words touched Lela, and she said, “I want every moment we have together to be special.”
Rip drew her into his arms and kissed her. The tender touch conveyed such depth of emotion. Her heart ached for more, and for a future that might be too much to ask for.
Lela wore a slinky red dress and diamond stud earrings. She chose black leather high heels, her sexiest ones. And she managed to tame her long waves into behaving.
It seemed that Rip had been shopping. He dressed in a stretchy dress shirt that hugged his chest, paired with leather pants and new boots. He stole her heart all over again. “If you get any sexier, I won’t be able to take it.”
Rip put his palm on her cheek. “We’ll see about that.” He leaned down and gave her a passionate kiss, ruining her lipstick. She should have known better than to wear any.
Reservations were at Rainbow Lodge, one of the most romantic places in the city. It was a log cabin restaurant, right in the middle of town. Fires burned in the stone fireplaces, and the tables were set with white linens and crystal stemware.
The table by the window looked out at the citrus grove and the creek beyond. Rip ordered a good bottle of wine to share. While drinking the delicious nectar and eating crusty bread, Lela was more relaxed than she’d been in a while.
“It’s really over,” Lela said. “I keep having to remind myself that no one is chasing me.”
Rip took her hand. “You don’t have to worry anymore.”
“How about you?” Lela said. “I took you away from your life and dragged you into untold danger.”
“I was the one who came to you, remember?” Rip kissed her hand. “And although I can’t change the past, I must say that retribution is good for the soul.” He looked into her eyes. “But the most important thing is that you’re safe.” Rip squeezed her hand. “And I learned something.”
