Page 22 of Cautious Love

Shiloh

Ittakeshimforeverto leave, but I watch Ledger back out of his spot and make a slow pass in front of the people who seem to be living here with their doors wide open, and no doubt have other things in their rooms.

Eventually, he turns onto the street and disappears from sight. Since this place isn’t exactly hopping, I gave the guy at the desk an extra twenty to let me keep my stuff here until I came back after I got my stuff and messed with Grey some more.

I’m out of cash, and pulling from my savings makes me want to vomit. It’s called a rainy day fund for a reason, and even I can recognize that it’s pouring, but I’ll wait until the absolute last second before I use it. It can always get worse, and in my life it usually does.

After I shower, wipe it down, and get my stuff in the car, I’m sweating and I wish I had an ice pack for my ribs, but I don’t. I’ve been using bags of ice from the ice machine until they melt and soak my shirt.

I drive over to the office, give my keys to the guy I don’t recognize, but also try not to look too closely at because hegives me a weird feeling, and head into town. I threw my bloody clothes in a dumpster a few blocks away. Then drive to the diner. I have a shift tomorrow and can change in the bathroom before we open for the morning. Though I’m not sure I could lift a tray right now. I might have to do one plate at a time. Whatever, I’ll figure it out. I always do.

My heart pangs in my chest. I want to call my dad. I want to hear his voice, but I know the moment I do, I’ll burst into tears. And he’ll come running, I know he’ll do whatever it takes to help me, but … I’m not there yet.Even though I absolutely am, but I’m not going to admit it and I’m going to continue deluding myself.Plus, if I told Dad, it would make him an accomplice, right?

The bang of the gun still rings in my ears, but I find myself thinking about the sheriff instead. Why did Ledger help me? He’s the sheriff for Pete’s sake. Heshouldhave arrested me.

But he didn’t.

I pull in behind the diner, push my seat back, and grab my blanket for a pillow. Luckily, this SUV is roomy, and it’s not too uncomfortable. I considered trying to see if a friend would let me crash on their couch, but then I realized everyone who I thought was my friend was friends with Grey first. If I’m there, he’ll come for me, especially after tonight, and I know who will side with him. They always have.

I’m on my own.

Tossing a pain pill back, I turn to my side so I’m not lying on the wrong side of my ribs, and take a deep breath, hoping the pain ebbs soon. These pills are strong. I only take them when I’m about to go to sleep. I don’t need to get arrested for driving crazy, and I don’t need to get in an accident. There’s no way Ledger could help me out of that one.

The cool air blows through my window, and I sigh. It’s not too bad. It’s like camping. I close my eyes, and exhaustion nearly pulls me under.

Knock knock.

I yelp, scrambling for my revolver, but it falls to the floor, and I look up to find Ledger Hayes frowning at me. He’s frowned at me so much I’m beginning to like the way it moves his mustache.Maybe I’m high from the pain pills.

“What the hell are you doing?” he asks.

I take a deep, painful breath, trying to steady my heart.

“Well?” he asks.

“Why the hell do you care?” I shriek.

He takes a step back and slips his hands into his pockets. I can see in the dim light that he’s exhausted; he should probably be in bed. He strikes me as one of those guys who’s up at five in the morning because he has a strict schedule and program he sticks to, and it doesn’t matter if the sky is falling — he’s sticking to his routine.

“Why are you parked outside the diner, about to go to sleep in your car, Shiloh?” Ledger grits out. He’s doubtless regretting everything he’s done for me.Can’t say I blame him either.

“Answer my question first,” I snap back.

“I saw you drive past the station even though you said you were staying at the Inn.”

“And?” I ask.

“And … nothing. Why are you sleeping in your car, especially after tonight?”

I groan and throw myself against the seat, and whimper, grabbing my side.Now I really need ice.

“I’m not sure why you care where I am or what I’m doing.”

“That’s a joke, right?” he says.

I lift a shoulder, unable to look at him. Ashamed of where I am and what I’ve done.

“Do you need a place to stay?” he asks, shocking me to my core.