Page 41 of Hope and Country

“Better. I think. Physically at least. Mentally, I don’t know. She doesn’t open too much about the beating. Only scarce information here and there. I won’t encourage her to confide in me unless she’s ready. She’s been through too much already. And soon enough, if it all works out, she’ll have to testify. I won’t add another stressful burden in her life by begging her for horrific details.”

“Devon is lucky to have ya, man. If you need help with anything, let me know. I know a bit about hell. Those years—I wish I could erase them. Clean slate. I’m lucky April came into my life when she did. Probably saved my soul. Or at least, removed the dark cloud hovering over me that made me do stupid shit.”

My mind pondered for a minute.

“Savannah would have ruined you, Carter. I’m glad you finally saw it yourself.”

“Yeah.” He sighed. “After people I loved left me, and you know my parents, how they are, I just couldn’t take it anymore. It seemed like I was drowning, and nothing could keep my head out of the water. But someday, for a reason I can’t explain, light came back into my life, and I saw everything as it was. I’m not even sure April knows—well, she’s well-aware of the story—but I’m not certain she understands how bad it really was. And how deep in hell I was buried. Sometimes it feels like I dreamed those years with the queen of hell. As if they were a nightmare I woke up from.”

He paused and sighed.

“Life has a strange way of putting the right people on our road. Remember what I said to you that night. That Devon would come back into your life when you least expect it. Same as April. She appeared at the right time. I’m telling you, man. And saved me and my heart.” Carter cleared his throat. “I’m glad I got out of my own hell when I did. I’m sure Devon feels the same. Violence is unforgivable. No matter the form. Does she know you’ve been obsessed with her for the last year?”

I rubbed the skin of my nape. “Told her I’ve been looking for her. But not that she fucking stole my heart that night and I haven’t gotten it back yet.” I shook my head, wrinkling my face as the next words left my mouth. “It’s still hers. She has no idea. I would do about anything for that woman. Anything, man. Even give that Robbie guy a beating myself.”

“Riley Burns getting into a fistfight. I’m not ready to see that day. Any news from Taylor? He’s in the waiting room if you wanna talk to him. He drove me here, said we needed to catch up. He spends all his free time with April when he comes over. They even baked cookies together the other day.”

My eyes rounded, then twinkled in mirth.

“I’m telling ya. Their friendship is quite something.” Carter sighed with a shake of his head.

“Nah, I’ll talk to him later. I hired the P.I. he vouched for. Should hear from him by the end of the week.” I fished a stack of papers from a drawer. “Ready to talk business now? I gotta divert my mind before I go crazy with murdering thoughts. I’m meeting with Aisha later today. I’ve worked from home every day for the last two weeks. It’s good to be back at the office. Even just for a couple of hours. I have a few things I want to look over with ya.”

“Let’s do this,” Carter said, taking the paper I handed him and studying it.

* * *

When I drove back at the end of the afternoon, I was astounded by the mouthwatering smell of fresh bread and pesto that floated in the house. Since the day I moved out after college, years ago, I had never been welcomed into my own home with a home-cooked meal. Sure, I dined at my parents’ every now and then, but here, it was the first time.

And I could easily get used to this.

Devon was focused on her task in the kitchen, soft music playing from a wireless speaker on the countertop.

Her blonde hair was knotted at the top of her head, a few loose strands grazing her shoulders.

She swayed her hips to the sound of the country ballad, looking joyful.

She had been getting better. Slowly. Every day. Nighttime was the worst, though. She often woke up screaming or crying, seeking comfort until the sun rose again outside.

I stood there, like a freaking weirdo, watching her. Relishing her presence. Her optimism. Her bravery. And wanting nothing more than to walk to her, spin her around in my arms, and dance together. The idea of Devon nestled against me sent a wave of need to my dick.

I adjusted the crotch of my pants. The last thing this woman needed was me having naughty thoughts about her.

I hated myself for even going there. Again.

Reminding myself I could scare her if I didn’t let her know I was home, I cleared my throat and devoured the distance between us, making sure she saw me before getting too close.

“Hey you,” she greeted me with a wide smile. “How was your day?”

I loosened the tie around my neck. “Good. It smells amazing in here.”

Devon’s smile stretched wider. “Careful, it’s hot.” She pursed her lips and blew on the sauce—and the vision almost broke me—before bringing the spoon to my lips.

I tasted and swallowed the green delicacy and my dirty thoughts in one gulp.

“Wow, it’s delicious. If you treat me to homecooked food each time I come home, you’ll be on dinner duty every night.”

Devon let out a warm chuckle that filled my heart with heat.