Page 37 of Breakaway

“C’mon, let’s get you inside.”

She wiped her tears from her cheeks, took his hand, and followed him into the hotel.

Once in his room, she looked around. “Where’s Ben?”

“Ben is taking advantage of the few days off in the schedule. He’s on his way to Hershey.”

“Oh.”

Travis sat her down on the bed and wrapped his arms around her.

“Sorry for just showing up. I didn’t know where to go. But I couldn’t stay there. He literally said the word forbid. He forbade me from having guys stay over in his house.”

She didn’t want to relive the argument, but it kept running through her head. The words she said to him haunted her as well. And the tears started again. She buried her face in his shoulder, not wanting him to see her like this.

“Hey.” He tipped her head up so she was looking at him. “I’m here for you. And you can stay as long as you need to.”

“Or until Ben gets back,” she added.

“It doesn’t matter. We’ll figure it out. Get our own room, if it comes to that.”

“Travis, I have to get out of there. He still thinks of me as this little girl who needs her big strong uncle to take care of her. But I am all grown up now. I can make my own decisions, good or bad. And he just doesn’t get that.”

“We can worry about that tomorrow.” Travis wiped the tears from her cheeks. “You’re here with me now, so concentrate on that. I hate to see you cry.” He placed a sweet kiss on the top of her head.

“Thank you,” she said softly.

“For what?”

“For being here for me.”

“I will always be here for you,” he said, and held her tighter.

She closed her eyes and snuggled into his arms. Exhausted from the confrontation with her uncle, she soon drifted to sleep.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Travis

Travis held her tight, not really knowing the right words to say to make her feel better. Yes, perhaps Morris had a point, but he was also out of line making Morgan upset, and Travis was in no mood to defend him. He hated seeing Morgan hurting.

Morgan had fallen asleep while he held her; she obviously needed the rest. He laid her on his bed and gently covered her up, letting her sleep. He stayed on the bed beside her and watched television, not wanting her to feel alone if she woke up and he was across the room.

She stirred, mumbled something incoherent, and eventually opened her eyes and smiled at him. “Hey.”

“Hey yourself. How was your nap?” He grinned at her. Even with sleepy eyes and bed head, she was gorgeous.

“Um...” She yawned as she sat up. “Good. But I’m sorry that I fell asleep.”

“Don’t be sorry. You obviously needed the rest. C’mere.” He held his arms open for her to snuggle with him.

More awake now, she ignored his request and sat up. “Mind if I freshen up real quick?”

“Sure. The bathroom is over there.” He pointed.

She hopped out of bed and hurried to the bathroom. Poking her head out, she asked meekly, “Do you have any mouthwash?”

He smiled at how adorable she looked as she peered out of the bathroom. “There should be a few travel bottles on the counter. Help yourself to them and anything else you need.”

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