Page 98 of Last Chance

While Janie started her search, Sawyer texted Wiseman to see if he’d come up with anything on the truck in the hospital’s parking lot.

A response came seconds later. He scanned the information and scowled. No surprise to learn the truck was stolen.

Sawyer shot off another text, asking the tech to send footage of the incident. He received a notification that the footage was in his email in less than a minute.

A second message came as Sawyer scanned the incident footage. His hand clenched.

A small, soft hand wrapped around his. “What’s wrong?”

“Maria will be in Hartman at noon today.”

CHAPTER 23

JANIE SMILED. “I’M so glad she could catch a flight. Maria’s arrival will give David another incentive to wake up.” Her brother adored his wife.

Her smile dimmed. She wouldn’t be able to offer her sister-in-law a place to stay. Janie already knew without asking that Sawyer wouldn’t allow anyone to know the location of the safe house, much less stay with them.

She didn’t blame him. As he’d reminded her more than once, her safety was his priority. Remembering the sizzling kisses they’d shared and the care and affection he continually showed her, Janie sighed. Sawyer Chapman was an amazing man. Having him in her life was worth the stress and fear she’d experienced at the hands of the hijackers and the local affiliates of Vatos Locos.

Sawyer cupped her cheek with his palm. “Everything all right?”

She nodded.

He looked skeptical. “Talk to me.”

“I feel bad that I can’t offer Maria the same hospitality that she gave me in Talca. I know we can’t compromise the safe house’s location, but I wish I could help.”

“We can make reservations for her at a hotel near the hospital and arrange for snacks, water, and soft drinks in her room. Would that work?”

Her heart melted. How had any woman let Sawyer slip through her fingers? Janie wrapped her arms around his neck. “Thank you, Sawyer. That’s perfect.”

He brushed her lips with his. “I’m glad to take care of it for you.” After a lingering kiss, Sawyer grabbed his phone and called the hotel closest to the hospital. Following a conversation with the front desk clerk, he ended the call and said, “All set. The clerk is having snacks and drinks set up in her suite. They’ll be ready for her by ten o’clock this morning.”

“You didn’t have to reserve a suite. I’m sure she’ll be at the hospital most of the time. A room would have been just fine.” She’d have to repay him for the expense. Janie knew without asking Sawyer wouldn’t accept the offer of payment. Maybe a home-cooked meal would be a good way to show him how much she appreciated his help.

He shrugged. “Anything to make your life easier.”

Her heart melted. “That’s it. I’m keeping you.”

“Promise?”

“You’re not escaping now. You’ve spoiled me, and I’m not letting you go.”

Sawyer watched her with an intense gaze. “Early days for you, Janie.”

Wait a minute. She’d been teasing. Sort of. Her heart skipped a beat at his serious expression. “But not for you?”

“No.”

What did that mean? Surely not what she hoped it meant. They’d only known each other for a few days. What would he think if she blurted out the truth of how she felt? Would she be the only one adrift in an ocean of overwhelming emotions?

“Ask,” he murmured.

She tilted her head and gathered courage for the most terrifying thing she’d done in her life. “What do you mean by that, Sawyer?”

“You’re it for me.”

Her heart turned over. “Spell it out for me.” Did he feel as she did? It was too soon, wasn’t it?

---