Page 62 of No Good Deed

She wanted her dog, but she also knew she needed to sleep. Troy squeezed her gently. “It’s only one night. Let him have his sleepover, and we can spoil him tomorrow.”

She nodded and they headed to his car, parked right behind Doc’s. In only minutes, they were inside Troy’s house with the security system set.

Her body slumped with relief. Seeming to sense it, Troy swept her into his arms and set her on kitchen stool before he removed her boots and jacket.

He kissed her softly, then wrapped her in a hug. For a long time, neither spoke and they simply held on to each other. Finally, Troy leaned back and kissed her forehead. “Let’s find you some food so we can get those pain meds into you.”

His phone buzzed with a text, and he smiled. “Don’t move. I’ll be right back.”

She didn’t have the energy to do anything other than wait. She heard Troy disarm the security system and a murmur of low voices. Then the door closed and he rearmed the system.

When he returned, he carried a small covered pot. “My cousin Fiona dropped off some minestrone soup and biscuits for you. Homemade of course.”

Her stomach rumbled, reminding her she hadn’t eaten since the previous day. The soup smelled delicious and when Troy set a bowl in front of her, she dove in. “It tastes even better than it smells.”

Troy sat with another bowl and the biscuits. “Everything Fi makes is fantastic. There’s lots, so eat your fill.”

She was surprised how quickly the soup warmed her up from the inside and helped ease some of the aches in her head and body. “Maybe Fiona should market this as a panacea. It’s taken the worst of it away.”

After she’d eaten her fill and taken the meds, Troy cleared the bowls. “Straight to bed or do you want to shower first?

“I want to wash away the feel of his hands.” A shudder shook her body, and he hugged her again.

“I’ve got you.” He lifted her off the stool, making her smile. “I can walk.” But she didn’t attempt to leave his arms.

“I know. But this scared me down to my bones today, and letting you go is going to be a bit of a challenge for a while.”

“I’m sorry.”

He shook his head as he set her on the edge of the tub. “Nothing to be sorry about. And nothing to worry about or even think about tonight. Let’s simply enjoy hot water and soap.”

When he set her on the edge of the tub, she started to undo the blouse she’d worn for the presentation. She loved the outfit but knew that even if it hadn’t been ripped, she’d never be able to wear it again. “Is there a thrift store in town?”

Troy shook his head. “No, but that’s another good idea. We’ll start a collection soon. We’ll figure it out another day.”

He took over the task of undressing her, and soon they were under the steaming water.

The water seemed to loosen the tears that had been building inside of her. She tried to swallow down the emotion, but a sob choked out of her.

Troy wrapped her in his arms again and held her where the spray wasn’t in her face. “Let it out, honey. Let it out.”

The fear and the relief mixed together with the pain and the exhaustion. Tears poured down her face and sobs wracked her body.

Troy’s voice rumbled in her ear, telling her how proud he was of her, how strong she was, and how much he loved her.

When the tears slowed, he swayed with her in his arms for a long time, continuing with words that soothed her and filled her up.

When the water started to cool, he wrapped her hair in one towel, and then dried them off with another.

He carried her to bed, spooned her with his big, strong body, and held her while she let her mind empty. She’d expected to struggle to sleep, but she was wrapped in safety and love. Feeling grateful, her eyes closed and her mind shut down except for one thought.

She was loved, and she loved in return.

* * *

Troy woke slowly. Sleep hadn’t come easily for him. Holding Piper in his arms had felt like a miracle. For a long time, he’d simply held her and reveled in her steady breathing.

All the ways she’d been hurt cycled through his head on repeat. All the ways it could have been even worse chased those thoughts.

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