Page 8 of Bella's Dom (The Doms of Madison County)

“I … I don’t know.”

He heard the hesitation and understood it. Women had to be careful all the time for any kind of threat. “Do you have a phone?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll give you the sheriff’s number.”

“I have it already. Daniel gave it to me.”

“That’s good. Do you want to call him?” Caden asked.

“But it’s so late. I hate to wake him up.”

Caden chuckled. “He’s used to it. I promise.”

He saw her reach for something and then her talking.

“Daniel, it’s me, Bella. I’m behind the club…”

Caden heard Daniel’s voice.

“Because I didn’t feel safe anywhere,” she said.

There was more silence from the woman as she listened to Daniel. “There is an owner here. He wanted me to call you so I would feel okay about opening the car door.”

Caden heard Daniel.

“Which one is it?” Daniel asked.

“Oh, I’m not sure.”

The woman peeked out the window, and all he could see were her eyes. He couldn’t really tell what color they were because it was so dark out.

“Who are you? Daniel wants to know.”

Caden smiled. “Tell him it’s Caden.”

He relaxed when he heard her giggle at something the sheriff said.

“Okay, I’ll tell him. Thank you, and I’m sorry to wake you up.” She listened for a moment and then hung up.

“He says you’re safe and that you’ll take care of me,” she said.

“He’s right about that. Roll up the window and unlock the door. I’ll get your things, and then we’ll go in. You just need enough for tonight. We’ll come and get the rest tomorrow or get what you need if you don’t have anything.”

“I’ve got enough.”

“I want us to talk about why you’re behind my club sleeping in your car, but you’re so tired right now that the questions can wait until morning,” he said.

Caden heard the click of the lock and opened her door. His first glance at her left him speechless for a moment. He couldn’t believe that the waitress who had been on his mind the last few days was sitting in front of him. He recognized her right away, but she had never been far from his thoughts.

He reached out a hand, took the bag from hers, and then helped her out. He could tell the woman was exhausted and very cold.

“Let’s get you inside, Sweetheart.” He’d made sure to tuck the gun into the back of his pants.

He wrapped one of his hands around her upper arm while his other arm carried her things. The last thing he wanted to do was make her fearful again, but he could tell how shaky she was, and he didn’t want her to fall.

He put the code in and opened the back door. “The elevator is over here.”

---