Page 44 of The Sheriff & the Nurse

It would all work out.

So why did he feel so uneasy?

Chapter

Twelve

Lily triedto eat a few bites of the salad as Clint tapped messages on his phone and placed phone calls. He was diligently trying to figure out where this horrible monster was and why he’d left a terrifying poster in her house. Clint hadn’t said the word rape when he’d described the man’s crimes, but she’d read it in the article. She shuddered and set her fork down.

Clint would figure this out, but he obviously didn’t need her. She was relieved it wasn’t Jacob but wished she knew who it was so she could avoid that person. Was it somebody she knew? It had to be. Otherwise why would they target her? Simply because she looked similar to the deceased Mary? Clint hadn’t said anything about that either. Trying to protect her?

She stood. “I’d better get back to work.”

Clint stopped mid-text and stood too, towering over her and imparting the protection and safety he was so great at. Any hint at love and romance had disappeared with this horrific news. As it should. She should be grateful Clint was diligent and would protect her, not wishing he would hold her close and kiss her until she forgot the terrifying situation she was in.

“I don’t want you to go back to work,” he said, pocketing his phone.

“I have to. I can’t leave them short-handed. I’m safe here in the hospital.”

His brow furrowed. She could tell he wanted to argue.

“You’ll be right outside, and I won’t go anywhere but labor and delivery. Some guy isn’t just going to carry me out of there. No one can get in or out without being buzzed through the door.”

He drew in a breath, pushed it out, thumped his closed fist against his leg. Finally, he stepped back. “Okay. I’ll walk you up to work and be listening in. Don’t leave tonight until I come for you.”

“All right.” She gave him a weak smile and picked up her salad to throw it away. He also grabbed his sandwich and tossed it in the trash. “Not hungry?” she asked.

He shook his head and took her hand. They walked out of the cafeteria and down the hall to the staircase.

“Are you all right?” he asked softly as they ascended the stairs. “I know this is terrifying.”

“It is,” she admitted. “That lady that died and her parents … it makes me so sick for them to die in such a horrible way and my heart breaks for their family and friends.” She shivered.

They reached the top of the stairs. Clint turned her toward him and wrapped her up tight. She ran her hands around to his lower back and leaned into his strength.

“I’ve got you,” he whispered against her forehead.

She looked up. The look in his eyes was fierce—protective, loving, and committed to her. What about the issue with Walker? That should be the least of her concerns at the moment, but she wanted Clint devoted to her. She wanted to show him she loved him and pray someday he could love her more than he’d loved Sheryl.

“You’ve got me?” she asked.

“Always.” It was only one word, but it felt like a pledge.

She arched up and kissed him. Clint dropped his hat on the ground and matched the kiss with a passion as fierce as his gaze had been. He surrounded her in the dimly lit stairwell and made the world around them disappear. Nothing existed but her and Clint and their future happiness. His lips were persuasive, warm, and delightful. His strong body was the only protection and home she’d ever need. She clung to him and returned kiss for kiss.

The kisses slowed and he pulled back, smiling tenderly. He was going to declare his love. She knew it. But he bent and picked up his hat, reaching for her hand again. “You’d better get in to work. I’ll figure out who this scum is that would murder an innocent lady and her parents, and dare threaten you.”

It wasn’t the words she wanted, but she appreciated his diligence to protect her. She’d do well to focus on the terror at hand and be very aware. Until she was in his arms again and he could shelter and protect her.

“Thanks,” she managed, her breath still short from his kisses.

“Anytime.” He gave her a quick peck and then walked her into the waiting room outside labor and delivery and the women’s center. “You’ll wait for me right here at seven p.m.?”

“Right here.” She pointed to the floor.

“Yes, ma’am.” He grinned and everything was right in the world.

“How could I possibly tell the mighty Sheriff Clint Coleville no?”

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