Page 51 of The Roper & the Author

“Oh, beautiful angel author. That was a privilege. I live for danger.” Autumn winked at her and shook her hand. “It’s an honor to meet you, truly. Your series with the female bodyguard agency. Brilliant. Did you use me as your inspiration?”

“Oh, definitely.” Marci laughed. She liked this female bodyguard. She hoped to pick her brain later.

Autumn winked again, then turned to Easton. “Well, if it isn’t my favorite hot bull rider boyfriend. We finally meet.”

Easton shook her hand, his cheeks turning dark as he shot a glance at Marci. Autumn eased in and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Marci wasn’t certain what Autumn said, but Easton looked happy and then embarrassed, almost like a little boy. It was an odd look for him. He recovered quickly and started bantering back with Autumn.

They all loaded into a Cadillac Escalade. Nick and Autumn sat up front. Marci was sandwiched in the back between Walker and Easton. She leaned closer to Walker. Easton gave her a wounded look, but she couldn’t figure out why. He was busy returning Autumn’s flirtations the entire drive. Their exchanges got bolder the longer they waited in traffic.

Marci felt Walker’s hand brush against hers and glanced at him. His cowboy hat was on his leg and she had a full view of those blue eyes she loved to get lost in. She gave him a questioning glance. His eyes begged her to give him a chance. Maybe he did love Lily and it was rough, but he was trying to heal and move on. She could happily assist him, be by his side, listen to his pain, and kiss away that pain.

His fingers brushed hers again. She’d promised herself last night that she would live in the real world and not be afraid. She slid her palm against his. His eyes widened, but he slid his palm up and down against hers several times, making her hot all over, then he threaded their fingers together and claimed her hand.

She released a happy sigh and leaned into his shoulder. They couldn’t talk right now, but she felt hopeful again. After this was all over, she wanted to help him heal so they could sort out a future together. She prayed they could.

They reached the hospital, and Walker released her hand. He opened the door and slid out, setting his hat on the seat. She noticed the pistol he always wore and felt reassured. Walker would and could protect her. Had the nefarious people whokidnapped Abuelita given up on Marci or were they biding their time?

Walker put his hand on the small of her back and eased in close. The rest of the group made a protective circle around them. They walked quietly through the hospital’s main doors. Not even Autumn cracked jokes, her head rotating as she looked for danger.

Marci felt like she was a celebrity or something, and the looks people gave her crew backed that up. Hospital security approached them, spoke quietly to Nick and then gestured them to the elevator.

They walked on and she focused on Walker. He was strong, brave, and here for her. Her own personal mountain.

They took the elevator to level five and the patient rooms. The nurse at the desk took a long look at Walker, Easton, and Nick, then jumped to her feet and offered to escort them personally to Abuelita’s room. Walker stayed close to Marci.

“Why did you leave your hat?” she asked him.

“I’d want to take it off inside anyway, and I want my hands free. To keep you safe.”

“Ah. Thank you.”

He glanced at her.

“Thank you for being here.”

“I told you, Marci…” He lowered his voice, leaned in, and his breath brushed her ear lobe. “Anything for you.”

She was warm all over. They had to have a chance. They just had to.

They reached Abuelita’s room. The crew stopped and thanked the nurse. She nodded and backed away, blushing. Two men stood guard at Abuelita’s door. Nick and Autumn greeted them.

Marci wanted to see her grandmother. Tears of relief pricked her eyes. Abuelita was alive and she was here. Prayers answered. She hurried forward.

Nick held up a hand. “Just a moment, Marci.” He disappeared into the room. Marci waited to hear Abuelita either tease and flirt with him or cuss him out. Nothing. Her heart tightened. She reached for Walker. He wrapped his hand around hers and gave her a meaningful look. She wanted to kiss him.

Nick reappeared. “It’s clear.” He looked between them. “Walker will escort you in.”

Walker smiled at Nick, and she smiled too. She caught Easton studying them intently, but he said nothing as they walked in together. Walker escorted her around the curtain. Abuelita was in the bed. She looked pale, her eyes closed, tubes attached to her arms and an oxygen mask under her nose. Her chest rose and fell slowly, and thank heavens for that or Marci would’ve feared she was dead.

She pulled away from Walker and rushed to Abuelita’s side.

“Abuelita,” she whispered, not wanting to wake her but wanting to see her dark eyes snapping at her, her mouth firing off Spanish curse words or laughing. Her grandmother was all she had left.Gracias a Diosshe’d been preserved.

Marci felt warmth beside her and glanced up. Her strong, handsome cowboy was right there. Walker gave her a reassuring smile. He might not be ready to move on from Lily, but he was here for Marci now.

“I need you here,” she said.

“I’m here, Marci.”

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