Page 107 of Until Bax

“Was that my mom?” I ask him, not bothering to open my eyes, and his hand wrapped around my hip tightens.

“Your dad, but your mom was in the background.”

“What time is it?”

“After ten,” he says quietly as he rolls toward me, and I snuggle deeper into his chest.

“It’s late.”

“You don’t have anywhere you need to be. You can stay in bed as long as you want.”

“I need to call the spa. I’m sure Eva and Holly are worried.”

“I left them a voicemail last night and told them you’d call later today.”

“Thank you,” I whisper and feel his lips at the top of my head.

“How are you feeling?”

“Fine.” I rub my lips together, then ask quietly. “Did you get an update about?—?”

“No, last I heard, he’s still in the hospital.” He cuts me off, knowing I was going to ask about the man who kidnapped Kourtney and me—Ferris or, as he knew him Fizz. The delivery truck passenger, a guy we found out last night, hadn’t checked in with his parole officer for weeks because he didn’t go back home after being arrested here. After a couple of phone calls, Cobi and Hammer found out that his girlfriend broke up with him and told him to stay away when he called her from jail, so not having a place to go home to, he had been living in that barn and drifting around town and likely messing with me because he considered what happened to him my fault.

“I just want to know if he’s okay,” I say softly and feel his chest expand on a deep breath.

“Whatever happens with him, Oli, you are not responsible. You did more than most people would in your situation.” His arms tighten around me. “You should have left him there.”

“Please don’t,” I whisper.

“He could have taken you from me.” Pulling my face away from his chest, I tip my head back, and he dips his chin down to meet my gaze.

“What kind of person would I be if I just left him to die, if I didn’t at least try to save him?”

“Baby.”

“I’m sorry, but I will never be the kind of person to turn my back on someone in need, even if it’s someone who might not deserve my help.” I shake my head. “And I don’t want to be that kind of person.”

“Your heart’s too soft.”

“Maybe, but now I have you to protect it.”

“Jesus.” His arms around me get tight, and he buries his face in my neck. “What am I going to do with you?”

“I don’t know, but I guess we have time to figure that out.”

“Yeah, we fucking do.” He kisses the side of my throat, then leans back. “Are you ready to move in yet?”

Laughing, I press my hands against his chest. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Just asking.” He leans in and brushes his lips across mine. As he’s pulling back, my stomach rumbles. “Hungry?”

“Yeah.” I didn’t eat at the bar last night, and when we got back here, food was the last thing on my mind.

“Do you want breakfast?”

“Please.”

“You got it, baby.” He kisses me, then pulls back. “Whenever you’re ready, come join me in the kitchen.”

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