Page 72 of The Naughty Elf

“Of course.” Sawyer shifts. “Thank you.”

Ginger sips from her mug. “For what?”

“For stopping me.”

“Stopping you from what?” Bennett asked, his gruff voice popping the little bubble of peace she found. He softens again immediately, putting his big paw on her knee.

She meets his gaze and takes another sip. “From killing him.”

The look he shoots at Sawyer is half rage and half gratitude. But his posture shifts, and his eyes narrow as he looks between the four of us. I swear his quick, calculating mind is putting our big secret together.

It’s not something she needs to deal with on top of everything else.

Ashley sits on the other end of the couch, and we all wait.

My phone rings in my pocket, and she startles. It’s Bentley. I hold up a finger and look back toward the entryway.

“Yeah?”

“Jackson, have you gotten in to talk to Ginger yet?”

I sigh. “Yes.”

“Does she want to give any more details?”

“No. But charges can be pressed with what we have. The company will press regardless.” I run a hand through my hair and keep my back to the room. I want her to know that she doesn’t have to do anything to ensure he reaps the consequences of his ill actions. None of us will stand for anything less.

“I hear you, Jackson. I’m going to need Sawyer to come give me a full statement.”

“I’ll let him know.” I turn to catch his silent gaze. He nods, even though I’m sure he can’t hear the sheriff.

“Is Bennett there with her?”

“Yeah.”

“Hand me over to him, yeah?”

“Sure.” I step back and offer Bennett the phone. “Sheriff Bentley.”

He stands and takes my phone, bending to kiss Ginger on the top of the head before he goes out the front door. Bennett isn’t a quiet man.

Once the door closes, I take his place on the coffee table, pressing my hand to her knee. “I know this is a stupid question, but are you okay?”

“Yeah. I’m fine.” The blank stare is gone. His look communicates chagrin and anger. Whenever a woman tells me she’s fine, it means she isn’t, but she doesn’t want to talk about it.

“Don’t make any big decisions right now, but know that we’re taking care of it. We will always take care of you.” It’s true. I will give her whatever she wants. She only has to ask for it.

“Stop it. I don’t need you to take care of me.” She pushes my hands off her knees and stands, bringing her mug to the kitchen. When she turns around to face us, I swallow all of the pleasant words I want to use to persuade her to just give it time.

Her hands find her hips, and she’s regained a bit of her fire.

“I am not coming back. I will find something else.” Ginger turns again to pour herself a glass of water. Or maybe she can’t face us.

Ashley looks like a kicked puppy, and Sawyer has shut down.

She just needs time. And now is not the time to press her.

We just have to be patient. Not push her too hard. Not disappear when it’s tough.

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