Page 13 of Half Baked

“You two must live life on the edge,” she said with a chuckle.

“My life is usually very, very boring,” I insisted. “I was trying to find a missing…” I let my voice trail off. I had to admit the story didn’t sound very boring. “I usually live a boring life.”

The doctor laughed. “I’m not here to judge. Detective Langley has a dangerous job, and what you do on your own time is your business, I suppose.” She took a look at Noah’s bicep, examining both sides. “You’re lucky it went clean through. A half inch to the left and it would have struck bone. All you’re going to need is a few stitches.”

Noah kept giving me worried looks as the doctor worked on him, and I had to wonder what was going through his head.

A few minutes later, Dr. Donahue examined the stitches on both sides of his arm, then put a bandage over the wound and said the nurse would be in with the discharge paperwork soon.

As soon as the door closed behind her, I asked, “What did the doctor say that made you look so worried?”

“Do you know how many times I’ve been shot at, Maddie?”

“However many times it’s been is too many.”

The corners of his mouth ticked up. “True, but still, it’s more than most officers exchange gunfire.”

I couldn’t help but feel guilty that several of those instances were because of me.

Noah must have read my mind. “Maddie, the times that involved you have nothing to do with you and everything to do with the situations you were caught up in.” He shook his head. “How did you feel when you found out I’d been shot?”

“Terrified.”

“Exactly.” He paused. “I can’t help thinking I’m some kind of magnet for gunfire. I don’t want to continually put you through that.”

I recognized this for what it was—another excuse to pull away, and I was tired of being on this roller coaster.

“I know the risks of your job, Noah. I’m walking into this with eyes wide open.” I lifted my chin. “When we started this, you told me that you run when you’re upset, but you’ll always come back. Well, it’s been weeks since Christmas, and you still haven’t come back to me. I’ve been patient, but I can see that this is about to make everything worse.” I swallowed the lump in my throat and asked the question that had kept me up for weeks. “Are you giving up on us before we even really got started?”

His jaw set. “No. But it’s not fair for you to constantly worry about me.”

“You’re not the only cop in a relationship. Lots of cops have significant others.”

His brow rose. “And do you know the divorce rate for cops?”

“For asshole cops with an ego complex? I’m sure it’s pretty high, but you never struck me as one of those guys.” I pinned him with a sharp gaze. “Are you?”

His shoulders stiffened. “Of course not.”

“Do I know your job is dangerous? I met you on a dangerous case. So don’t treat me like I’m a fool.”

He started to say something, then stopped.

It had been a crappy day and I needed to deal with my aunt, not my confusing feelings for a man who wasn’t ready to commit to a relationship. “I think I should go.”

His face softened. “Maddie, I only want to protect you.”

“Are you sure about that, Noah? Or are you protecting yourself?” I drew in a breath and headed for the door. “Take some time to think it over.”

Only later did I realize I’d never told him about Detective Bergan and his ominous message.

ChapterFour

Noah

Imay have gotten discharged from the ER, but my afternoon had just begun. There were interviews with my chief as well as the Arkansas State Police. They’d already interviewed Jeremy and viewed the security footage. The robber was out of surgery and in the ICU but expected to make a full recovery. Unofficially, they’d declared me in the clear of any wrongdoing, but it was still exhausting. It didn’t help that all I could think about was Maddie and the look of disappointment and hurt on her face as she walked out the door.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d fucked up again, but the fact that I kept messing up made me think she was better off without me.

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