Page 98 of Love Me Fearless

Dad’s bushy eyebrows knit together. “I couldn’t get ahold of you, so we came.”

My mom slips past him and draws me into a hug. “We heard about what happened today. Why didn’t you tell us?”

She’s shorter than me, but her hugs are legendary, so I soak it up. “I’m okay.”

“Of course you are,” Mom says, stepping back to frown at me. She glances at Hutch, her soft brown eyes filling with warmth. “I’m glad you’re letting someone look out for you.”

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. “I’m staying here tonight, but I’ll be back home tomorrow.”

My dad sends Hutch a sharp glare, then pulls me into a hug. “I don’t like this one bit.”

Louisa shuffles into the kitchen. “What a nice surprise!” She and my mom share a quick embrace. “Come in, I’ll put the kettle on.”

Dad releases me and follows Mom into the kitchen.

Everett offers me the keys I loaned him. “I just came by to tell you I finished at your place. Could you come down to the station tomorrow, maybe fill in some details?”

Hutch slides his hand into mine. I try to draw from his calm strength.

“I’m free until about eight-thirty, then again, after five o’clock.”

“Morning would be better,” he says.

We agree on a time, and he gives us both a sharp nod. “Thanks. I know this isn’t easy.”

“Appreciate you coming by,” Hutch says. After he’s gone, Hutch gathers me close and releases a soft sigh. I wrap my arms around his solid frame and will his strength to spill over into me.

“You’re probably exhausted,” he says, stroking my hair.

“Let’s visit with my parents for a few minutes, then I would really love a shower.”

He kisses the top of my head. “Please tell me I get to help.”

A pulse of anticipation travels through me. “Your shower is a telephone booth.”

“Stop giving me ideas.”

I laugh, and it helps to shake off another layer of tension I’ve been holding all night.

Hutch lifts my chin and kisses me, his lips plush and soft. Though it’s a simple, sweet kiss, it sends another pop of electricity over my skin.

When he pulls away smiling, I laugh.

“Come on.” He leads me into the kitchen, where Mom and Louisa are chatting while sorting through boxes of tea.

My dad leans against the edge of the counter, his stern gaze shifting from Hutch to me. “Any idea who’s behind this?”

“Not yet,” I say. “But the deputies are working on it.”

Dad crosses his arms. “After tonight, what happens?”

My tummy knots tighter because he could mean…as in my safety, or he could be asking about the future, and the last thing I need right now is for Hutch to admit he’s leaving town in front of him and our moms.

“She’ll have protection,” Hutch says in a firm tone.

I glance at him in surprise.

“From you?” Dad asks, scowling.

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