Page 79 of Play Pretend

“It’s so stupid,” she cried, choking on a humorless laugh. “Logically, I know he’s not in there, but?—”

“You went through something terrifying tonight,” I murmured. “The way you feel doesn’t have to be logical.”

I squeezed my eyes shut. Those words were so similar to the ones Theo said to me five years ago.

Feelings don’t have to make sense. What you went through didn’t make sense. What you saw, what happened, didn’t make sense. Don’t try to rationalize it. Just feel it.

I forced the past away and sank into the present with her. She needed me fully with her right now. I could spiral later.

We sat together for a bit, and I stroked her hair as she rested her head on my shoulder. Her breathing finally evened out, and when she pulled away, she wasn’t crying anymore. Instead, she was staring at the house like she’d never seen it before. A few breaths passed, then she straightened her shoulders. Reaching up, she wiped her damp cheeks with shaky fingertips.

“I can do this,” she whispered. “I can go in there.”

“You don’t have to,” I told her, squeezing her gently. “But I’ll be right by your side the entire time.”

She nodded, sliding her tongue along her lips. “You’ll check the house first?” she asked, turning to look up at me. Her breath ghosted along my lips, and I inhaled sharply.

“Yes,” I breathed. “I’ll make sure it’s empty.” My gaze dropped to her mouth as she licked her lips again. “You don’t have to go in there. I’ll get everything you need.” I just wanted to protect her, keep her from reliving the events of tonight.

Her eyes flicked between mine. “You’re sure I can stay with you? You really don’t mind?”

My hand slid to the back of her neck, and I tapped my fingers against her warm skin. “I don’t mind.”

Her throat bobbed as she swallowed. I didn’t realize I was moving until the tip of my nose brushed against hers. Electricity shot through my body at the slight contact, and I forced myself to pull away.

Now wasn’t the time to kiss her.

“Stay here. I’ll check everything out first,” I said.

Her throat bobbed as she nodded. “Please be careful,” she whispered, and I smiled softly. I pressed a lingering kiss to her head again, then slid out of the truck. The cold air was welcomed on my heated skin.

I made my way around the perimeter of the house first, checking windows, doors, and the gate in the back. When I got to the front door, the yellow paper with our logo was still on it. I snatched it off and crumpled it before shoving it in my pocket.

Unlocking the door, I stepped inside. It was eerily silent and dark, so unlike Willow’s usually warm and bright home. I kept my back against the wall as I walked toward her bedroom, peeking inside. It was clear, so I moved onto the rest of the house.

My guys already checked every entry point when we were here earlier, but I still took a second to crouch by the back door and inspect it. I switched the latch locked, andsomethingfell into place, but when I pulled on the handle, it slid open.

Either her lock was broken before tonight and the perp got lucky, or…

Or he came earlier to scope the place out and broke the lock. I needed to check the other crime scenes to see if he’d done the same thing.

The house was totally empty, and nothing else had been disturbed, so I didn’t think he’d come back while we were gone. Not that I thought he would’ve. He never hit the same house twice.

I made my way back to the truck, finding Willow’s eyes huge through the window. I hated seeing her so scared. I just wanted to make it all better. I wanted to turn back time and accept her fucking invitation for dinner. I wanted to come home early and spend my night with her.

Because maybe if she hadn’t been here alone, if I would’ve been with her, none of this would’ve happened.

“All clear,” I said as I opened the door. Her chest heaved as she stared at the house, then turned her gaze to me.

“You’re sure?”

“Positive.”

I braced my hands on her waist and lifted her out of the truck. Her feet hit the ground, but she didn’t move. I wrapped my hand around hers, gently stroking my thumb along the back of it. “You’re sure about this?” I asked, and she dipped her chin in an unsure nod.

“I can do it.”

There was no doubt in my mind that shecoulddo this. But she didn’tneedto. Not when I’d do it for her.

---