Page 62 of Trapped and Tackled

The scent of scotch.

And Talon.

Talon eating up the space, putting Toby in his place, and getting me out of there.

Taking me here. Helping me shower. Holding me throughout the night.

I’m here. You’re safe. I got you.

Talon held me together.

I blink a few times and tuck my hair behind my ears.

I glance at him, and he stares back, his expression expectant, as he perches on the edge of the bed.

“I’m sorry about last night,” I manage, my throat scratchy.

He shakes his head, something I can’t read flashing in his gray eyes. They’re stormy today and yet, his tone is gentle when he adds, “You have nothing to apologize for, babe. Absolutely nothing.”

I tilt my head to the side, knowing that’s not entirely true. My stomach rumbles loudly and Talon smirks.

“You hungry?”

“Yeah,” I admit as my stomach grumbles again. “Starving, actually.”

“Come on, let’s head into town and get breakfast. Then, we can decide what we’re going to do today.”

I lift my eyebrows in surprise. “You don’t want to head home? Marlowe’s birthday bash is a bust.” I sigh. “I need to check in with her. And”—I gesture toward him—“it is your day off. You can do whatever you want. You don’t have to spend it?—”

“There’s no one I’d rather spend today with than you,” he interjects. “But…” He stands from the bed and grabs a Coyotes Football cap that he drops backwards on his head. “I’d like to spend it doing something fun. So, let’s grab a bite and make a game plan.”

“A game plan,” I repeat. No other words come since I’m too busy ogling Talon. Between the backwards hat, the stubble coating his jaw, and his bunching muscles in the casual tank top he’s wearing, my mind blanks. My body stirs to life.

And last night seems like another life entirely. Instead, I want to stay in this one—where I feel safe and at ease in the presence of the sexiest man I’ve ever spent time with.

Talon grins. “You checking me out, Len?”

I blush but hold his eyes as I admit, “It’s kind of hard not to, Talon.” I gesture toward him. “I mean, look at you.”

“I’d rather look at you,” he says smoothly.

I snort and he grins.

“I’m going to grab us some coffees. Give you a chance to dress and do…whatever it is girls do.”

I laugh. “Same thing as guys, I’d imagine. But coffee sounds good.”

Talon nods and swipes up his keys and phone. “Be back in fifteen.”

“Okay. Thanks.” I stretch my arms overhead. I remain in bed until the hotel room door closes.

Then, I lean over and grab my phone from the center console. My sister’s message makes me smile and for the first time in weeks, I tap out a reply.

Me: I miss you too, Lincoln. We have a lot to catch up on. I’m sorry I’ve been such a shitty sister, but I love you for being you and not giving up on me. I’ll call you this week. I promise. XO

I pull in a breath after I send it. I owe my sister much more than a phone call but…baby steps.

I read Keller’s message next, knowing he’s probably still asleep and will give me a ring once he and Marlowe have some answers.

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