Page 18 of Two Steps Ahead

“Sometimes the triggers catch you off guard,” he finished for her. “They’re vicious bullies.”

He knew that firsthand.

“Yes, exactly.”

He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I have some triggers of my own, so I understand. And age or time away from the trauma sometimes doesn’t matter at all.”

“It happened just a few weeks after the summer you were working at the house. That was a really hard time for me. Mom had died the year before, then one day you stopped showing up. I didn’t really understand what had happened. Even when Dad explained Henry had died, I thought you could still come. I thought you didn’t want to be my friend anymore.”

“Oh God, no, Kayleigh.” He pulled her closer. “If there had been any way I could’ve gotten back to see you, just to say goodbye, I would’ve done it. My life got turned upside down after Henry died.”

“I know,” she said quickly. “I understand that now, of course. As a kid, I didn’t have much frame of reference. I didn’t even really understand that Henry wasn’t your biological father.”

“I wish I could’ve been there for you. I’m so sorry.”

She leaned back so they could see each other eye to eye. “We were both caught up in situations we couldn’t control. I wish it had been different for both of us. You were my best friend, even if it was only for the summer.”

He leaned his forehead against hers. “You were the only friend I’d ever had. Those weeks I spent with you and Henry are some of the best childhood memories I have. But I wish I could’ve been there when you needed me.”

He would’ve found a way. If he had known, even at ten years old, he would’ve found a way to get back and help her through it.

She cupped his cheek with her hand. “I was okay eventually, although Dad was completely overprotective for years—still is.And like I said, comparatively, it truly wasn’t that bad. Some bruises and scrapes. A lingering fear of the dark and storms.”

He’d seen enough in his line of work, as both a police officer and with San Antonio Security, to recognize her words as truth. It truly could’ve been much worse. But that didn’t mean she hadn’t suffered.

“It was more than what most people go through in their whole lives, so don’t discount the trauma.”

Her hand fell back into her lap. “I feel like a baby.”

“You don’t let it control you. That’s what’s important. Not that you don’t get scared, but you set it aside when you need to. You haven’t locked yourself away in a tower with twenty Jasper clones, as I’m sure Leo would like.”

“Yeah, Dad would be thrilled if I agreed to that.” She gave him a watery smile. “Thank you.”

He smiled. “Do you think you can go back to sleep?”

“I don’t think sleep is in the cards for me tonight.”

“It’s nearly dawn. How about if I make us some coffee and breakfast, and then we go out on the boat today?”

Her smile got bigger, some of the twinkle back in her green eyes. “That sounds absolutely wonderful. Thank you.”

He hated to let go of her so she could get off his lap, but was glad she was feeling stronger. They got up and he kept a hand at the small of her back as they headed into the kitchen.

He hadn’t been there for her when young Kayleigh had needed him, but he could be here for her now.

“HOW’SITGOING,BRO? Ready to pull your hair out yet?”

Weston was getting the boat ready to take Kayleigh out on the lake when Chance called.

“Would you believe me if I said I’m actually enjoying myself?” And it was true, except for the part of Kayleigh’s nightmares terrifying her.

“You mean the great, silent loner is enjoying spending multiple days with someone? Inconceivable.”

Weston rolled his eyes at his brother’s impression of a famous movie line even though Chance couldn’t see him. “You find out anything on Leo Delacruz’s merger?”

“Brighton Pharmaceuticals is the company he’s buying out, and it’s not friendly. Owner is a Beau Kesler.”

Chance sounded much more like himself than when Weston had talked to him a couple of days ago. That was good. He needed Chance focused.

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