Page 7 of Clara's Secure Hideaway

But he’d made it his life’s mission to show her that he understood everything she’d given up for him—everything she’d walked away from. His mother was his hero, and even when she was being a pain in his ass, he’d do anything for her.

“Don’t mean to hover,” he said, taking a step back. “Just want to be close in case you need me.”

She settled into the recliner then extended a hand for him to take.

He grinned and slapped his palm onto hers, the same way he had when he was a kid. Hell, even as an adult his mom would always reach for him whenever she had something important to say. A lesson to impart. Some bits of wisdom that usually showed him that he was wrong.

“I love when you’re close, I hate when you hover. I’m the mom. I’m supposed to take care of you.”

Her words tightened his chest. As much as what she said was true, it also wasn’t. She was getting older and even though she’d bounce back from her mishap, each year would bring them closer to a different type of relationship.

One where he’d take on the role of caregiver more and more.

“All I’m doing is hanging out with my mom. What do you want to watch?” He snagged the remote off the coffee table and turned on the television.

“Something funny. Life’s too hard to waste time on something sad.”

He found her favorite sitcom then placed the remote on the end table at her side. “Can I get you anything else? Water? Popcorn?”

She waved a hand through the air. “I’m fine. You should head home. It’s getting late.”

Hesitation stalled him in the living room. He’d spent every night with his mom since she came home. She might get around okay, but if she woke in the middle of the night and tripped, he wanted to be around.

“I can see those wheels spinning,” she said. “You have to go home eventually. Might as well be tonight. Believe me when I tell you I’ll be okay. I have my phone on me, and this adorable necklace with this fabulous button.” She waved the Life Alert device he’d insisted she wear until she was more stable.

He opened his mouth to argue, but his phone vibrated in his pocket. “One second,” he said then dipped into the kitchen to take the call. “Deputy Sterling.”

“Hey, Heath. It’s Owen. Station received a call that there’s a woman and kids in a broken down vehicle on the side of County Road 182. I know you aren’t on call, but any chance you can check it out? We’re a little short staffed, and the on-duty deputies are dealing with a pretty bad accident. Roads have some ice on them.”

Heath ran a hand over his scratchy beard. He couldn’t say no to a woman in need of help. Hell, this could get him out of the house long enough to make his mom feel more independent. He could always pop back over if needed.

“Sure. I’m not too far from there. I’ll head out right away.”

“Thanks, man. Appreciate it.” Owen disconnected.

Returning to the living room, his mom cast him a quick glance before refocusing on the four women chatting while drinking cocktails on the tv screen. “Everything all right?”

“Nah,” he said, crossing the room to snag his coat. “Owen needs me to check on something. I have to leave, but I’ll come back when I’m done.”

He couldn’t help but laugh at her exaggerated eye roll.

“Go to work. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“I’ll call in the morning. Love you.” He shrugged into his coat then kissed her on the cheek before heading back into the cold.

He half-jogged to his car and started the engine, grateful when heat pumped through the vents. With the temperature drop, tonight was a horrible night for anyone to be stranded by the side of the road. He didn’t want to leave them stranded for any longer than necessary.

Keeping his speed just above the limit, he navigated to the road Owen had told him. He slowed, keeping his eyes out for the people in need. A few feet ahead, an old car was parked on the side of the road. He pulled in behind it and turned on his lights. Blue and red whirled through the night air, highlighting a little face pressed against the back window.

He swiped a couple of suckers from his glovebox and stepped outside. He kept a pleasant smile on his face as he approached the driver’s side window.

A familiar face with wide green eyes and a downturned mouth stared back at him. She rolled down the window.

“Evening, Clara. Are you having some car trouble?”

She flicked her gaze between him and her rearview mirror. “Yeah. I’m not sure what’s wrong.”

“I’m not much of a mechanic, but I can give you a ride home if you want.”

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