Page 62 of Safe Haven

“So maybe around Thanksgiving?” My mother’s question almost sounds...hopeful.

I would’ve missed it before—been wrapped up in all I mistakenly thought about her—but now that I’ve pushed my owninsecurities to the side, it’s plain to see my mom would welcome a visit from me.

“Yeah. Probably close to Thanksgiving. If that works.” I’ve made some strides regarding my family, but still feel like I could be imposing. Like I’m scheduling an appointment instead of planning a visit to the house I grew up in.

“It would be wonderful to have you here for Thanksgiving.” My mom’s words waver a little. “I don’t think we’ve celebrated that holiday as a whole family in years.”

I never thought my absence bothered my mother—any of my family, really. But the emotion in her voice at the possibility our family could be together for Thanksgiving, makes me wonder if that’s another way I was seeing things through a clouded lens.

“Let’s plan on Thanksgiving then.” I’m fairly confident there will be some resolution as far as Audrey’s concerned by then. I doubt the entire mess will be cleaned up—or even fully sorted out—by Thanksgiving, but I’m positive Audrey will be removed from it.

One way or another.

“If your companion has anything special they like, or certain dietary needs, just let me know and I’ll make sure we have plenty for them to eat.”

I turn my head, looking at Audrey. “I’ll let you know.”

We say goodbye and I hang up, feeling strange. Having everything you thought you knew turned on its head rocks your world. Even when it’s a good thing.

“It sounds like we’re spending Thanksgiving with my family.” I watch Audrey’s face, studying her reaction.

I’m ready to straighten out my feelings about my family. Willing to see the error of my own ways so I can make things better between us. But there are limits.

And Audrey will always be my limit. If she doesn’t want to go, we won’t go.

“I sort of figured that out when you said Thanksgiving would be fine.” Audrey gives me a little smile. “Are you okay going there for a holiday right out of the gate?”

I frown. Figuring out how to navigate a relationship with my parents might not be the only thing I’m going to have to wrap my head around. “I’m not worried about me. I’m worried about you. What doyouwant to do?”

Audrey reaches one finger out and pokes me in the middle of my chest. “And I’m not worried aboutme. I’m worried aboutyou. This is your family, so we do what’s best for you.”

I might regret hoping for someone willing to give as much as me in a relationship, because Audrey taking care of me back—worrying about my feelings—is making it difficult for me to make everything all about her.

Audrey laughs, the sound light and easy as she sits up, swinging one leg across my hips to straddle me, her hands resting on my chest. “Don’t look at me like that. Did you think I was willing to kill someone for you but wouldn’t give a shit how you felt about going to your parents’ for a holiday?” She leans forward, putting pressure on my chest.

Normally, it would be fine. She could stand on me and I wouldn’t care. But today is not normal, so I accidentally wince at the added weight pressing against the still-sore spot.

“Crap.” Audrey immediately straightens, lifting her hands up like she’s being held at gunpoint. “I forgot.” Her brows pinch together. “That’s kind of a weird thing to forget, isn’t it?”

I shake my head. “Not for me.”

This isn’t the first time I’ve taken a bullet to a vest. It probably won’t be the last. And, after taking a bullet to the body, I can say with absolute certainty, a vest shot isn’t nearly as memorable.

Audrey scowls as she grabs the hem of the T-shirt I pulled on before going out to collect our breakfast. She pushes it up to the top of my chest so she can look over the bruise blooming across my skin. The snarl that twists her pretty face is adorable.

And fucking sexy as hell.

“I should have shot him again.” Audrey runs one hand over my skin, her touch gentle. “Maybe someday you can teach me how to properly shoot so if this ever happens again?—”

“If this ever happens again, I’ll lose my shit.” I reach for her, holding her soft body close as I roll us across the mattress until she’s on her back beneath me. “You’re going to be lucky if I don’t lock you in a padded room.”

Audrey scrunches up her nose. “There have been days where I could’ve used being locked in a padded room.” She loops both arms around my neck. “And technically, you have me pretty much locked in a room now.”

I don’t like the comparison she’s making. “It’s not padded.”

Audrey manages to move in a way that bounces both of us against the mattress. “I don’t know. Feels pretty padded to me.”

It takes me a second to realize she’s giving me shit. Teasing me when I was starting to get wound up about keeping her safe. Deflecting my agitation and fear before it could get a grip.

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