Page 72 of Fielder's Choice

“You’re amazing, Olive. I don’t want you to ever doubt that.” He wipes his thumb under my eyes. “Let’s get you inside now, Ballerina. You must be freezing.”

I let Lane help me to my feet, blanket still wrapped around my shoulders, and we head back into the warmth.

I feel like a weight has been lifted off me. I don’t have this shadow behind me now, following me everywhere I go and waiting to destroy me at each given opportunity.

What I feel right now is light, bright and comforting. The kind of light you’d expect to find on a cloudless day as you’re standing in a field of wildflowers, soaking in its warmth. That’s the kind of light Lane provides.

He knows everything about me, and he’s choosing to stick around. And just like that, I know for a fact that I’m already falling heart-first for this incredible man.

twenty-six

Lane

Itestthewatertemperature of the shower to make sure it’s not too hot. Olive’s shivering, still wrapped in the blanket, sitting on my bathroom counter while I get it ready for her.

Once I’m satisfied with the heat level, I open my cabinet, grab a couple of eucalyptus-scented shower steamers, and light a candle, using both to help calm and soothe her. Then, I grab a plush towel and toss it in the towel warmer so it’s perfectly heated when she’s done.

“All set, Olive,” I say softly. “The water is warm, and the steamers and candle should help you relax. Take as long as you need, but when you’re finished, grab your towel from the warmer. I have some clothing here for you, too.”

“Thanks, Lane.” Her voice is weak, and she looks absolutely exhausted. She’s had a rough night, and I hope this can help her at least a bit.

I press a gentle kiss to her lips. “I’ll be out in the living room.”

I close the door behind me and head to my sofa, flopping down on my back and staring at the ceiling.

I knew Olive had trauma; she’s told me as much. But that…

God, that’s fucking awful.

It hurts to know that she had to suffer through that and that it’s been haunting her for six years. But she’s so damn strong.

I can’t even fathom the strength it takes to get up and carry on after enduring something so heinous. And then to find out the fucker didn’t face any repercussions just because his dad was the DA? She’s stronger than me because all I want to do right now is hunt him down and beat him to within an inch of his life.

I’m not a fighter. I never have been. But all I can see is red right now, and he deserves to face justice for what he did. If he only faces vigilante justice, then I have no problem taking it into my own hands.

I take care of the people I care about, and Olive is right at the top of the list, second only to my daughter.

I take a series of deep breaths to ground myself. I know this is just the anger talking right now. I can’t help but want to protect her, though. I wish I could take away the hurt.

It’s one of those times that I wish my grandparents were still here to talk to. I’d never divulge what Olive has been through, but I feel helpless, and I know they’d be able to reassure me.

I really fucking miss them.

After a final deep breath, I make my way into the kitchen and fix two cups of green tea after the kettle heats up. I know Olive will need some, and I feel like I could use some right now, too.

Steaming mugs in hand, I walk back into the living room right as Olive steps out of the hallway. I must have been in my head a bit longer than I realized if she’s already finished.

“I have some tea for us, Ballerina,” I say as I set the mugs on the coffee table.

Olive takes a seat on the sofa, and I sit down beside her.

She’s wearing another one of my T-shirts, and she looks a bit more relaxed than she did when I left her in the bathroom. I’m happy that could bring her a little bit of comfort.

“Thank you,” she says softly. “Tea sounds amazing.”

“How are you feeling now?” I ask, sliding a blanket over her bare legs after I pull her onto my lap.

“The shower helped.” Her smile is soft, but it’s there, and that’s reassuring.

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