Page 116 of Tender Heart
“Holy shit, what happened? Where’s Cal?” he says, running a hand over my head in a soothing motion.
I soak his shirt, letting the last six years of heartbreaking torture tumble free.
“Hell, Evie.”
His broad hand rubs circles over my back. I try and fail to compose myself. I can imagine what people are thinking, the tall, handsome, and somewhat taken Coast Guard officer consoling the woman living with his best friend. God.
Ugh. Stupid small towns.
I push out of his hold.
His grip keeps me at arm’s length. “Evie, you okay?”
Nodding, I sniff back the tears. “Fine. Sorry, just had a moment.”
His head tilts. “Didn’t look like a moment.”
I shudder through a breath and set my shoulders back. “I’m leaving soon. It’s a lot, that’s all.”
His face softens, then morphs to a frown. “You don’t have to go. Staying is always an option.”
I shake my head.
No.
No, it’s not.
It’s really not.
“I can’t.” The words choke out.
“Okay, well, if you change your mind, you’re always welcome. And, hell.” He plucks his cap from his head, running a hand through his hair. “I know Cal wants you to stay.”
I frown. “What? No, he doesn’t.”
Em raises an eyebrow. “That so?”
“He doesn’t what?” Cal’s voice cuts into our conversation.
I sag with relief.
Thank god.
“Nothing, forget it.” I adjust my bag over my shoulder and snag Em’s gaze. He forces a smile and turns back to his friend. When he disembarks Firefly, he gives me a kind smile and tips his cap. So old school, that Emmett. It’s sweet. I feel terrible for unloading my baggage on his chest. But I’m thankful Cal wasn’t here. I don’t think I could explain that one away.
Thankfully, Emmett looks like he’s good at keeping things to himself.
“Get your errands done?” I ask, hoping my voice doesn’t betray me.
Cal steps onto the boat and then into my space. “Yup.” His eyes study my face as if what I’m not saying is printed in Times New Roman all over it.
I feel like it is.
Now, with the last letter and its impending—and very real—threat to Cal, I have to leave. Whether or not Emmett’s offer has any truth to it, I can’t stay.
I made a promise to leave.
And I make a new one to myself right here and now—when I go back to the city, I am going to the police. I won’t make the mistake of keeping this to myself again.
