Page 112 of Stepping Into Tomorrow

Nash shot to his feet.

“We’ll be right there.” His dad hung up.

“What happened? Are they okay?” Nash held his breath, pleading with the universe that it wasn’t too late to make this right.

“Isabella was in an accident on her way home from the appointment.”

I was supposed to be there with her! He ran his hand through his hair and tugged hard, needing the bite of pain to stay grounded.

His father held up his hands. “She’s okay. The baby is fine. She’s just got a couple bumps and bruises. She went to the hospital and got cleared. She’s at home.”

“I need to go.” Nash ran to his ATV.

“Nash!”

“What?”

“She said someone hit her—”

“Someone intentionally hit her car? Was she followed? Fuck!” The blood drained from Nash’s face as he started the engine and raced off without a backwards glance to his dad.

He sped down the trail, his heart racing as he zoomed next to his house. He cut the engine before he hopped off and burst through the door.

Catherine Noveas was seated at his table with Eli. They both looked up at his abrupt entrance.

“Where’s Bella?”

Catherine scowled and got to her feet. “None of this would have happened if it wasn’t for you—”

Nash ducked out of the kitchen, scanning the house for any sign of Bella. He took the stairs two at a time until he reached her room. His shoulders relaxed the moment she came into view. She folded a shirt over her belly and set it in a pile before reaching for another.

“Bella!” He wrapped his arms around her, tugging her against his chest, careful not to hold her too tight in case she was in pain. “Fuck, sweetness, I was so worried when my dad got the call. Are you okay?” He kissed her forehead and pulled her away enough to look her over for injuries. There was slight bruising by her neck in a line that suggested it was from the seat belt. A small cut on her cheek was a stark contrast to her smooth skin. But her eyes, usually so full of warmth and light, were dull and hollow.

“Baby? Where are you hurt?”

“I’m fine.” Her tone was even, cold. Her body stiffened in his hold as she pulled away.

“I’m so sorry I missed the appointment.”

She shrugged and picked up a pile of folded clothes before placing them in an open suitcase on the bed. “It’s fine.”

“No, it’s not. I should have been there. I let you down.”

“I’m spending the night at my parents’. I’ll be back for our stuff at some point. My mom knows someone who has a duplex for rent in town. I think that might be for the best.”

“What?” His ears rang as her words hit him like a battering ram. “You can’t go. It’s not safe for you to be alone.”

“I’m alone here too!” Her chest heaved.

The pain in her gaze sliced him into ribbons. He’d caused this.

“So I don’t think it really matters where I am.” She shoved a sweatshirt into the bag and zipped it up.

Nash pressed his hand over hers to stop her. “Baby, please. You can’t go.” I can’t lose you too.

“I need some space, Nash . . . and it’s obvious you do too.” She tugged the suitcase, but he held it in place. Panic bound his chest. Fear soaked his cells. If she walked out that door, that sick fuck could get to her too. What if it was someone close to Nash? What if Bella was next? Was that who’d run her off the road?

“I can keep you safe. Please, just stay here.”

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