33. Tessa

Chapter 33

Tessa

Back in the hotel lobby, there were police and firefighters everywhere.

I was still in Ro’s arms, sitting on one of the lobby couches. He hadn’t let me go. Not on the ride down from the cabin, and not once we’d gotten back to the hotel.

Everyone had stopped by to check on me. Even Coral. I’d been hugged, kissed, and fussed over. A paramedic had treated the cut on my face. It was shallow, and he’d told me it would heal fine. He cleaned it and put a small strip of tape on it.

I’d made them clean Ro’s torn knuckles. I’d never, ever forget him punching Rupert. Never forget him storming into the cottage, a savage look on his face.

Coming to rescue me.

I shivered.

Ro shifted, then shrugged his jacket off and slid it around my shoulders.

“Thanks,” I whispered. It was warm and smelled like him. I should get up and direct my staff, help them calm the guests who were just now being allowed back in after the fire. Also, I needed to sort out cleaning the restaurant and kitchen, which both smelled like smoke.

But I felt like a battery that had drained of energy. The adrenaline and sheer relief of being rescued had worn off.

Now, I just felt tired. And sad for Rupert, who clearly needed professional help. He’d been taken away by the police.

A detective joined us. “Tessa, doing okay?” Cody had been a few years ahead of me at school.

“Yeah, thanks, Cody.”

“Mr. Langston? I’m Detective Cody Kandolin. I have a few more questions for you.”

Annoyance flashed on Ro’s face. I knew he didn’t want to leave me.

“Go. I’m fine.”

His gaze traced my face, then he nodded. He glanced at Cody. “Make it quick.”

They crossed the lobby, and I saw him stop to talk to some staff members. Whatever he said calmed and reassured them. As I watched, they all smiled and relaxed. That was Ro. He had that natural authority that made people trust him.

God, it would gut me when he left. I’d told him that I loved him, and it had been scary, but felt so right. Even if he had looked shocked. Like I told him that I was pregnant with alien triplets.

But now the euphoria had gone, probably to the same place as my adrenaline and relief.

He was leaving.

Soon, I’d have a gaping Ro-sized hole in my life.

“Hey.” Allie sat beside me. “Glad you’re alive.”

“Me too.”

Sierra sat on the other side and threw her arms around me. She’d already hugged me several times. Jazz stepped up and patted my shoulder.

“I’m okay, guys.”

The usually upbeat Sierra nodded, her face sober. “I can’t believe Rupert did all of this.”