But he was killed with a gun. I didn’t own a gun. Had never even shot a gun. The sight of Rock wielding a pistol still made me feel sick. He’d been protecting me, and I loved him for it, but he’d probably made things worse for both of us.

He returned in about ten minutes. “Reid is on it. Deputy Gore will be unemployed within the hour.”

I nodded numbly.

“You sure you’re okay, Lace?”

I gulped. “No. I’m not sure of anything at all right now.”

“Hey. We’ll hop on my bike and disappear if you want. All you have to do is say the word.”

I stared at him. “What?”

“I mean it. I’ll make it happen. Neither of us has to deal with any more of this bullshit.”

“But your brothers. Your sister. My law firm.”

“I love my siblings, but I don’t know them. I’ve been away too long. Roy has his art. Reid will bounce back in no time. The man’s a genius businessman. And Riley…well, she doesn’t want to be found right now, according to my brothers. As much as I want to help her, there’s nothing I can do.”

“But the company…”

“Will be sold. I get it. I’ve always gotten it, but…” His eyes softened. “You’re more important than all of that.”

Had I heard him right? “What?” I said again.

“I know. I can’t believe it myself. And I hope you don’t turn around and run away when I tell you this, but I’m in love with you, Lacey. I’m totally and completely in love with you.”

43

Rock

Elation filled me, as if a giant cement block had been lifted off my shoulders. How could professing love to a woman make me feel so light inside? So happy? So completely fulfilled?

All I knew was, when that dirty deputy had cuffed her and she paled with fear, I was ready to do anything—anything—to protect her, to keep her out of harm’s way.

I loved her. I totally loved her.

She hadn’t said it back. She just stared at me, her eyes wide.

I wanted to hear her say the words, but even more, I wanted her to feel them.

But if she didn’t? I’d said them. I’d opened myself up to another human being, something I’d never done.

It was miraculously freeing.

“What?”

I smiled. “That’s the third time you’ve said what. I’m pretty sure you don’t have a hearing problem.”

“I… I…”

“You don’t usually have a speaking problem, either.” I touched her cheek, her skin like the softest velvet.

“You… You’re…in love with me?”

“Why is that so surprising?”