Page 27 of Rescuing Erin

Colin chuckled, and when I turned his way he said, “Told you so.”

“I’m sure whatever they got is fine. After where we stayed last night, I wouldn’t complain if I had to scrub down with laundry soap.”

“Heard about your problems back in Killeen. Tex called with an update. The asshole you ran off the road was taken into custody. He flipped quickly. Told the cops he and his buddy were each paid five grand to run you off the road. All they were supposed to do was box you in and keep you there until someone else came to get you.”

“Did he say who paid him?”

“The usual. Some guy in a suit. Paid in cash. Met in a parking lot with no cameras. No make or model of the car the man was driving. Used a burner phone. No names. The only fuck up they made was Tex was able to trace the burner number purchase to a convenience store in D.C. They’re going over the security footage, but without a general time frame of when the phone was purchased or a description of the person who bought it, it’s most likely a dead end.”

Abe set the duffle bag he’d been holding on the coffee table in the living room. “These are from Zane. New laptop and phones. He’d like for you to check in ASAP. The perimeter alarms are on and the live feeds are being watched by your team and Tex. All my guys will be alerted if the property is breeched. If you don’t want six angry SEALs storming the house, please send us a text if you leave.”

“’Preciate all your help.”

“Don’t mention it.” Abe smiled. “Hope your stay is low-key and pleasant. Erin, would you like to check what my wife left and make sure it’s to your liking?”

“I’ll be happy with whatever she left. Please tell her I said thank you. And you, too, thanks again for the use of your home.”

“It’s not a problem. It’s what we do. We take care of our own. Zane and his team have had our backs a time or two, and we have theirs.”

Boy, I’d love to hear some of those stories. Colin downplayed his military service and what he currently did, but I bet he was every bit the hero I thought he was.

“I’m gonna check in with Zane,” Colin said, opening the bag and pulling out a phone. “I’ll call you with an update in the morning.”

“Sounds good. Welcome to California, Erin. Talk to you tomorrow.”

After Colin walked Abe to the door, he closed it and set the locks and alarm.

“Do you mind if we hold off on dinner until after I talk to my team?”

I tried to remember if Colin had always been thoughtful or if that was something else that had changed, too. His attitude toward me in general had definitely transformed, which scared me. My infatuation had grown into something more. With each hour that passed, each new tidbit of information he gave me about himself, and each touch, I fell more and more. Everything was moving at warp speed, and when I tried to slow myself down, I’d remember how freaking short life was. How I’d overthought everything my whole life and for once I just wanted to let go. I wanted to throw caution to the wind and enjoy whatever crazy journey I was on.

“Not at all. I’d actually like to go up and take a shower.”

“I’ll go up with you.”

I followed him upstairs and into the master bedroom. After he checked the closet and bathroom, I was given the all clear, and he started to leave the room.

“Colin?”

“Yeah?”

He stopped in the doorway and turned to face me. My breath caught in my throat and the words died on my tongue. He looked fierce. Gone was the man who’d held me all night long and back was the warrior, the protector. The caring side of Colin was a turn-on, but this side of him was downright hot.

“Nothing. Never mind.”

“Okay. I’ll be downstairs if you need anything.”

With one last appraising sweep of his eyes, he walked out the door.

Why did my body warm from just one glance?

I stayed in the shower for a long time, wishing the warm water could wash away my troubles. I’d done a good job hiding my fears from Abe, however, I couldn’t forget what he’d said, people had been hired to take Colin and me. They were supposed to run us off the road and keep us there until someone could come and retrieve us. Not only was I in more danger than I’d thought, but Colin was also.

How had my life come to this?

Chapter 10

“How the fuck did they find us?” I asked Zane.