She Can Hide (She Can Series) (30 page)

“Maybe.” Abby sighed. “I don’t know that it matters much. Do you think Ryland had Abrams and Faulkner killed?”

“That would be my guess.” Ethan nodded.

“I think he had Marlene killed too, because she betrayed him.” Abby shuddered. “One thing I know for sure. It was better that I didn’t grow up with him. He kills anyone who crosses him.” Abby’s eyes were misty when she looked at him. “Do you think the police will find any evidence?”

“I doubt it. I’ve talked to the investigators. Those kills were operating-room clean. Marlene’s too. Ryland has alibis for all the killings, and the cops haven’t uncovered any proof that he ordered the kills either.” The cases might never be officially solved, but Ethan didn’t see any loose ends. He hugged Abby to his side. “Do you want to see if I can find out more about your mother?”

“I don’t know. Not right now. I’ve already learned my entire life wasn’t what I thought it was. That’s enough for the moment.”

“Whatever you want.” Ethan pulled back and examined her face. Exhausted lines fanned from her eyes, and her skin was still pale. Had she lost weight? “Have you been sleeping?”

“Not really,” she admitted. “Even the lights don’t seem to help. I’m wondering if I’ll ever be able to be alone again.”

“Give it a little time. It’s only been a week.” Ethan kissed her temple. “Did you see the therapist?”

“Yes. She doesn’t want me to make any life changes right now, but I’m going to sell my house. I can’t stand being alone, and I can’t be there. The memories…”

“Move in here.” Ethan laughed. “I guarantee you’ll never be alone. This place is a zoo.”

“I don’t know,” she said, but her eyes shed their lost look instantly.

“Please.” He nuzzled her neck.

“What about Derek?”

His lips trailed lower. He pushed her hair off her shoulder to get a better angle on her neck. “You could help homeschool Derek.”

“What about your mother?”

“I believe she just drafted her letter to the pope to have you sainted.” His voice was dry.

“But we’re not married.…”

“Then marry me.” It wasn’t a new thought. He’d already intended to marry her as soon as she was ready. The idea was a huge turn-on. He brushed the neckline of her sweater with his lips. Her skin smelled like peaches.

“I think that would be one of those life changes my therapist wouldn’t like.”

Ethan lifted his head. “Stop worrying. Move in here. We’ll get married if and when you’re ready. I love you. We’ve all been through hell. I think we can give ourselves a break and just do what feels right. At the moment, having you with me is what feels right.”

“I love you too.” A tear rolled down her cheek. “Well, I do sleep better when I’m with you.”

Ethan wiped her tear away. “Who says you’ll be getting any sleep?”

“I hardly think either of us is in any shape for that.”

He kissed her, pouring out the emotions he couldn’t put into words. “Speak for yourself. I’m sure I could manage. I’m very creative.”

She laughed, the sound making Ethan’s heart swell.

“You let me know when you’re ready. I’m a patient man.”

“Yes, you are.” With a contented sigh, she kissed him back. “Don’t worry. I won’t keep you waiting long.”

He nibbled his way down her neck. “Before you’ll sleep with me or marry me?”

“Both.” Abby’s eyes shone with the happiness she’d deserved for a lifetime.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

As usual, thanks to my agent, Jill Marsal, for all her support, and everyone at Amazon Publishing, including my editor, JoVon Sotak, and the entire author team, especially technological goddess Jessica Poore. I am a very lucky writer to have such a fabulous team of people supporting me and my work.

Special thanks to Kiki Ebsen of the Healing Equine Ranch for sharing her incredible rescue horses with my family at a time when we needed their healing spirit, and to June Gunter for making that day possible. I can’t believe it was a coincidence that I’d already begun this book and included rescue horses before the invitation to visit Violet and the other rescued equines.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John Tannock Photography 2012

Melinda Leigh abandoned her career in banking to raise her kids and never looked back. She started writing as a hobby and became addicted to creating characters and stories. Since then, she has won numerous writing awards for her paranormal romance and romantic-suspense fiction. Her debut novel,
She Can Run
, was a number-one bestseller in Kindle Romantic Suspense, a 2011 Best Book finalist (The Romance Reviews), and a nominee for the 2012 International Thriller Award for Best First Book.
Midnight Exposure
was a 2013 Daphne du Maurier Award finalist. When she isn’t writing, Melinda is an avid martial artist: she holds a second-degree black belt in Kenpo karate and teaches women’s self-defense. She lives in a messy house with her husband, two teenagers, a couple of dogs, and two rescue cats.