Yes, he had.
“And I got a new job. One that was scary and hard and so worth every single moment and every drop of sweat and fear. It’s a job I intend to keep working, no matter what.”
And I thought she wasn’t strong enough to handle the dark? I am such a fucking fool.
He bent, and his lips brushed against her scar. He kissed it softly, the same way she’d kissed the marks on his body. “Something you should know,” he said. She was naked, sexy as all hell, stronger than steel and… “I love you, Ivy. Sometimes, I think I always have. And I know I always will.”
“Bennett?”
He forced himself to step back. “If I get a break in this case, I will be calling you, partner.”
Her eyes widened.
“Now if I don’t get the hell out of here…” His gaze dipped down her sheet-covered body. He swallowed. “I’ll be getting you in bed. And as much as I want that—want you—the chief and the mayor are waiting.”
He’d said that he loved her. She was pretty much staring at him in shock now. Had she really not known how he felt? Did she truly believe he’d left her before without a second glance? Leaving her had gutted him. For months, he’d walked around like half a person—because he’d left his heart with her.
He never wanted her to doubt how he felt—not ever again. He’d have to show her—every day for the rest of their lives—just how much she truly meant to him.
“I will be calling you,” he said again. Then he turned for the door. He’d only taken a few steps when Ivy said—
“Don’t you want to know how I feel?”
He glanced back. “I’m scared to know,” he said starkly. And that was the truth. He’d screwed things up between them. But if she would just give him time, he could build her trust back. Maybe even get her to care for him again.
“Oh, Bennett…you should never be afraid, not with me.” Her smile was tender. “I loved you since I was eighteen. It’s not the same love now, but I have a feeling that it’s going to be even better than before.”
Stay with her. He wanted to, so badly. He wanted to stay and hold her and never let go.
But a killer was out there. One who threatened Ivy. One who had to be stopped.
“Partners, huh?” Ivy smiled and his heart stopped at that beautiful sight. “I really like that.”
So did he.
She headed back down the hallway. He didn’t move, not until she was gone, then, his steps wooden, he exited the house.
She loves me. She still loves me.
He was such a lucky bastard.
“Morning, Bennett!” Detective Drew Trout called out. The guy hurried up the sidewalk, giving him a quick nod.
Bennett stepped directly into the man’s path. He and the chief had decided that Drew would be the best person to keep watch over Ivy while Bennett was gone. The young detective was smart, tough, and he should be able to handle any threat that came up.
But…Bennett’s voice was curt as he said, “You stay with her, every moment. You keep your eyes on her. If anything happens that makes you even a little bit nervous, you call me, right away, got it?”
Drew’s Adam’s apple bobbed. “Yes, sir. You know, this isn’t my first time working a case.”
Yeah, he knew, and that was why Bennett had picked the fellow. He didn’t trust any of the uniforms with a case of this magnitude. I don’t really trust anyone with Ivy. Bennett’s eyes narrowed. “She is the priority in this case, got it? You don’t jeopardize her for any reason.” Because if you do, I will kick your ass.
“Sir.” Drew nodded quickly.
Good. They’d better be clear. Bennett hurried to his car. He climbed inside, cranked the engine, but didn’t leave. His gaze slid to his house once more.
She said…she loves me.
His fingers drummed against the wheel.
He hated the case right then. He hated anything that was keeping him away from Ivy.
Chapter Eleven
“I’m telling you,” Cameron Wilde said as he paced in the interrogation room at the Mobile police station. “I don’t know where the Porsche is.” His hands fisted as he snarled, “It’s supposed to have one of those fancy security systems! You know, the kind where you can just ping some shit and the car is instantly located in the case of theft.” He stopped pacing and shot Bennett a furious glare. “I paid too much damn money for the car to just be gone!”
Bennett lifted a brow. “You were told by the Fort Morgan officers that the car was linked to a murder.”
Cameron paled. “Yes. Shelly. Poor, sweet Shelly…” He marched to the little table in the middle of the room and pulled out the chair across from Bennett. Cameron sat down, his body falling a bit heavily. “I tried to call Hugh on my way here, but he didn’t answer. Shit, I hope he doesn’t wind up like his old man. Is the guy on suicide watch?”