It's in His Touch

by Shelly Alexander

  Angelique shook her head. “I’ll go.” She slipped on her UGG boots at the back door and grabbed a jacket off the hook. “It’s really getting cold.” She peeked out the window as she slipped on the warm fleece. “Looks like it’s going to rain or snow. I’ll be right back.”

  Snuggling deeper into the down jacket against the cold morning air, Angelique walked toward the footbridge. Getting closer, close enough to see the full expanse of the bridge, her heart stuttered. A large section of the old wood planks was splintered, leaving a gaping hole on the left side of the bridge. Half the railing on that side was completely gone too, with several large, broken timbers dangling over the edge of the bridge.

  “Sarge!” Angelique yelled.

  A tiny brown head and long snout popped up over the bank of the stream and whined.

  “Come on, boy!” She clapped her hands.

  He tore toward her, shivering and covered in mud, but when she tried to pick him up, he whined and backed away.

  “What’s wrong, Sergeant Schnitzel?” She tried to coax him to her again, but he barked and ran in the other direction, disappearing over the bank again.

  Angelique climbed up the small incline and called to him again when she crested the top. She stopped stone-cold in her tracks, her heart lurching. She tried to scream but nothing came out, her throat closing up so tight she could hardly pull in air. The stream water lapped at a large swatch of hot-pink fabric. Nestled between two large boulders, a limp body floated and gently shifted with the rhythmic pulse of the water against the rocks.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  “Blake!” Angelique found her voice as she splashed into the water. Her boots sank into the muddy stream bottom, and she had to slog through it. “Blake!” He was lying faceup, and his skin had gone a pale gray.

  Tears spilled over, and for the first time in her life she didn’t care. Didn’t worry about looking weak. She couldn’t lose Blake. Just knowing he was in the world made it a better place.

  Sergeant Schnitzel barked and turned frenzied circles on the bank. Finally, he dove into the water too and swam after Angelique. By the time she reached Blake, the cold water had reached her chest.

  “Blake, I’m here.” He didn’t move. A steady flow of blood spilled from a gash in his forehead and disappeared into his curly, wet hair. With two fingers she checked for a pulse and sent a thank-you heavenward. Thank God he hadn’t fallen facedown. She eased him out of the stone crevice and hooked both hands under his arms, tugging him toward the bank. Sergeant Schnitzel swam at their side, like he was helping rescue his buddy.

  One of Blake’s eyes cracked open. “Angelique?” His voice was weak and his body shivered.

  “I’m here.” The muddy bottom and waterlogged boots slowed her progress, but the water made his large frame buoyant enough for her to tow him toward dry ground.

  He struggled to stand but howled in pain and fell back on her. She pushed her full weight against him to keep from going under.

  “Just float while I pull you to land.” Angelique started toward the bank again.

  “I fell in,” he moaned.

  She tried to keep her voice steady. “Yeah, I noticed.” She struggled against the mud, her steps cumbersome.

  “I was bringing Sarge home.” His teeth chattered as he spoke, and his eyes fluttered closed again.

  Still swimming in circles next to them, Sarge barked at the mention of his name.

  Okay, that was good news. Then Blake couldn’t have been in the water that long because she’d asked her mom to let Sarge out not more than ten minutes ago. Still, the paleness of his skin and the way he was trembling sent a wave of terror rioting through her body.

  “I think my leg’s broken.” The shivers raking his body deepened. “I couldn’t get to the bank,” he mumbled, his eyes still closed.

  “Good thing for you I’m strong, because we’re almost there.” She managed to drag him onto dry land, his legs still hanging in the water. He winced. Sarge climbed out onto the bank and shook stream water off, whining at Blake’s side.

  Blake put a hand on Sarge’s head. “Good boy,” he managed to say through chattering teeth.

  “Yeah, he kind of led me to you.” Angelique pulled off her sodden jacket and put it under Blake’s head. A rush of relief hit her like a brick wall. She sagged over him for a moment and let more tears flow as she rested her forehead against his chest.

  “He brought me more of your panties.” Blake’s shaking hand patted his pants pocket. His eyes closed, and a soft smile curled up the corners of his pasty, white lips.

  Angelique nearly growled. “You’re half-dead in the stream with a broken leg, and you’re happy about having my panties in your pocket?”

  His smiled broadened, but he didn’t open his eyes.

  “Oh, for God’s sake. Maybe I’ll just leave you two panty conspirators on the bank to fend for yourselves.” She tried to push herself up to a stand, but Blake’s hand closed around her wrist.

  “For the record, your panties make me happy no matter where they are, but most of all when you’re in them.” Now his eyes did open and locked with hers. “Or not in them. Either way it’s a win-win for me.”

  Her breath hitched, because even in his current condition, he still looked at her like she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. Like he wanted to climb in bed with her and stay there all day. And that’s when she knew that she couldn’t live without him because he . . . he was her other half. Without him she couldn’t be whole.

  “I need to go get help, okay?” She ran a muddy hand over his cheek. “I’ll be right back.”

  “Promise?”

  She nodded. “Promise,” she said just before his eyes fluttered shut again.

  His leg hurt. Almost as much as the throbbing cut on his head.

  Angelique fussed over him like a mother hen. Actually, like a lioness protecting what was hers. The paramedics even flinched a few times when they tried to tell her to move out of the way. It was kind of nice. And a little funny when she mowed down one paramedic with a sharp-ass glare for trying to remove the heavy quilt she’d pulled off one of the beds in her cabin and tucked around him. All the blood drained from the poor kid’s face, and he backed away, letting Angelique pretty much have her way. Smart guy.

  Blake couldn’t help it. He watched her in action and smiled, even though his leg and head hurt like hell. He’d love to see her in the courtroom someday. As long as she was on his side.

  As the paramedics loaded him onto a gurney, Angelique’s family bustled around him, trying to help. Mr. and Mrs. Barbetta both hissed at Nona when she asked the paramedics to take off their shirts and pose for a picture with her. She may have even mumbled something about making a video with her smartphone.

  That was a little creepy. Blake shook the thought from his mind.

  When he was firmly strapped to the gurney, a temporary bandage on his head and a brace on his leg, the paramedics wheeled him toward the ambulance. Refusing to leave his side, Angelique grasped his hand in hers. The gray sky shadowed her mud-streaked face, and she shivered.

  “Angelique, you should go change into dry clothes. You can meet me at the hospital.”

  She shook her head. “I’m staying with you.”

  What the hell. He had her undivided attention “Fellas, can you give us a second? I need to talk to Angelique in private.” The paramedics stopped.

  “Really?” Angelique’s brows rose. “Now? Here?” She motioned to his leg and the gurney.

  “Yes, yes, and yes.” Blake nodded to the paramedics, and they stepped a few feet away.

  She sighed and looked around at the overcast sky. “Okay.” She gave in. “But make it snappy. We’ve got an ambulance to catch.”

  “I didn’t mean to give you up. I accidentally left the file out, and the others read it before I got to the meeting. By the time I walked up to the apartment, it was too late. I had to scramble to turn the situation around and get them to see that you were on their
side.”

  His heart squeezed when Angelique’s eyes filled with tears because he knew how much he’d hurt her. She sniffled and looked away.

  “You told them everything.”

  “It was the only way I could get them to listen, Angelique. I wasn’t trying to hurt you.”

  She drew in a breath. “If that information ever gets out, it could cause me a lot of trouble.”

  “It won’t get out. I promise.” He stroked her cheek. “They know who saved their town and they’re grateful.”

  “What about what you said about me and your mother . . . our health. I’m not just a pity case to you?” She pulled a plump lip between her teeth.

  “Pity?” Blake half snorted. “Angelique, you evoke a lot of emotions in me, but pity isn’t one of them.”

  Angelique gave a small laugh and swiped at a tear. “Are you sure? I couldn’t stand it if you wanted to be with me because you felt sorry for me. You know, because of your mom.”

  “You’re nothing like my mom. You’re a fighter. God help me, you’re like an MMA champion, always ready to step into the ring and take me on.” He tugged her down so that her hand rested against his chest and her face was close to his. “Maybe that’s why I love you so much. Will you mar—”

  A horn double beeped as a black four-door Mercedes pulled into Angelique’s drive. Her expression darkened, and she tensed against him when she looked up.

  “Frick,” she murmured under her breath and stood.

  The Mercedes pulled to a stop next to Angelique’s car, and both front doors popped open. Two men got out, a little overdressed for Red River in Blake’s opinion.

  “Clarence. Robert.” Angelique acknowledged both of them with a stony expression.

  “Angelique.” Clarence, the older of the two with silver hair and a medium build, greeted her. “Obviously, we’ve caught you at a bad time.”

  “Yes, you have. Blake needs to get to the hospital. I’ll be out of the cabin today, if that’s why you’re here.”

  Blake tightened his grip around her hand. She was planning to leave today? He glanced at her SUV, his jaw twitching. He’d been in so much pain he hadn’t noticed her trunk open with boxes and luggage loaded in the back.

  Robert, late forties with black hair and a hint of gray at the temples, shook his head. “We’re not here to run you out. Just the opposite.”

  “Excuse me,” Blake interrupted. “Who the hell are you two?” He could guess, which was why he had no intention of being polite.

  Angelique pulled in a breath. “This is Clarence Riggs and Robert Castillo. The two senior partners at my firm.”

  Ah. He guessed right. And if he remembered correctly, Marone was the last name on the company letterhead. As in Gabriel “the Douchebag” Marone.

  “Look.” Angelique’s expression turned icy. “We’ll have to do this some other time, gentlemen. Blake’s hurt. If you’ll still be in town later, I could meet you.”

  Oh, hell no. He wasn’t about to leave her alone with these two jokers. “I’m good.” Blake propped his free arm under his head, refusing to let go of Angelique’s hand. “Right, fellas?” He glanced at the paramedics before returning a steely gaze to the men who’d already stabbed Angelique in the back. If they’d expected her to work side by side with Gabriel after what he’d done, no telling why they were here now.

  “Right, Doc,” the paramedics agreed. “We’re good.”

  “Blake, you need to go to the hospital,” Angelique pleaded with him.

  His grip tightened around her long, slender fingers, and he caressed the empty spot where he wanted to put a ring. “I’m not leaving you alone with them.”

  “I’m perfectly capable of handling this on my own.” Her eyes flashed at him.

  “I’m well aware of that.” Really? Were they really going to argue about this now? “I’m still staying.”

  She studied him for a second, then turned to her bosses. Correction. Former bosses, if Blake had anything to say about it, and he really, really wanted a lot to say about it.

  “What’s so important that the two managing senior partners had to drive all the way to Red River to say it?” Angelique’s posture went rigid, and tension poured off of her in waves.

  Clarence cleared his throat. “I was a little hard on you the other day when you called, Angelique.”

  “Ya think?” Angelique said, her tone as frigid as the water she’d just pulled Blake from.

  Good girl.

  “Losing this case and such a big client was a shock. I’m sure you can understand,” Robert added.

  Angelique’s expression stayed detached, but her chest rose and fell in quick succession. Blake caressed the inside of her wrist with the pad of his thumb, her racing pulse thrumming under his touch.

  “Cut to the chase, gentlemen. I’m busy.” Her words were like steel, and Blake couldn’t hold back a faint smile. Go get ’em, tiger.

  Clarence and Robert exchanged a look. “We came up her to deliver some good news in person,” Robert said.

  “And what would that be?” she asked, clearly skeptical.

  “Gabriel has resigned from the firm,” Robert said, pasting on an artificial smile. “We’re offering you a full partnership, effective immediately.”

  Huh? Angelique had to blink a few times to process what Clarence and Robert had just offered her. Everything she’d always wanted. At least until a few weeks ago when the man on the gurney next to her stomped up to her cabin door and called her a bottom dweller after rescuing her dog.

  “What do you say, Angelique?” Clarence beamed with pride. “An even bigger salary than you make now, with no ceiling. An expense account and a company car. Most importantly, your name would be on the door.” He stuffed both hands in his pockets, his chest swelling.

  When she didn’t respond with a resounding yes, his brow furrowed. Robert fidgeted and glanced at his partner in crime.

  “So what brought this on?” Because she knew darned well they weren’t making this very attractive offer out of the goodness of their hearts. They’d obviously forgotten with whom they were dealing. When she negotiated deals for her clients, she could smell a rat from the next county. There was definitely a rodent or two trying to steal the cheese from the mousetrap.

  Robert spoke up. “You’ve worked hard, Angelique. You deserve it, and we’re getting a fine attorney as a partner.”

  “Uh-huh. Tell me why Gabriel’s out and I’m in, because I know it can’t be a lucky coincidence.” Blake’s hand tensed around hers at the mention of her ex’s name.

  Robert sputtered. Clarence rubbed the back of his neck. Yep. Their whiskers just twitched. Angelique planted a fist on her hip and leveled her infamous cast-iron stare at them. And waited. A silent, deadly stare was one of her best negotiation tactics.

  A few moments ticked by. Clarence deflated, and Robert stared at the ground.

  Worked every time.

  “Gabriel’s girlfriend took the files and the money. She wanted us to think it was you,” explained Clarence. “Apparently, she cleaned out his bank account as well and skipped town after he broke it off with her. He’s . . .” Clarence cleared his throat. “He’s not dealing with all of this very well. He’s decided to move back east and join a firm there after he’s had time to . . .” Clarence shoved his hands in his hands in his pockets. “After he’s had time to regain his composure.”

  Blake stroked the top of her third finger.

  “And?” She wasn’t going to let it go so easily.

  Obviously tired of being in the hot seat, Clarence looked to Robert.

  “Word of Gabriel’s emotional instability has gotten out, and we’re losing clients,” Robert said.

  “Many of whom I handled cases for, right? I did most of the legwork while Gabriel took the credit, and now you need my help to keep them.” It wasn’t a question, and Angelique kind of enjoyed watching them squirm.

  Robert’s eye twitched. “You’re a good attorney, Ang—”

  �
��Great,” she interrupted him. “I’m a great attorney.”

  Blake’s thumb stroked the inside of her wrist, sending a tingle up her arm.

  “Right, Angelique,” Clarence said. “You’re a great attorney, which is why we want you as a partner. So what do you say? How does Riggs, Castillo & Barbetta sound?”

  Her breath caught in her chest. Blake’s caresses stopped, and everyone watched her. Waiting.

  She turned to Blake. “What were you saying before they pulled up?” She tossed her head in the direction of Clarence and Robert.

  “Are you sure you want to do this in front of everybody?” Blake asked her, his expression guarded.

  She nodded. “You started it, now let’s finish it here and now.”

  He drew in a breath, and his fingers started to move over her hand again. “I don’t want you to work for these clowns.” Blake shot a glowering look at Clarence and Robert. “They don’t deserve you. But whatever you decide, wherever you want to live and work, I’ll go with you.” He hesitated and looked down at her hand. “If you’ll marry me.”

  Her mother squeaked a small cry of joy, and her father put an arm around her shoulder.

  The air rushed from Angelique’s lungs, but her heart filled with joy. “You’d do that?” Her lip quivered and she drew it between her teeth for a second. “You’d leave Red River?”

  “For you I would.” He nodded. “Only for you.”

  Robert clapped his hands together. “Then we have an arrangement that makes everybody happy.”

  “Not so fast.” Angelique held up a finger to shush Robert, but she kept her eyes on Blake. “What if I said I don’t want to be part of Riggs, Castillo & Barbetta, but instead I’d rather live here with you and be Angelique Barbetta-Holloway?”

  Blake’s mouth curved into a smile. “Seriously? I have to say all that every time I introduce you?”

  She arched a brow at him.

  “I love the name Angelique Barbetta-Holloway,” Blake said. “It’s very elongated just like your dog.”

  She laughed, and Blake tugged her down until his nose grazed hers. “I love you,” she whispered against his mouth just before he placed a gentle kiss on her lips.