I couldn’t say I wasn’t relieved. The man had murdered my family. “Where’s Kade?” I would’ve thought he would be in the room with Dad.
“He’s in the waiting room. I didn’t know if you would want to see him,” Dad said, his tone matter-of-fact.
I guessed I couldn’t argue too much with his explanation. “You did tell him I was okay?”
“Of course. Besides, he wouldn’t let go of your hand when you arrived until the ER doctor pried him off you.”
A knock sounded, then the door cracked open. “Can I come in?” Coach Dean asked.
“Oh, my God. Baseball. The scout.” Since there weren’t any windows in the room, I couldn’t tell if it was day or night. I swung my legs over the side of the bed and winced at the soreness in my right leg. Hell, in my entire body. My heart pounded.
Dad guided me back onto the bed. “You’re not going anywhere. The game ended about an hour ago.”
I glanced at Coach. He had an I’m sorry expression painted on his face. My breath halted. Please don’t tell me my dream is gone.
He loped over to my bedside. “How are you?”
“I missed the scout. Didn’t I?” Tears threatened, and my stomach suddenly hurt.
Coach mashed his lips together and nodded. “Your life is definitely more important than any game. I’m relieved that you’re safe and alive.”
“Any chance he’ll come again?” A tear escaped, trickling down my bruised cheek.
“I explained the situation. He’s sorry, but he won’t be returning to Kensington.”
The faucet opened. Tear after tear poured out. Dad and I had moved here so I could do everything possible to get on the ball team for Kensington and work hard to get the baseball scholarship to ASU. I’d accomplished the former, but I wasn’t able to bring home the latter. Losing the chance to play for ASU hurt like I’d lost my one true love, but the end result—I was alive, and my family’s murderer was in custody. Both were worth more to me.
Coach touched me lightly on my shoulder. “I know you had your heart set on ASU, but if I’m not mistaken, what really matters is baseball. UMass Boston and Colby College up in Maine are interested in you. I know they aren’t your first choice, but they’re both great schools. Why are you dead set on ASU?”
I sniffled. “My brother graduated from ASU. And they were interested in me. I guess I feel connected to them. They wanted to give me a second chance after everything I’d gone through with my family’s deaths.” If they hadn’t, I wouldn’t be here, and I certainly wouldn’t have met Kade.
“Now you have more schools interested in you. The other option is you could always attend ASU and see if the coach will take you as a walk-on.”
I’d hadn’t thought of that. A small window of hope opened. “Did we win tonight?”
“We did. Shaun pitched a no-hitter. He and Aaron wanted to be here to share the good news. I told them you needed rest. I better run. You’ll probably be out for two or three games. I’ll let UMass and Colby College know when you’ll be pitching again.”
If I had my way, I’d be pitching at the next game. But somehow I didn’t think the doctor would give me the all clear that soon, considering I had two head injuries and a stab wound.
“I’ll get Kade,” Dad said.
“Wait.”
“You don’t want to see him?” Dad asked as he touched a cut on his cheekbone.
“Yes, but are you disappointed in me about ASU?” I felt along my leg as a memory of me pulling out the knife surfaced.
“You’ve been through hell. You’ve also worked your tail off. Don’t think for one second that I’m upset. I’m proud of you.”
I wasn’t proud of myself. I’d blacked out yet again. I might’ve worked hard to get on a ball team, but I hadn’t worked hard enough to overcome my PTSD. “Do you think I’ll ever get to the point where I don’t pass out?” I desperately longed for the day I wouldn’t freak over a dark house or lots of blood or anything else that reminded me of Julie’s and Mom’s dead bodies.
“Oh, Lacey. Your illness isn’t something that can be cured overnight.”
I had a sneaking feeling that the memory of stabbing Weeks and him stabbing me had set me back in my recovery.
“One more thing before you get Kade. Are you planning on staying in New England after I graduate?”
Dad sank down onto the bed. “We can talk about this another time, but something in your eyes tells me you’re worried about me. Don’t be. If you want to take a chance as a walk-on at ASU, then go for it. I was planning on asking your opinion. What would you say if I told you I wanted to stay in New England, at least for the foreseeable future?”
“Really? What about Eko Records and Zepplins and Rob?”
“Well, I want to reconnect with Gloria. I’ve been thinking about selling the record label and Zepplins. Rob wanted to tell you himself, but I think this is a good time to let you know. Rob has signed with the Dodgers. They approached him again last week.”
I squealed with delight. “Really?” Rob had given up his dream to play for the Dodgers when Mom and Julie died. “I’m thrilled that you want to stay in New England, and I’m so excited for Rob.” I couldn’t wait to talk to him.
Dad patted my leg, and his mouth curved into a handsome smile that reached his green eyes. “Don’t think too much about colleges or your future right now.”
I had one last question. “Was there anything else in the safe deposit box?”
“There was another letter from my mom that basically said she never gave the ledger to the police because she knew Harrison had friends in high places within the government. And she knew if she did, the trail would lead back to her and eventually me. She couldn’t bear Harrison finding out about me. She didn’t want me to live that kind of life. She went on to say she often thought about burning the ledger, but she wanted to see the Lorenzino family pay for breaking the law. Apparently, Jeremy was right. The ledger detailed exact locations where millions of dollars of stolen cash were hidden. But it’s time to put all this behind us and focus on living again.”
I agreed. One thing was nagging me though. Lorenzino had said he knew Dad had the ledger. I knew it didn’t matter anymore, but I was curious.
A young male orderly in red scrubs came in, carrying a tray of food. He set the tray down on a table next to the bed then wheeled it over to me. The smell of the food wafted through the air.
“I’ll let Kade know he can come in. Why don’t you eat something?” Dad kissed me on the forehead and left the room.
At the mention of Kade’s name, any hunger I’d felt left with the orderly.
Chapter 35
Kade
I chomped my nails down to their nubs as I paced a packed waiting area of the hospital. A baby cried. A man kept coughing. A small child scampered around a line of chairs as his mother chased him. My gut twisted as my head shot up every time the double doors to the secure patient area opened.
I’d been waiting all fucking day to see Lacey. The doctor didn’t want a ton of people in her room, and Mr. Robinson thought it would be best to wait until she woke up. Since we weren’t together anymore, he didn’t know if she would want to see me. I’d almost punched him, but he was doing the right thing. I couldn’t bulldoze my way into Lacey’s life, and I didn’t trust myself. I knew if I were in the room with her I wouldn’t be able to keep my hands off her. And if she rejected me, I’d definitely lose my shit.
I found an empty seat, sat down, and bounced my knees, watching the same little boy run around the chairs. I chuckled as his mom continued to chase him. He reminded me of when my mom had chased the triplets if we were out somewhere. She’d catch Kelton first and threaten to take away his pet lizard if he didn’t behave. By the time she was finished scolding Kelton, Kross and Kody were in their seats acting like
perfect little boys.
I was trying to be perfect. I was trying to keep my emotions in check. Every long, tortuous minute that passed found me thinking that if only I had guarded Lacey myself like I’d wanted to, none of this would have happened. Or wondering whether she would have been kidnapped if Steve, Lacey’s daytime bodyguard, had been on her detail this morning. Wes had told me he would find out exactly what had happened with the steroid twins. I also strained my mind to think how Lorenzino had known Mr. Robinson had the ledger when Mr. Robinson didn’t even know if there was a ledger in the safe deposit box. Not to mention that if Weeks had been watching the Robinsons, then why hadn’t any of Lacey’s bodyguards noticed?
In between my heart stopping and starting when I pictured Lacey hurt, I continually replayed the scene after Mr. Robinson had gotten the call from Lorenzino. I’d torn out of Pitt’s office like a madman on a mission, only to be stopped by Kross and Mr. Robinson. I’d fought my way through them and gotten on the elevator. Nothing in the world was going to prevent me from saving Lacey, until, just before the doors shut, Mr. Robinson called, “You’ll only get her killed.” At that moment, I’d dug my palms into my head and sworn several times. I couldn’t wake up to a world without Lacey in it. I also couldn’t give up control to someone else or to fate. That wasn’t in my playbook, particularly when it came to someone I loved.
The little boy let out a high-pitched giggle, bringing me back to the present.
I checked the time. I was giving Mr. Robinson five more minutes. If he didn’t give me the green light, I was storming into Lacey’s room. All day my emotions had vacillated like an out-of-control sine wave—fear, rage, desperation, relief, worry. When I had heard her scream, nothing could have stopped me from barging into the club to save my girl. Then when I saw the point of the knife heading for Lacey, my heart had stopped cold. I’d almost ripped the gun from one of the SWAT guys and shot Weeks myself. Thankfully, they’d reacted just in time.
The swooshing sound of the doors drew my attention away from the little boy. Mr. Robinson emerged. His face looked like Kelton’s had after he and Seever went several rounds.
In five strides I met him at the information desk. “Well?”
“You can go in,” he said. “I have to take care of some things at the club. I cleared it with the nurse for you to stay past visiting hours. The doctor wants to keep Lacey overnight for observation. She’s in room two.”
Mr. Robinson was still talking, but I was already striding through the doors into the long cold corridor that seemed like ten miles of nothing but gray walls. My heart thrummed as I thought about what I was going to say to Lacey. I knocked then entered, and I was met with a dazzling smile that overshadowed her swollen cheek, her bloodshot eyes, and her matted hair. Even still, my breath caught in my throat as goosebumps jumped to attention on my arms. I didn’t move. I probably looked like a large buck frozen in the headlights of an eighteen-wheeler.
“Kade?” Her soft voice glided over me like baby oil. “Are you okay?”
“I am now.” I was surprised my voice was even. Hell, I was surprised I could talk. I was even more surprised my legs worked as I crossed the short distance to settle in the chair next to her bed.
She swept her gaze over me. Long thick lashes framed her tired green eyes. Yet a ray of happiness shone through like a beacon on a foggy night. “I’m okay.”
I let out a nervous laugh. “I was so worried.” Man, is that all you’ve got to say to the girl you love?
“I don’t bite.” Her voice was breathy. Her long wavy hair framed her soft features.
Butterflies fluttered in my stomach. “I know.” I wiped my clammy hands on my jeans. “I don’t know what to do. I want to kiss you. I want to hold you. I want to hug you. But I’m afraid. I’m afraid you’ll reject me. I’m afraid I won’t let go.”
“Please sit with me.” She moved, creating a larger spot next to her as she patted the bed.
I traded the hard chair for the softness of the mattress, and hopefully for her touch. She snaked out her hand and placed it on my leg.
I covered her hand with mine, cold and soft to hot and rough. I licked my dry lips. My pulse slowed then sped up. “I was so fucking scared I’d lost you. I haven’t been the best—”
“Please. Let me talk.” Her eyes were downcast, her smile gone.
My pulse sped up.
“Since Julie and my mom died, I’ve struggled through nightmares, anxiety attacks, blackouts—the list goes on.” Grief marked her tone. “The one constant since I’ve moved here has been you.” She lifted her gaze, her hand trembling underneath mine. “You understand death. You get my illness. I never told you why I got my tattoo or why I got your initials inscribed on the paws. I’m in love with you, Kade. But the tattoo is a symbol of how you’ve helped me through my darkness. I know you try to protect my emotions because of my PTSD. Please don’t.”
Warmth spread through my chest. “Even after I’ve been a complete ass, you’re still in love with me?”
“I’ve never stopped. But I need you to promise me you’ll be honest and open and treat me as an equal, not a person who you think will crumble over bad news.” Her tone was velvety, yet a hint of hardness edged each word.
“I’ll do my best, but I can’t promise I won’t fuck up. And I need you to promise that you won’t walk out or break up with me every time we have an argument. Because we’re going to argue and disagree on things. Sometimes, Lace, you don’t see past your anger.”
Tension sucked the air out of the room as we locked eyes.
“Um… Do we shake on it?” Her sensuous mouth curved.
I kissed her hand.
“I’d rather you kiss me here.” She placed a finger on her lips.
“If do, I might not stop.”
“That’s okay. As long as you don’t squeeze me or touch the back of my head.”
“How about I just hold you?” I adjusted my position so she was able to lay her head on my chest. I seriously wouldn’t stop kissing her if I started, and right now, feeling her against me was all I needed.
“Your heart is racing,” she said.
I buried my nose in her hair, inhaling her orange fragrance. “I wish I could’ve barged into the club sooner.”
“It’s over with. I don’t have to worry or wonder who killed Julie and my mom. Weeks admitted he did it. But I keep wondering about how Lorenzino found out my dad had the ledger. He’s said his sources wouldn’t lie.” She pressed a cold hand underneath my shirt.
“I’ve been thinking about how he knew, too. You were taken about the time your dad was scheduled to meet Erica. That wasn’t a coincidence. Wes had changed your bodyguards. My gut tells me they might be involved. Maybe one or both of them was secretly working for Lorenzino. Or maybe Erica had a tie to Lorenzino.”
“Wes checked her out. And if it was Erica, then why didn’t she say something to Lorenzino when my dad’s mother died? Also, the way she was grilling my dad over the phone leads me to believe she wasn’t his source.” Her fingers danced their way up to my chest then back down. “Not to change the subject, but UMass and Colby College are interested in me. Coach also said I could take a chance as a walk-on at ASU.”
“Is that good?” Both subjects were sensitive.
“Ask me later. I might need months for my mind to clear.”
“How about we just lie here and sleep?” I could use some sleep, particularly now that Lacey was safe and back in my arms. As my eyes grew heavy, I made a mental note to follow up with Wes on the steroid twins.
Chapter 36
Lacey
A warm May breeze blew in through the cracked open window in my bedroom. I kicked off the blankets and down comforter. I’d been lying awake for hours, listening to the crickets outside sing their nightly tune while Kade slept soundly next to me.
Dear Ms. Robinson,
Congratulations! We are pleased to inform you of your admission to Arizona State University. Your admission to ASU is evidence of the Admissions Committee’s confidence in your potential.
I continued to read through it, willing the words to say I’d been selected by the Sports Committee to play baseball for ASU. No such luck. I’d cried the day I’d missed the scout. I’d bawled again like a baby when I’d opened the letter two days ago. The finality of it cut deep. The good news was that I had choices. I’d pitched my best for the UMass scout last week, striking out eight batters. I couldn’t say I pitched a great game for the scout from Colby College yesterday. I struck out three batters and walked four. Physically, I was back to normal. My head and leg had healed, and the stitches were out. I did miss four games in April. I’d been practicing almost every day since the doctor had given me the all clear. We were winning games. We’d only lost three this season, and as a pitcher I was only responsible for one, yesterday’s. Maybe my attitude hadn’t been right or maybe my heart hadn’t been in it. I was, however, into the guy next to me.
I rolled over and stared at Kade. He looked so peaceful, sleeping with one arm above his head and the other on his bare stomach.
My fingers itched to trace the deep ridges of his toned abs. I didn’t want to disturb him. Dad had asked Kade to help out at his club, and he’d been working late most nights. I didn’t mind. When I wasn’t practicing or there wasn’t a game, I’d been going into the city with him and spending time with Chloe and the Pitts. I enjoyed getting to know Gloria. She was slowly becoming more of a mom figure for me, giving me advice on love and college, something Mary had done when she was living with us. I missed her and owed her a phone call to see how she was doing.
The Maxwell Series Boxed Set: Books 1-3 Page 58
