“I can’t believe you did that.” A part of me felt angry, but the rest felt like crying because I really did need my mom. She would know how to comfort me.
“I can take care of her,” Dallas offered. There seemed to be a challenge in his voice. “I could stay with you—sleep on your couch.” There it was again. The love in his eyes was evident. I felt grateful that Tony had interfered because Dallas’s offer sounded nice, but I was afraid of getting carried away in the moment and going too far down the relationship path. It was still a leap for me to refer to him as my boyfriend. I needed to keep my head clear.
“Thanks, Dallas, but as much as I hate to admit it, Tony did the right thing. I have a huge bridal shower tomorrow, and I’m going to need my mother’s help.”
“And we’re going to need at least an hour of your time at the station,” Tony added. “Dallas, there’s an officer ready to take your statement now. Then you’re free to go.”
Dallas frowned. “I could drive Adri.”
Tony shook his head. “Actually, I’d feel better if she came with me. We still don’t know if this guy was working alone, or if there is someone else still waiting for an opportunity.”
I sucked in a breath.
“I don’t want to scare you,” Tony said, “but I promised to be up front with you, and that’s one aspect of this investigation. We’ll know more once we question the suspect.”
“Okay.” I turned to Dallas. “I’m sorry.”
Tony cleared his throat. “I’ll give you two a minute before we go.”
“I don’t want to let you out of my sight,” Dallas murmured. He pulled me close enough that I could feel his warm breath on my forehead. “Will you call me when you’re finished at the station? I don’t care how late it is.”
“Of course. And I’ll tell you everything as soon as I get the okay. I’m sorry I can’t right now.”
“That doesn’t matter. You are the most important thing, and as long as you promise you’ll be safe, I’ll let you go with that officer.”
I started to say that we didn’t really have a choice, but the look in his eyes stopped me. “Thank you.”
“I love you, Adri. I won’t be able to think straight until I have you in my arms again.”
I knew he was hoping for reciprocation, but I couldn’t say the “L” word yet. Instead, I pressed my mouth against his, kissing the words away and hoping that would be enough until I figured things out. I wrapped my arms around his neck and deepened the kiss. His mouth moved against mine, and he tightened his hold on me.
He was strong—not with bulging muscles but a wiry build I hadn’t really noticed until tonight. The fact that he had overpowered the man who’d attacked me attested to his strength. I could feel the smooth lines of his chest muscles as he held me, and I let one hand slide down his arm to feel the power in his bicep. I pulled away and smiled. “I’m glad you’re stronger than you look.”
Dallas chuckled. “I’m glad you’re mine.”
I pecked his cheek and stepped away. “I’ll call you.”
He grabbed my hand and held on to my fingertips for a moment. “I’ll be waiting.”
Tony helped me into a patrol car and gave me a scratchy wool blanket. I draped it over my lap and took deep breaths as my body trembled. He put the cruiser in gear and glanced at me. “You could be experiencing some shock from everything that happened. I noticed you were shaking.” He handed me a bottle of juice. “Drink this.”
I unscrewed the cap and took a large swallow. “Where were you?” My voice raised in pitch, but I didn’t care. “I thought you said there would be officers along the path watching out for me.”
“There were, but that guy knocked one of our men out. He came out of nowhere. I’m sorry, Adri. I hate that you had to go through this.” He patted the blanket over my leg. “If it helps, Wes already chewed me out.”
“Thanks for calling my family. When do you think they’ll be here?”
“Probably within the hour.”
“I bet they’re calling my cell phone every ten seconds. Can we stop by my car and get my stuff?”
“Sure, but if I were you, I’d plan on texting them that you’re at the police station. That way, you won’t be tempted to say anything yet.”
I leaned my head against the seat. The tears were right under the surface, and I kept seeing that man’s face leering at me. “I had the diamonds in my sports bra when he found them.”
He swore. “That scum. We have the diamonds now, but I’m really sorry about what happened.” He glanced at me. “He didn’t do anything else, did he?”
“No.” My voice sounded flat, and I could feel another lump of tears rising up my throat.
“Hang in there. This isn’t something you’re going to get over in a day. We have a victims advocate I want you to see. You could talk to her after you’re finished giving your statement.”
“I don’t have time for that. It’s June, and I’m a wedding planner.” I moaned. “And tomorrow night is Natalie’s bridal shower.”
“Take a deep breath, Adri. Drink some more of that juice.”
I obeyed and stared ahead at the taillights of another vehicle. Tony pulled into Rotary Park next to my Mountaineer and hopped out with me. I grabbed my cell phone, purse, and a ratty sweatshirt I kept in the backseat, and Tony tucked me back in the police cruiser.
“Looks like you’ve found time to date somewhere,” he said.
My stomach flipped when I thought about the way Dallas had kissed me good-bye. “Dallas is persistent and patient.”
“He’d have to be. You’re a hard one to nail down. So, how long have you been dating?”
“Only two weeks.”
Tony
