“Hi,” she said, unable to hide her surprise. She held the heavy screen door open for him to enter the house.
“I stopped by your place early this morning, but you weren’t there.” He looked her up and down then pulled her into an intense hug, holding her tightly for a long time. When he pulled away, he said, “I missed you, and I’m so sorry, sweetheart.” He closed his eyes and exhaled heavily. “I’m sorry about your mom. I’m sorry I wasn’t here all week to help you get through this. I’m so, so sorry about last night.”
“Thank you,” she said, taken by surprise. She was ready to be really angry with him, but he seemed so sincere.
“I couldn’t get here last night, but I’m here now, and I’ll do you whatever you need to help you get through this. How are you? I’ve been worried.”
She stared at his chest and debated whether she should tell him what she had found out about her parents. “You were worried about me?” She lifted one eyebrow. “Really?”
“Yes, of course. You don’t believe me?”
“It’s just hard to believe, Dex. I mean, this has been one of the hardest times in my life, and I could hardly even get you on the phone this week.”
“I know, and I am truly sorry. I can’t control what goes down at work, and this just happened to be one of those weeks. But I’m here now, babe, for whatever you need.” He glanced down at the cleaning caddy she abandoned when he came in the door. “You’re cleaning? Today?”
“I have to get this house cleaned out then figure out what to do with it.”
“What do you mean by cleaned out? Are you selling the place?”
She shrugged, meeting his eyes. “I’m not ready to give it up.”
Dex leaned in and trailed a line of soft kisses down her cheek to her neck. His fingers slid through her hair, causing goosebumps to erupt on her skin. “Why don’t you let me take care of it for you?” He breathed in her ear. “I’ll hire a crew to come in and clean it out. I’ll make the minor repairs for you. Once it’s empty, you can decide.”
Bailey pulled back to see his face. “Thank you…really. It means a lot to me that you want to help, but I need to do it myself.”
“Why?” He shook her a little with his arms still braced around her. “You like the torture?”
“No, but I want to go through everything, decide what to keep and what to toss.” She rested her forehead on his chest.
“I can understand that, but that’s going to be really hard on you. It’s best to just get it over with. Rip the Band-Aid off quickly.” He leaned down, kissing her shoulder as he slid the strap of her tank top down. “I’m only trying to help. It’s no big deal to hire a cleaning crew. You don’t even have to throw anything out. They can pack it all up for you, and you can deal with it later.” His hand found her breast, and she pressed against him, enjoying his touch.
She couldn’t help but compare his embrace to Ryan’s. Dex was bigger, like a tower of strength, unyielding and rock hard. Ryan was tall, but a little softer, malleable, conforming around her like a cocoon or shelter. She loved the feel of both. Dex was more sexual, but Ryan—dare she say—Ryan was more sensual. His arms around her always made her feel comforted, like a warm blanket on a cold day.
“I missed you,” she whispered, sliding her hands up his shirt to touch the warm skin. “I’m so glad you’re here. I found something out…”
* * *
The front door was open to the fresh lake air when Ryan pulled the screen door handle and stepped inside. He didn’t see anyone, but he heard voices coming from upstairs. Mae must have come to help. He took the stairs two at a time, and when he reached the top, he knew it wasn’t Mae Bailey was arguing with.
“No, Bailey, I just think it would be a waste of time and resources. Do you know how much money a search like that can cost?”
“I don’t think spending money to find out where I come from is a waste.”
“You’re being childish. Do you doubt your mother loved you?”
“No, of course not. I just think it’s important to know the truth.”
Ryan stayed back and listened. It took all his self-control not to throttle Dex. What a dick. Did he have any idea how she was feeling? And to call her childish.
“I think it’s important to respect your mother’s memory.”
“Oh bullshit, Dex. You just don’t want to be bothered by it.”
“That’s such bullshit, and you know it. I’ve already offered to take care of the house for you, so don’t act like I’m not interested in helping,” he said.
“Exactly! A half hour ago, you were promising to help with whatever I needed. Now you’re shutting down any plan to search for answers.” She threw her hands up. “Fine, I don’t want your help. I don’t need it.”
“No, she doesn’t,” Ryan said, stepping into the room.
“Right,” Dex said. “Ryan to the rescue. Well, you’re both wasting your time. If the police couldn’t figure this out, what makes you think you can?”
Ryan stuffed his hands in his pockets and leaned against the doorframe. If he couldn’t hit the guy, he would need to restrain his hands. “Technology, DNA testing. They didn’t have that twenty-seven years ago, asshole.”
Dex took a step toward Ryan, but Bailey cut him off. “Stop, both of you.”
“No, let’s go,” Ryan said, pushing off the doorframe and throwing his hands out in invitation.
“You got it.” Dex sidestepped Bailey, and Ryan lurched forward. Before either made contact, Ryan was pulled back, arms restraining him from behind.
“Knock it off, ladies,” Lucas said, pulling Ryan back farther.
Bailey pushed Dex back
