“That doesn’t mean he had nothing to do with this,” Cade countered. “He may just be more frustrated than before, even angry, now that I’m here.”
Addie sighed but didn’t argue.
The deputy had nodded and made another note on her pad, then went on with her questions.
Thinking back on it, Addie still didn’t think Mark was responsible for the damage to her house. It seemed too vicious and vindictive, too…personal. That, coupled with all the cut wires, punctured tires, and other damaged equipment around her farm over the last six months—which Cade had made sure to mention to the deputy taking their statements—had seemed to be aimed at ruining her financially. The thought had frightened her.
Thankful, Cade hadn’t left her side since this all began and now, with him sitting beside her, a protective arm wrapped around her, and the deputies everywhere, she felt a little less terrified. That feeling of being watched had dissipated as well. Fear still whispered at the back of her mind, but it wasn’t overwhelming her any longer.
“How are you doing?” Cade asked. His low voice brushed along her skin, enveloping her in a layer of warm concern.
“I’m okay,” she said, staring into the deep blue well of his eyes. “It’s just a lot to take in.”
“I’ll be right here,” he said, giving her hand a little squeeze. “You won’t have to deal with all this alone.”
Appreciation swelled her heart and she thought she might cry again, but she forced a smile. “Thanks…”
Someone cleared their throat nearby and they both looked up. Addie almost groaned when she saw who was facing them.
“Hi, Addie,” Mark Harden—her neighbor, deputy sheriff, and her one-time stalker—said.
Cade’s body stiffened beside her. “What the hell do you want?”
She patted his knee. “It’s okay, Cade. This is part of his job.” She turned to the deputy. “Hello, Mark.”
He gave her a grateful smile. “Thank you, and I’m sorry this happened.” He waved his hand toward her house and the other deputies who were wrapping up their investigation.
“Me too,” Addie replied.
Mark nodded, looked down at the ground, and kicked at a tuft of crabgrass. He looked nervous, but aside from Cade’s death-glare, she didn’t know why Mark would be anxious.
“Is there something you need, Mark?” she asked and Cade grumbled beside her.
“Don’t be so nice, Addie. It was just over a month ago that this guy showed up drunk and attacked you in your own house.”
Mark quickly glanced around to see if anyone had heard Cade’s less-than-discreet comment. Then he turned back to them and met Cade’s angry glare.
“You’re right. I don’t deserve her kindness,” he said in a firm tone, but then he dropped his head as if it was too heavy for his neck and his voice lowered to nearly a whisper, “but if you’ll let me, I-I’d like to…apologize.”
Addie blinked in surprise. She hadn’t thought Mark would ever admit to any wrongdoing, and an actual apology had seemed remote at best. She opened her mouth to ask what he was apologizing for, but Cade beat her to it.
“And which thing exactly are you sorry for?” he said in a low, dangerous tone. “For hurting her, trying to rape her, or for this shit tonight?”
Mark had flinched at the first two comments, but the last one snapped his head up. “I didn’t do this.” His startled eyes darted between them and settled on Addie. “Please, believe me. I didn’t do this, Addie.”
Addie nodded. Mark was a drunk and a womanizer, but he wasn’t vindictive. Not like this, anyway.
“I believe you,” she said and felt Cade’s heated glare land on her, but she ignored him.
Mark sighed in relief. “I wanted to apologize for all the rest. I know I’m an alcoholic, have known it for a long time. I don’t remember exactly what happened the night I came here last, only that I was here. Then I woke up in my truck at home with a broken nose and blood all over my shirt.”
He glanced at Cade, who grinned wickedly, but Mark didn’t question how his injury had happened.
“From what he said,” Mark nodded at Cade, “it sounds like I deserved that and more.”
“Damn right you did,” Cade muttered and Addie gave him a sharp glance. His lips thinned but he let it go.
“I’ve been thinking a lot about that and the things you’ve said, Addie. Like being someone for the town to look to for help and support, and that I couldn’t be that if I drowned myself in a bottle.” He looked up and gave Addie a sheepish smile. “I know why I started. I know I can’t stop on my own. And I knew I needed to do something before I ended up hurting someone beyond forgiving. So, I…got help.”
“You did?” Addie said, pleased, and surprised to hear it.
“Yeah, the very next day,” Mark said, rubbing the back of his neck. “And part of my responsibility in the healing process is to make amends with those I’ve wronged.” He met her gaze. “And I’ve wronged you a great deal, Addie. I had no right to demand anything from you. I had no right to push you farther than you were willing, and for that, I’m truly sorry. That’s not who I am, or who I want to be. From now on, I will be a better man, a better deputy, and a better neighbor. I just hope you can forgive me.”
“Well,” Addie began and Cade’s muscles tense around her, “I think I might need a while for that to happen, but I do accept your apology.”
Mark nodded. “I understand, and I don’t blame you.” He turned to Cade and held out his hand. “I’d like to offer you an apology, too.”
Addie looked up at the kind, caring man she’d come to know. A muscle in his
