know—I’m sorry,” Hailey said, wiping away her tears. “I promised myself I wouldn’t freak out. I’m the one who should be strong here. I didn’t go through any of what you did.”
“I’m parked in one of the garages. You want me to pull around and come pick you both up?” Ethan asked, glancing over at the women.
“I can walk,” Kim insisted.
“We can wait here and let the guys get the car,” Hailey said.
Kim finally agreed and watched as Ethan and Grayson walked off. “So how are you really?” Hailey asked, turning toward her as the guys walked away.
“Honestly? Freaking out a little. I hate being alone. I wake up throughout the night. I haven’t truly spent a night alone yet. I was in the hospital in Bagram, then on the plane with the guys, and then after Walter Reed, I stayed with my parents. I hate crowds. I’m always looking over my shoulder.”
“Oh, hun. I’m so sorry you had to deal with all that. You can stay with us as long as you want. I know Ethan offered, too, but we really don’t mind.”
Kim let out a breath. “We’ll see. I probably shouldn’t stay with him. That’s crazy, right? We hardly know each other. It’s just that I feel safe when I’m with him.”
Hailey nodded. “I get it. I swear that I do. That’s just how it is with Grayson and me. I know he saved me, but it’s more. I feel calm and settled with him in a way I just didn’t when I was by myself.”
“God. What am I doing though? Ethan and I live on opposite coasts. Even if I spend time with him out here, it’s not like something can happen.”
“Well, it’s not like you have to marry the guy tomorrow. Just get to know him a little better while you’re in California and see what happens. If you feel happy and safe with him, that’s really all that matters right now.”
“I know. I’m probably worrying about nothing. Maybe I’ll spend some time with him, and he’ll end up being totally awful or something.”
Hailey smiled. “He’s not awful. We spent time alone together when I was being harassed. I don’t know if the guys told you about it yet. It’s a long story. He’s really protective. I told Ethan about you then, and he just really listens, you know? He’s intense, but in a good way. I actually think you two are perfect for each other.”
“Is that them?” Kim asked. “He would have a monstrous black SUV that seats eight.”
“What’s wrong with that?”
“Nothing,” Kim said with a laugh. “I just always envisioned having a big family someday, and I’ll never get a minivan. But I’m nowhere near ready for that yet—not a relationship, not a family.”
“Speaking of families…I’ve got a secret,” Hailey said, her face beaming.
Kim looked over at her friend, her eyes widening. “What? No!”
Hailey nodded. “It’s early. I missed my period and took a pregnancy test this morning. I’m going to tell Grayson tonight.”
“Wait—he doesn’t know yet?” Kim practically squealed.
Hailey shook her head. “Don’t tell him. We’ve been planning on getting engaged soon. We looked at rings, and we live together. Plus, we stopped using birth control. I never thought it would happen so quickly.”
“Wow. I can’t even imagine. I’m…kind of in shock. But congratulations! I can’t believe you just told me right now. I’m going to have to keep it a secret the entire car ride!”
“Sorry,” Hailey said, not looking the least bit sorry.
Kim bit her lip, trying not to smile. Ethan would instantly know something was up.
Ethan pulled up to the curb and jumped out, grabbing Kimberly’s hand after he’d rounded the vehicle and guiding her to the passenger seat. “It’s only about twenty minutes to their apartment. We’ll get you settled, and if you want to spend time with Hailey, that’s cool with me. I can hang out with Ghost for a bit, and then we’ll order some dinner. Or go out somewhere if you’re feeling up to it.”
“I just can’t believe you’re here,” she said, looking up at Ethan. It was the most casual she’d ever seen him; she was used to his fatigues. He had on jeans and tee shirt today, but they hung perfectly from his muscular frame. His dark eyes sparked with interest as he looked down at her.
“How could I stay away?” he asked, his voice husky. He ducked down and quickly brushed his lips across her forehead, sending sparks of heat through her entire body.