to clean up in here. There was no layer of dust on the surfaces, and the hardwood floor had been swept and polished. All her pens and brushes were back in their holders. He even carefully taped up her torn drawings and put her dresses back on the forms.
It was obvious now he had meant no malice in his actions, just like all the other nice things he did for her, like taking her to Rosie’s and organizing the party with her friends. His intention really was to show her how proud he was of her work. And that he believed her normal vision would return. “Oh God.” She shouldn’t have flown off the handle. I made a mistake.
She rushed out of the office and scurried out the front door, her stomach dropping when only the empty driveway greeted her.
Regret filled her as she remembered her actions and words. I should have been more understanding about his situation. The scars he carried were much deeper than she thought. “I promise, John, we’ll get through this together.”
Heading back inside, she plopped down on the couch. Where could he have gone to? How am I going to contact him? He didn’t own a phone. Would Damon know how to reach him?
The sound of an engine pulling up outside made hope soar in her chest. He’s back! She’d tell him how sorry she was for jumping to the wrong conclusions and kiss him and never let go.
She practically flew to the front door and yanked it open. “John!” She threw her arms out. “I’m so—J.D.?”
“Whoa!” The blonde mechanic started, but stepped forward and hugged Dutchy back anyway. “I’m glad to see you too!” she said with a laugh.
“W-what are you doing here?”
“Came by to drop off your car.” She jerked her thumb back at the familiar Honda in the driveway and dangled her keys in front of her.
“I—oh!” Krieger was probably on his way back to his cabin. She could go after him and apologize. “Thanks for getting that all done. Send me the bill, I’ll take care of it.”
“Nah, on the house. But, say, how did Tim manage to get your keys?”
“Er, long story.” She grabbed her keys from J.D.’s fingers. “I need to go.” Sidestepping around J.D., she zipped toward her car.
“Go? Hey, wait!” J.D. chased her. “Go where? Can you even drive?”
She glanced down at her arm. Ugh, stupid cast. It didn’t hurt, but it probably wasn’t safe to be driving up those mountain roads without the use of both her arms. “Dammit!” Tears sprang into her eyes again.
“Did you—hey! Dutchy?” J.D. touched her arm. “Dutchy, what’s the matter?”
“Oh, J.D.,” she sobbed. “I’ve ruined everything.” And so she told her friend about what had transpired that morning with Krieger. “I’m an asshole, J.D. I shouldn’t have said those things and then kicked him out. He’s got PTSD, and I should have known better.”
J.D. blew out a breath. “Hey, c’mon now.” Fishing out a handkerchief from her pocket, she handed it to Dutchy. “Krieger’s had a hell of a time, and I can’t even begin to imagine what could have happened to him. But I know Damon was in bad shape when he came back, and I had to kick him in the butt a few times to snap him out of it. Even now after he’s met Anna Victoria, he’s still working on his own shit. And remember, you haven’t exactly been in the best place yourself. Cut yourself some slack.”
“I just …” She blew her nose. “I’m afraid I’ve ruined everything, now.”
“What? Are you kidding me? You guys had a little tiff, that’s all.” She enveloped Dutchy in another tight hug and then looked her square in the eyes. “Krieger obviously adores you. He’ll forgive you for anything. If it’ll make you feel better, I’ll drive you up there.”
“Y-you will? What about work? Your garage?”
“I’m the boss.” She rolled her eyes. “If I haven’t trained those jackasses how to get stuff done without me by now, then I don’t deserve to be in charge. Besides, they’ll be happy I’m not there to ride their asses today.”
“I … thank you, J.D.”
“Cheer up, buttercup,” J.D. said, beaming at her. “C’mon. Get dressed. We’ll stop for coffee and gas, then head up. It’s gonna be a long drive. Maybe you can tell me that story about Tim and your car.”
Chapter Fifteen
Krieger drove back up to his cabin in what seemed like record time. The truck careened through the mountain roads, hugging the