Mountain Man's Accidental Surprise - K.C. Crowne Page 0,47

in Liberty.

“They might have Liv,” I said, my voice cracking.

“Let’s hope they don’t,” he said. “But if they do, we’ll find her. We’ll get your friend back safely.”

Tears rolled down my cheeks. “What if they have my best friend, and it’s all my fault.”

Graham reached over and took my hand in his, giving it a firm squeeze. “No, none of this is your fault. We’ll find her. I promise you.”

I glanced at him. His jaw was tight, his eyes on the road in front of us. His entire demeanor had changed and not in a negative way. The Graham from before was all giant teddy bear, but now I was seeing his papa bear side. His protective side.

And I had to admit, it was hot as hell.

We pulled up to the house, and he said, “Wait here.” He hopped out of the truck and walked around to my side. He opened the door and helped me down, his hands on my waist.

“Thank you.”

“Stay close to me. I’ll feel much better once we have you in the house.”

Graham made sure not to walk too fast, but we hurried into the house as quickly as possible. Once the door was closed behind us, it felt like a weight had been lifted off my chest. I felt safer. I had been an idiot to leave earlier.

While I was still catching my breath, Graham was yelling orders to his brothers. “Eli, head down the road, look along the highway and see if you can find anyone who seems to be waiting for her. If it’s a blonde woman, it could be her best friend.”

Eli was out the door without so much as a question.

“Is Mason still watching the cameras?”

“He is,” Samuel affirmed.

“Good. You and I will guard Emmy,” he said, turning to me. “And this time, we’re not leaving you alone. Let’s get you upstairs and changed into something dry and warm.”

“Sam, I’m sorry—” I started, but he held up a hand to cut me off.

“No apologies. I’m just glad you’re back safe.”

My head was spinning, but I nodded and let Graham lead the way. Sam stayed outside the bedroom door while Graham came in with me.

“I’ll turn away, but I’m not leaving you alone,” he said.

I noticed the window was closed and sealed. No one was getting through it now - not with the thick, metal bars in place and locked into position.

Graham handed me another pair of sweatpants and a dry sweatshirt. “We’ll get you some more clothes soon,” he said. “Yours are in the dryer right now.”

“It’s alright. It’s the least of my concerns at the moment,” I murmured softly.

Graham sat down on the bed. “I’ll cover my eyes while you get dressed.”

“You don’t have to,” I said. “You’ve seen me naked before.”

“I know, but I just want you to be comfortable.”

I thought about my concerns. “I am comfortable. Nothing has changed on my end, but if you don’t forgive me for keeping the baby from you, I understand.”

I averted my gaze. Graham stood up from the bed and closed the distance between us in two long strides. His hands were on my face, tilting it up to look at him.

“Listen, I understand. You were scared. You hardly know me. You were only doing what you thought was best for the baby.”

“And because, well, I wasn’t sure if I’d have to run.”

“You don’t have to run anymore, Emmy,” he said. “I’ll keep both you and our child safe, I promise you.”

His eyes narrowed on me, and the way he looked at me, I knew he meant it. His dark eyes were so sincere and filled with emotion. His hands stroked my face gently, and I truly felt safe here.

“I was an idiot before,” I said, leaning into his touch.

“You were scared. There’s a difference.”

I closed my eyes and tried to forget about everything for a moment.

“Get changed,” he said softly. “I’d hate for you to catch a cold.”

He leaned down and pressed his lips to mine - a soft, sweet, chaste kiss. My heart fluttered in my chest, and it took everything in me not to kiss him with more passion. But I couldn’t forget about Liv. She was out there somewhere, and until Eli came back with good news that she was found, I couldn’t relax.

I slipped the soaking wet sweatshirt off over my head, with Graham’s help. My bra was also soaked, and his hands worked at the clasps in the back, letting my breasts fall free in front