Page 79 of Passing Notes

He looked at the floor and continued to say nothing as Jackson James and Wyatt, the sheriff’s deputies in town, entered my house and took command of the situation.

In a daze, I followed, watching in disbelief as they led Malcolm outside and read him his rights.

How someone could look so conceited and entitled while being handcuffed and shoved into the back of a deputy sheriff’s cruiser was beyond me.

He was huffing and puffing and talking about his father and his connections as if he had a leg to stand on. As if my freaking security cameras didn’t exist to capture this entire thing, as if there weren’t a crowd of neighbors outside watching the ridiculous aftermath play out.

Wyatt closed the door and pulled me into a hug. “You’ll be okay with Nick? Should I call your sisters? An ambulance? Are you hurt?”

“I’ll be okay, I’ll call them. No ambulance. I’m just shaken up a bit is all. Thanks, Wyatt.”

“We’ll be in touch. And if you need me, don’t hesitate to reach out.” He exchanged a look with Nick.

“I got her. Thanks, man.”

“Hey.” Wyatt turned back. “I’ll call Everett to come secure that door for you, okay?”

“Thank you.”

As they drove off, Nick pulled me into his arms to lead me back to the house.

“Holy shit, Clara. My life flashed in front of me back there. The thought of not having you in it is intolerable. I can’t live without you, not anymore. You know that, right?”

“I was so scared,” I whispered as my arms tightened around his waist and the sob I’d been holding back shook me from head to toe.

He squeezed me back. “I’m here, I’ve got you, and I don’t think I’ll be able to let go of you anytime soon.”

“He broke into my house.” My tears stained the front of his shirt, but I couldn’t find it in me to care.

“It’s okay, baby, we can fix that.”

“My therapist is going to make so much more money off me now...”

His chest rumbled in a laugh. “Baby, let’s get you inside.”

CHAPTER 24

NICK

You mean everything to me. I love you, Nick. - Clara

Malcolm was under arrest. The sight of Wyatt dragging him into his cruiser and hauling him off to the sheriff’s station had sent a huge surge of relief through me.

Sasha and Ethan were safe at home with Morgan. She was upset about the breakup, but okay. She’d been after family connections, not love. And thankfully, as such, she hadn’t encouraged the kids to become attached to him, so they would be okay too.

Clara sat on her sofa, staring blankly at her broken-in door with big eyes. I tugged a blanket around her shoulders while I set about packing a few of her things so I could take her to my place for the night.

Every ounce of adrenaline had left my body and I wanted nothing more than to collapse right next to her, but I couldn’t. Not yet.

She needed me. I stood above her, glass of water in hand. “Drink this. I’m going to take care of you, and you’re going to let me.”

“Okay.” Her voice broke slightly. “Did that really happen?”

“Yes, and we’re going to my place. Everett is on his way to fix your door.”

“I’m sorry this happened. It’s because I keep secrets. I’m not honest?—"

Hearing this incredible woman talk badly about herself made my heart sad. “You’ve been very honest this entire time, baby. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”