Page 68 of Silver Linings
Lily stood with her arms across her chest, looking like she was waiting for him to calm down. Fat fucking chance of that.
“It was the same guy from the park.”
Gunner’s vision darkened. He turned to Hawk and Stone.
“Stay here with her and Sage. Do not let them out of your sight. I’m going to go rip that bastard out of that fucking cop car and end his life.”
“Gunner, no,” Lily gasped.
“He tried to hurt you twice now, Lily. TWICE. And I wasn’t there to stop him either time. But I sure as fuck can make him talk now. I can make sure he can’t ever hurt you again.”
“The deputies have it under control. I just want to give my statement and take Sage home. Can you do that for me? Can you take me home?”
Twenty-Two
Breakfast sizzled away on the stove in front of Lily. Gunner was so sweet to her at the bar, but as soon as they’d gotten home, he’d withdrawn. After making sure Sage was down for the night, he’d gone into his room, leaving Lily’s nerves frayed and on edge. His door stayed open as he worked into the late hours on his laptop while she flitted about, too worked up for any restful sleep. She’d heard him exchange a few calls with the guys, but he didn’t once look at her again.
All she could think to do that morning when she woke up was cook. She needed to apologize for being outside on her own. If she hadn’t been stubborn about getting some air, then Gunner wouldn’t have anything to be mad at her for.
“Something smells good in here.” His raspy morning voice sent a jolt straight through her heart.
“Eggs and bacon, blueberry pancakes, and a fruit salad.”
“All of my favorites. How long have you been up?” Gunner asked as he grabbed a pancake off the stack.
“Not too long. I figured making all of your favorites would be a good way to apologize for last night.”
His head snapped up from the cup of coffee he was pouring, and she took a step back, bumping into the counter.
“What do you have to apologize for?”
“What? I mean, I went outside without anyone last night. I told you not to worry, that I could keep myself safe, and then literally did not keep any of my promises. If Sebastian hadn’t been there, I don’t know?—”
“Lil. None of that was your fault. You should be able to walk outside to cool off if you need to. I shouldn’t have…” His hand rested on her arm. “I shouldn’t have shut down when we got home. My mind wouldn’t let me focus on anything beyond finding out how that asshole found you again and what he wanted with you once I knew you were back home safe. I left the bedroom door open, hoping you’d come talk to me if you needed to, but I should have made an effort to come talk to you. I’m sorry.”
“Why are you like that?”
“Like what?”
“So sweet to me. Always worrying about my feelings. Always apologizing, making sure I’m not taking on more mentally than you think I can handle.”
Gunner froze, the look in his eyes undecipherable to her.
“We’re friends.”
“Right. Our friendship.”
“Lil…I?—”
“It’s okay. I get it.” She turned back to the bacon, now crispy, and started moving it from the frying pan onto a plate. “Breakfast is ready. I’m sure you have to head down to the office soon, and I told Sloane I’d be over to her office at some point this morning.”
She heard Gunner choke on the coffee he was sipping.
“What? Are you okay?”
“You can’t leave the apartment.”
“Okay, I know I just admitted that I messed up last night, but you can’t seriously think I’m just going to stay inside from now on. Sloane’s literally in the office next door. All I have to do is walk from this secure building, down about twelve feet of sidewalk, and I’ll be at her door.”