Page 45 of Sweet Dreams

“Jace?”

“Yeah, it’s me. Can you open the door?” His voice is muffled, almost like he is pressing his mouth against the door.

I grab the desk, lifting myself. I’m so exhausted and scared to see what lies behind the door. As I unlock the door and cautiously open it, my heart races in anticipation. Jace stands there in his firefighter gear, and I can't hold back my tears of relief and gratitude. With a swift motion, he swings the door wide open and pulls me into his strong embrace.

“Shh, I got you. I’m sorry it took me a while. We tried to get here sooner. I’m sorry.” I grip him tight, smelling smoke on his uniform.

“I’m scared, Jace. What happened?”

“Don’t worry about that. Are you okay?”

“I don’t know what to think. Today was supposed to be the best day. All that hard work went into this day, and for what? Nothing.”

He hugs me tighter. “It wasn’t for nothing. This shop is your passion, Tee. Don’t let some assholes take that away from you. Can I take you home?”

“What about the shop?”

“The guys are dealing with it, and Taylor is here. He’ll want to talk with you, but I’ll have him stop by your place afterward. You need to get out of here.”

“Thank you.”

I’m not sure I want to be home alone. What if somethinghappens there?

I stare out the fire engine window as we drive through the town. Every business we pass is open, and customers are happily shopping. A tinge of jealousy rushes through me. That should’ve been me today. But it was taken from me. Jace wouldn’t let me see the front of the shop, and if I’m being honest, I’m not sure I could’ve handled it. I’m nervous when the time does come, the first time around was bad enough, but this I’m not sure I’ll be able to handle it.

Luke parks in front of my house, and Keegan opens the door for me.

“You doin’ alright, Teagan?” Keegan asks as he helps me out.

“Eventually. Thank you for coming today.”

“Anything for a friend.” He squeezes my shoulder.

I’m grateful to have this group of guys around; they’ve helped so much that I’ll never be able to thank them. Jace meets me at the edge of the truck, wrapping his arm around my shoulder and walks me to the curb of my front yard.

“Did you want me to come in?”

“No, I’m gonna call Mom and Dad.” I would tell him Silas said he would come, but I’ll believe it when I see it.

He pulls me in for a hug. “If anything happens, call me, and I’ll be here. I can always send Ivory over for a girls' night if that makes you more comfortable. I don’t want you alone tonight.”

“Thanks, Jace. I can always go to Mom and Dad’s.”

“Or the fire hall. Don’t be afraid. You have a team behind you, Tee.” He squeezes me tighter, lifting me off the ground until my back cracks. “Get in the house. We’ll leave once you're inside.”

I walk across the grass, disregarding everything around me. I find my keys and unlock the door. I step inside and barely close the door when a hand covers my mouth. Startled, I drop my bag, lettingout a muffled yelp. I quickly reach up to pry the hand away.

“Shh, Dimples. It’s me.” Silas drops his hand, and I burst into tears. “Love, come here.” He pulls me close, wrapping his arms around me and gently caressing my hair. Feeling the aroma of his earthy cologne engulf my senses, I draw him nearer.

“I’ve missed you, Sunshine.”

“I’m sorry about today. I promise to find out who did this to you and make them pay. You didn’t deserve any of this. I should’ve been here today.” With a gentle touch, he lifts my chin, causing me to tilt my head back. His face is concealed in his baseball cap, making his deep green eyes seem even more intense.

“It’s fine. You had your reason for leaving. I need to call my parents. Excuse me.” I grab my bag off the floor and leave Silas by the front door. I slip into my bedroom and close the door. I can’t believe he showed up. I only wish it didn’t take me being scared out of my mind to get him to come back. Why couldn't he come back when I asked him before? I’ll never understand him. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I grab my phone. I hope that the news hasn’t broken within the town yet.

“Hi, hunny. How’s your day so far?” Mom asks in her bright and cheeryvoice.

I pinch the bridge of my nose when I feel the tears starting. “Mom.” My throat grows thick with emotion.