Page 34 of Rescuing Baylee
Landon drove them through the dark streets, taking a circuitous route to ensure they weren’t being followed as they headed back to the boring, safe house. The adrenaline was still coursing through his veins from the chase, his knuckles white on the steering wheel.
Baylee was silent beside him, her arms wrapped protectively around the cat carrier. Siggy had been unnervingly quiet throughout the whole ordeal, so a few minutes ago she’d pulled the carrier up onto her lap to check on him.
“Siggy is old,” she said, her voice subdued. “He was old when I adopted him from the shelter after I got back from Ohio. I don’t want him getting too stressed out.”
“You don’t have to explain. I don’t know many cats who have been in car chases. He probably needs some attention.”
She snorted out a laugh, her expression lightening. “True.”
Landon stole a glance at her - she was staring through the door of the carrier, tension in the lines around her eyes. Her long, honey-blond hair had fallen free of the braid a little, and he wanted to reach out and stroke it, but he refrained.
Finally, they pulled into the driveway of the safe house. Landon killed the engine and they just sat there for a moment,the silence thick around them. He studied the darkened windows, scanning for any signs of trouble, before letting out a slow breath.
“We’re clear,” he said gruffly. “Let’s get you inside.”
Baylee gave a small nod, not looking at him. Landon got out first, instinctively checking the surroundings again, before gesturing for her to follow. They hurried up the front walk, and he quickly keyed in the code to unlock the door.
The instant they stepped inside, some of the tension seemed to bleed out of Baylee’s shoulders. She set the cat carrier down and immediately moved to close the curtains over the windows. Landon watched her with a pang - she shouldn’t have to live like this, constantly on guard.
Once they had the house secured, an awkward silence fell between them. Landon cleared his throat.
“I’ll let the team know we’re here.” He pulled out his phone to send a message to Morgan about their arrival.
Baylee didn’t respond right away. When he glanced up, she was studying him closely, that intense look in her green eyes that always made his breath catch. Then, to his surprise, she crossed the room in two strides and threw her arms around him.
Landon froze for an instant before instinctively returning the embrace. She was trembling slightly against him, and he tightened his arms, trying to reassure her that she was safe now. Her familiar vanilla scent enveloped him, and he had to resist the urge to bury his face in her hair.
After a long moment, Baylee pulled back, swiping at the moisture in her eyes. “Thank you,” she said simply, her voice thick with emotion. “I don’t know how to repay you for everything...”
“You don’t have to,” Landon said gruffly, tamping down the feelings that her hug had stirred inside him. “It’s my job to protect you.”
She held his gaze for a beat longer before giving a small nod and turning away. Landon watched her bend down in front of the cage. She had been through so much, more than anyone should have to endure.
Pushing aside the tangled mix of emotions, he focused on the practical next steps. He quickly fired off the delayed text to Morgan with their update and instructions for him to call if Hector or Luis was apprehended. Then he moved methodically through the safe house, double checking all the locks and ensuring all entrances were secured.
By the time he finished his sweep, Baylee had returned with Siggy, having let the disgruntled cat out of his carrier. She settled on the couch, gently stroking his fur as he eyed his new surroundings warily. Landon couldn’t help a small smile at the sight - her first instinct was still to take care of her pet, even after everything.
He took a seat in the armchair across from her. “Are you okay? I know that had to be a little scary for you.”
Baylee nodded, not looking up from Siggy. “I’m fine, honestly. That was low-key compared to some things I’ve done,” she said, flashing him a grin.
Landon admired her resilience. “Well, I’m going to have to make our dates more exciting, then,” he laughed.
Baylee’s eyes widened, and her cheeks went pink. That was when he realized what he’d said.
“Oh, I didn’t mean…”
“That’s okay,” she waved a hand at him. “I knew you didn’t meandatedate.”
Her voice was small, tired. Landon hated hearing that vulnerability, that strain of insecurity. He clenched his fists, wishing he could take away all of that.
Baylee was more than just a case. Even before the shooting, he’d been very aware of her in the hallway of the apartmentbuilding. And seeing her go to work. Catching the hint of vanilla that he now associated with her. He’d wanted to approach her before everything went to hell and they were thrust into this forced proximity. And he didn’t want her to think that he was only interested in herbecauseof their proximity.
“I want to take you out on a real date when this is all finished,” he said, before his better sense could curb his tongue.
Her bright eyes flashed to his in surprise, and she gave him a tired smile. “You don’t have to say that,” she murmured.
He cocked his head at her. “You’re so confident in everything you do, yet you blush when I say I want to date you. Why is that?”