Page 118 of Guarded Deputy

“Go on and win Lizzy back. I like her.”

“I do, too.” I smile.

Brooke shoves me with her shoulder. “Go.”

“I’ll be back early.”

“Don’t worry about us. He isn’t stupid enough to return.” Her chest rises with a breath. “I’m going to talk to Walker, maybe make cookies after dinner.”

“Save me one.” I stand.

“I’ll think about it,” Brooke teases.

I chuckle and grab my phone, heading out to my truck. I hope to God that Lizzy answers the door. Just in case, I shoot her a message since she hasn’t responded to my other ones.

Me: I’m coming over.

Me: I need you.

I drive to her apartment complex and park in a guest spot. I jog to her apartment and knock on her door. I can’t lose her. I’ve already lost so much, but if I can have this woman by my side, have her love, it’ll make the pain diminish. She’s my light.

Lizzy

I look through the peephole although I know it’s Nate based on his text message. I was so hopeful when he told me we’d talk today, but when I didn’t hear from him, the sliver of hope disappeared like a magic trick. It was just an illusion.

I’m left with a hole in my chest, because even though his message sounded sad, I’m not sure if there’s a way to fix this.

I open the door and find him leaning his hand against the frame and his head bowed. He glances up at me, and I frown. The pain in his eyes is heartbreaking. I wish I knew what was happening so I can help him, but he’s completely shut me out.

“Murphy,” he whispers in relief.

Nate stands to his full height, steps toward me, and wraps his arms around me. He breathes me in, and I can’t help but hug him.

“Thank you,” he whispers. His voice is hoarse as if he’s fighting back his emotions.

I step away from the hug and wave him in. I don’t want neighbors watching us. We sit on the couch, and he looks at me with a frown.

“I’m so sorry,” he starts. “My dad started contacting me a few days ago,

“What?” I call out, shifting on the sofa to get a better look at him.

“Yeah. Apparently, he wanted to reconnect and apologize. And then he showed up in town, at the high school today.”

“Oh my goodness, Nate.” I cover my mouth in shock. From what he’s told me, he hasn’t seen his dad since he was a kid. “What… How did that make you feel?”

“Hearing from him again has been…hard.” He shakes his head.

“I can imagine. You haven’t seen him since he left, right?”

“I saw him once from far, but we didn’t interact.” He rubs a hand down his face. “It’s been weighing on me. So many emotions resurfacing.”

“It must’ve been difficult to see him again.”

“But that’s not an excuse for pushing you away. My dad is a sensitive topic for me. I’ve told you a bit about him, but the truth is that I never overcame him leaving us.”

“Nate…” I rub my hand across his back.

“I’m sorry.” His voice cracks and body shakes.