Status Updates From Falling Into Forever (The S...

“You were living as honestly as you knew how,” he said, repeating his friend’s words. “You’ve been through a lot, Kari, and I don’t blame you for starting over.” “You don’t?” He shook his head. “In fact, I’m pretty thankful you chose Cedar Springs to run away to.”

“Nothing about me is your concern.” His hand flew out so quickly, Kari didn’t even see it. Her head flung to the side; her cheek stung from the impact. She forced herself not to react. With a hard swallow, she blinked back the tears that threatened. She would no longer allow Brice to see her cry.

Kari was pretty sure she would’ve slumped to the floor if Rhys didn’t have his strong arms around her, holding her body to his. His kiss was gentle as he placed it on her forehead. “You are the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen.”

His thoughts flashed back to the email he’d ignored. Presumably it contained answers to some of the questions he had about Kari. But by opening it and reading it, what would he find out? Rhys cleared his head of the thoughts that continued to invade. No, he wouldn’t go there. She’d tell him when she was ready. There was time.

She turned her pretty head toward him, her eyes full of question and something else. Did he dare assume there was more behind her gaze, too? He wasn’t new to this; he knew what it meant when a woman looked at him that way, with lust in her eyes. She’d looked at him that way from the very first time they’d met. If he asked her what he knew he should, that look could go away.

Rhys’ smile transformed him from an imposing presence into what Kari was quickly learning he really was: a genuinely nice guy. Not that he didn’t normally look nice, but out of his uniform, he didn’t seem quite as intimidating as he had the day before. And the raw attraction she felt for him was only magnified. Maybe it would have been better if he’d stayed in uniform.

“No,” she said. “Everything is not okay.” She turned to face the engine again, and instead of following her gaze, Rhys studied her profile. Smooth, creamy skin, delicate features, and…a bruise. “Ma’am.” Rhys took a step forward and glanced down at the bumper of the car. “Are you hurt?”