Considering he’d like to throttle her for taking this on alone, he didn’t blame her. But he’d learned something else, too. Grace had a big heart—and he loved her for it.
He loved her. And there was no way he could walk away when this case was over.
He glanced at her wide-eyed, apprehensive expression, and though he still wanted to shake her for taking such a huge risk, more than that, he wanted to pull her into his arms and feel she was safe. Then he could tell her how proud she made him, even as his heart thudded in his chest out of fear for her safety.
But he’d do none of those things. Because he had no right to call Grace Montgomery his. Not when everything between them was based on one huge lie—his lie. One only he could correct.
And he would correct it. He had to if he wanted even a chance at a future, and suddenly, Ben the loner wanted just that.
Knowing he couldn’t deal with Grace, not while the lump in his throat was so huge it threatened to choke him, Ben turned toward Kurt’s mother. “If you need anything, you call me.”
He stuck his hand into his pocket and retrieved his wallet and business card within. His cases might center on the more privileged because the financial gain was better, but he always helped out friends in the old neighborhood, the one so similar to this one.
“I’ve got some connections with social services that can help you out, and if your son gets out of jail and wants to go straight, let him get in touch. I’ll put him to work and keep an eye on him.”
The older woman grabbed him in a bear hug. He inhaled and smelled a combination of musty aromas from the old apartments and the scent of good old-fashioned cooking—all as familiar to him as his own mother. The memories weren’t painful any longer, they just were. And Ben sensed he had Grace to thank for that. For understanding him. For reaching out and accepting the person he’d once been.
He extended his hand to Grace. “Ready to go?”
Looking wary, she placed a hand in his and allowed him to pull her to a standing position.
“If you’re planning on yelling, you should know I have sensitive ears,” she warned him.
He laughed, though he felt anything but lighthearted. “You’ve got plenty of sensitive parts,” he murmured for her ears only. “I wouldn’t expect your ears to be any different. But make no mistake, you are going to hear what I have to say.”
She rolled her eyes but remained silent.
He hoped she understood he intended to have his lecture. She hadn’t given him a say in her safety, opting instead to exert that blasted independence of hers. He definitely wasn’t through with her yet.
* * *
“They caught Bobby Ramone with cocaine. Between drug possession and trafficking charges, he should be out of commission for a while.” Grace glanced at Ben.
His jaw was still clenched tight. He hadn’t said a word the entire hot, steamy subway ride, and now, with their building in sight, she hoped to smooth things over before they went their separate ways. She held no illusions he hadn’t gotten over her brother’s intrusion, and his withdrawal had begun once more.
And obviously, he was too furious to deal with her now. Not in the intimate way she desired. A way that would soothe her fears and make her feel safe.
“Don’t kid yourself about Bobby,” Ben said, breaking the silence. “If he snitches and gives the cops bigger fish, he’s back on the street and you’re back where you started.” Ben’s mood couldn’t have been more grim.
“If you’d been around, I’d have let you know I was headed for the park.” She crossed her fingers behind her back.
No need for him to know she’d needed to take care of this on her own. No matter how hard her heart had been pounding, no matter how scared she’d been, Grace had to solve this on her own. As much to prove to herself that she was capable of taking care of herself as to know she was capable of making a difference in someone’s life. Without the Montgomery name or money. Without Ben’s help.
“Don’t lie to me.” Her hand still held firmly in his, he led her into the building. “And don’t kid yourself that this is over—until I’ve checked it out and know for sure.”
Because she sensed his need to be in control and she understood, Grace agreed. “Okay.”
Silence surrounded them the entire elevator ride, and Grace couldn’t think of a way to make amends until he decided to calm down.
Fear still pounded inside Ben when he thought of how badly Grace could have been hurt. Until he’d leashed the adrenaline pumping through his system, he had nothing more to say. He rounded the corner leading to her apartment and stopped short.
A stranger stood in front of Grace’s door, suitcase in hand and a stereo-box and folding table leaning against the wall.
“Marcus!” Grace said, a mixture of shock and delight evident in her tone. She rushed forward to give the other man a too-friendly squeeze.
“Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten your grandmother’s annual birthday surprise.” The man sounded mockingly offended.
Ben cleared his throat. “And what surprise would that be?” Ben asked.