“Nothing’s going to happen to you so long as you’re with me. Do you hear me?” I asked.
I tilted her watery gaze up to meet mine and gazed into those beautiful brown eyes.
“We can’t keep living like this, Cameron. This isn’t healthy for me or safe for Audrey.”
“I know,” I said. “Hudson and I are working on it. What I need you to understand is that I’m not trying to control you, Heather. I’m trying to keep you safe. When I tell you something has to happen, there’s a damn good reason for it.”
“Then talk to me next time. Tell me what’s going on.”
“I did. But Hudson didn’t give me any details other than to stay put.”
“Don’t put this shit on me,” he said as he bit into his apple again.
&
nbsp; “Then talk to us instead of giving us half-assed answers over the phone,” Heather said. She eyed Hudson with a look I was thankful wasn’t turned on me.
“We’ll keep you safe,” I said as I turned Heather’s gaze back to mine. “You and our baby. Audrey. The three of you will be safe from this. No matter what.”
“Oh my gosh. Where’s Audrey?” she asked.
“She’s fine. She’s in her room playing. She’s got no idea what’s going on, and I’d prefer to keep it that way.”
“Of course,” she said. “That’s understandable, but what about my doctor’s appointment tomorrow?”
“The appointment is fine so long as Cameron goes with you. But you can’t travel alone anymore, and you can’t go into town unless it’s necessary,” Hudson said.
“I know it’s rough right now,” I said. “Believe me, I get it, but I will find a way to fix all this. I won’t allow you to live like this any longer than is necessary. You have nothing to worry about though, Heather. Nothing at all. I won’t—”
Guilt grabbed my throat and choked my voice from my body. My hand fell to Heather’s stomach, and I cupped her small bump that would grow and expand and swell with the life of my child. Electricity surged through my veins as my heart flew a million miles a second in my chest. I wanted to tell Heather how I felt about her, how much I cared for her and the child we were going to be having together. I wanted to tell her I hoped she stayed, but I understood if she couldn't.
I swallowed deeply to try and clear the knot in my throat, but it didn’t work.
Heather’s hand fell on top of mine as her beautiful brown orbs danced along my face. For some reason, I was convinced she knew what I was thinking in that very moment. A small smile graced her lips, showering me with warmth. I wanted to tell her I was falling for her. Hard. But my guilt wouldn’t let me. She and Audrey and our baby, they were all in this situation because of me, because I couldn't keep my hands to myself and couldn’t control my anger.
The truth was, I couldn't settle down anyway until I resolved the mess I had created.
“We need to talk,” I said as my eyes lifted to Hudson.
“About damn time,” he said. “Let’s get your woman a place to rest, and then we can get this party started.”
CHAPTER 30
HEATHER
Water running caught my attention as I rose up from the couch. The last thing I remembered was Cameron tucking a blanket around me as I laid down. I rubbed my eyes and sat up, following the sound as I moved through the darkened cabin.
How long had I slept?
I walked into Cameron’s room, and the comfortable warmth hit my skin. I peeked into the bathroom and saw him standing there, clad in nothing but a pair of boxers and bent over the tub. Bubbles gathered in the water and the scent of lavender floated in the air.
I knocked on the door lightly and watched as Cameron turned to look at me.
“Hey, sleepyhead,” he said with a grin.
“Why in the world did you let me sleep so long?” I asked.
“Because all of this has taken a giant toll on you, and you needed to sleep. Now come on. I made you a bath.”