The Heart of Us (Love in Isolation 4)

Smirking, I brush sweaty strands of hair off her forehead and press a soft kiss. “I can't wait to show you all the amazing ways I'm going to make you feel good.”

“Maybe I should stretch next time.”

I laugh, guiding her under the warm stream of water. “Well you know what they say, practice makes progress.”

“I thought it was practice makes perfect?”

“There's no such thing as perfect, except for when it comes to you.”

She rolls her eyes. “That was corny, even for you.”

I playfully slap her ass, and she yelps. “That's what you get, naughty girl.”

That night, we shared a bed for the first time. Now that I've had her, I'm not letting her go. She slept pressed up against my chest and snored so adorably. She was knocked out within ten minutes of lying down. I soon followed.

Tatum stirs next to me, but when she snores moments later, I know she's still passed out. Kissing the top of her head, I carefully crawl out from under the covers and go to the bathroom. It's nine in the morning, and then sun is glaring through the windows. It's gonna be another hot and humid day.

Once I'm dressed and head downstairs, I look through the fridge and pantry. Before I can decide on what I’m making for breakfast, my phone rings, and I see it's from Detective Hansen, who took over my case.

“Hello,” I greet, and he lets me know there's been an update. I pace the dining room.

“We've confirmed the cause of the fire to your shop and home was arson. Noticeable flame patterns led us to gasoline trails. The person who did this knew how to trip your security system and get in without being heard.”

I grind my teeth and rub a hand over my face. “Okay, so now what?”

“Well, we secured footage from a few different businesses in the area, including one that's behind the alley. It showed a man with a couple of gas cans around the time the fire broke out. We've identified him as Justin Nichols.”

Holy shit, I knew it!

“Really? Wow. Has he been arrested?” I ask, trying to calm my nerves.

“There's a warrant out for his arrest. He hasn't been located.”

Fuck.

“Are they going to be looking for him in Nebraska as well?”

“Yes, and the police department has been briefed, considering his position there. Unfortunately, he hasn't shown up to work in a few weeks.”

“His ex's lawyer said Justin was meeting with him this upcoming week. He should be there,” I explain. After I realized I could trust the detective, I opened up about Tatum working at the shop and living in the apartments upstairs.

“Do you know what day and time?”

I brush my fingers through my hair as I try to recall. “No, I'd have to ask.”

“I’ll make a note to reach out to the attorney,” he says.

“I really appreciate you giving me an update.”

“You're welcome. I'll call you when we have him. Stay safe, okay?”

“Got it.”

My mind spins when we hang up.

Tatum isn't going to like this. She'll go back to blaming herself and being scared that Justin is on the loose. Right now, he could be anywhere.

He could be watching us right now.

After I make us peanut butter toast, I bring it up to her and gently wake her.

“Good morning,” I whisper, bringing my lips to her ear. “I made you something to eat.”

“Hmm...” She groans. “It doesn't smell like steak and eggs.”

I chuckle, brushing her wild hair off her face. “Not even close. But I have some news I need to share with you.”

That makes her eyes pop open, and I quickly give her a smile. She sits up, and I hand her the plate. She eats while I explain the conversation with Detective Hansen.

“Well, he's gotta be in Nebraska,” she states with certainty. “My attorney said they were meeting Tuesday. That's in two days.”

“That's what I told him. He hasn't shown up for work in a few weeks, but they’re looking for him.”

She dazes out for a few moments. “So does that mean he could still be here?”

“I don't know, sweetheart. He might be on the run and across the country by now.”

“One could only hope.”

“Please don't worry.”

“I'm trying not to, but I'd like for us to go grocery shopping without having to look over my shoulder.”

“I won't let him touch you, Tatum.”

Her face falls. “I know, but I get scared he could hurt you.”

I scoff. “I'd take a bullet, knife, punch in the face—whatever—for you.”

“Oh yeah, that's gonna help me not worry at all.” She groans, and I chuckle.

“Don't let him ruin our day. We can't control what happens, so let’s not dwell on it. Our apartments will eventually be rebuilt, and we can get back to our lives.”

She leans in, and I brush my lips against hers.

“I was thinking I'd FaceTime Oakley. She's dying to meet you. Might be time.”