Staying on Course (Finding our Way 2)

“I need to go. We’ll talk in a few days.”

Curiosity gets the best of me, and I tease him. “Who’s there? Is it mystery girl?”

“None of your business… Hanging up now.”

“Love you,” is all I get out before the phone clicks.

I stare at my phone and jump when it rings, and Bryce’s picture flashes.

“Hello.”

“Baby,” is all he says, and my heart starts fluttering.

“Bryce, are you okay?”

“I am borderline delirious at this point, but in about forty-five minutes, I’ll be fine.”

It’s then I notice the echoing in the background. “Where are you?”

“About to get off the highway. If there’s no traffic, I’ll be at your apartment soon.”

“You’re coming here?” I hop off the sofa and start straightening the living room.

“Oh, yeah, I’ve been in a form of hell since Friday. You’re the only thing that I can think of right now to help erase the stress of the last few days.”

Selfishness washes through me at his words. I’ve been a needy bitch, never really thinking of what he was going through. All I was concerned with was why he wasn’t calling me.

“Are you hungry? I can run out and get something to fix for dinner, maybe some—”

“Dev, the only thing I’m hungry for is you, but unfortunately, I think that will even have to wait until tomorrow. I’ve gotten about ten hours of sleep combined since leaving you on Friday morning.”

“Bryce! It’s Monday night! That’s crazy.”

“Tell me you have cold beer? We’ll talk about the insanity of the last few days when I get there.”

“Be safe. I love you.”

In record time, I shower and put fresh sheets on the bed. Then I send a quick text to Quinn and Nate to let them know Bryce is coming here.

The knock at my door sends my heart into overdrive. I throw open the door and inhale deeply. Even exhausted, he takes my breath away. He drops his bag and hauls me directly into his arms.

“Jesus, you’re a sight.”

I lean my forehead against his and run my lips along his. “So are you.”

We stand there, soaking in the closeness, neither speaking for a few seconds. He reluctantly steps back and laces his hand in mine, leading me inside. We go straight to my bedroom, where he falls onto the bed and moves me to his side.

“I’m sorry I’ve been MIA. It couldn’t be helped,” he says sadly.

“Don’t be sorry. It’s your job.” I try to sound convincing.

“Devon, I know how bothered you’ve been. Not only could I sense it in my bones, it was obvious in your voice on my messages. Believe me, I wish like hell the last few days never happened. But knowing you were upset kills me.”

Guilt starts to smother me. Looking at him now, the worry etched on his face, the dimness of his eyes, I feel like a total bitch.

“Bryce, it wasn’t that I was upset, I was concerned and hated not being able to talk to you. It was completely ridiculous and juvenile.”

He closes his eyes and then turns to face me. “If the situation was reversed, and I couldn’t find you for three days, I’d have been a lot more than ridiculous. There’s a good chance my crazy ass would have been beating down doors to get to you.”