Finding Her Son(39)

“I’m so glad you’re the real deal, Mitch Bradford,” she said, snuggling closer.

No, he could never tell her.




EMILY FELT WARM AND safe and protected, and he held her tightly, her back pressed against a strong chest. She wriggled against him, a pleasant soreness shifting through her legs and obvious desire pressing against her backside. He wanted her, even after they’d turned to each other twice more during the night. She felt better than she had in…forever.

Then she remembered.

She stiffened, her mind whirling. How could she feel this way when her son waited for her out there somewhere?

“Easy does it.” Mitch’s husky voice rumbled in her ear. “You’re okay.”

With a sigh, she faced the one man she could count on. She laid her hand against his cheek, his rough stubble scratching her palm. His hair was mussed, but his eyes were clear and concerned.

He drew a knuckle down her jaw. “What are you thinking?”

“That today could be the day I find Joshua.”

Mitch sighed. “It might not pan out. I don’t want you disappointed if she doesn’t call back.”

“I need the hope today. Last night was amazing. I’m glad I found you, but I want my son.” Emily rested her head against his chest, taking comfort in the solid beating of his heart. “I was close to giving up,” she said softly. “I never admitted it, never let myself say it out loud, but I was tired. Bone weary from all the disappointments. Then you rescued me.” She rested her chin on her hands and stared up at him. “You gave me back the possibility. I needed someone in my corner. Someone who won’t ever give up. Not until we’ve found him. You’re that man.”

His discomfort made her smile, and she kissed his chest. “Don’t be embarrassed. I love that you don’t back down or hide or avoid. You face challenges head-on. You’re the only person in my life who’s ever really fought for me.”

A loud buzzing sounded from the bedside table, and Mitch sat up and flipped the alarm off. His awkward posture told her more than he’d ever admit aloud.

“I said too much,” she said with a smile.

He looked over his shoulder, his expression sober. “I don’t want to disappoint you,” he said. “And I will.”

She hugged his waist, laying her cheek against his back. “I don’t believe that.”

“You will.”

He rose from the bed and slipped on his jeans. She took in his powerful shoulders, recognizing that once again he wanted to protect her. From hope, from being disappointed.

He was a good man, but he couldn’t stop her feelings. Not about him, not about the phone call. This was the first news she’d ever received. There hadn’t been a reward posted. She hadn’t been in the papers or on television recently. She’d considered raising public awareness with an anniversary push to search for Joshua, but the Wentworths’ latest accusations had squashed that opportunity. If she became more of a media target, Joshua would get lost in rumor and innuendo.

Mitch turned to her, his expression grave. “I have to go to the wine-storage unit.”

“Take me with you.”

He shook his head, and she gripped his arm. “I know you want to keep me safe, but we’re not going to be out in the open. Besides, I can help you. I spent time with Perry. Maybe I’ll recognize something.”

He hesitated, then lightly kissed her cheek. “Bring your phone. If that woman calls again, put it on speaker. I want to hear exactly what she says.” He drew her into his arms and tapped her on the backside as he kissed her lips. “Now go get dressed.”

They pulled out of Noah’s driveway in the truck a half hour later.

“At least it’s not too far off the highway,” Mitch said. “We should be there right as it opens. Gotta give Perry credit. Who would think of looking in a wine-storage facility? He was a whisky guy.”

Emily studied the phone and checked again for a signal. “Why hasn’t she called again?”

Mitch patted her leg. “Even if she doesn’t, Perry was onto something. He died for what’s in that locker. It’ll give us a lead.”

She nodded and stared out the window as they drove along the highway. Mitch, silent, threaded his fingers through hers. She glanced down, and warmth flowed through her veins. He was there for her, and for the first time in such a very long time, she felt like Joshua had a real chance. Her desperation and depression had given way to determination. This time, she would find Joshua. With Mitch at her side, she could do anything.

The drive seemed endless. When Mitch pulled across the street from the parking lot five minutes before the business opened its doors, Emily’s heart skipped a beat.

He twisted in the soft leather seats. “Keep the phone with you. Stay here while I check things out. We weren’t followed, but I want to be sure you’re protected.”

“No one else has this information,” she said.

“If there’s one receipt, there could be more. I just want to be careful.”

Mitch exited the vehicle, scanned the area and walked across the street. She could see the tension in his back, the awareness in his body. Like a mountain lion on the prowl. Without pause, he chose a path near a stand of trees. Momentarily, he stood strangely still, as if feeling for danger.