Until the Tequila (The Killers #3.5)(24)

“Yeah,” I agree and let that sink deep into my heart that’s softening to the idea more and more that I actually have people and they might just love me as much as I do them.





Evan





“Mary doesn’t have anything to worry about when it comes to her dad,” Crew explains in a low voice. “And neither do you.”

I drop my head to look at my feet as I rub the tense muscles on the back of my neck. Exhaling, I release the stress I’ve been hoarding since last night. I know Mary won’t ever have to worry about her dad. I was the one who made sure of that. But I have to know, so I look to the man I’ve only met a handful of times at Addy’s who clearly has an interest in my boss. “Why?”

He doesn’t move—his body in a weird state of wired yet relaxed. “Why what?”

“Why did you do it?”

He doesn’t flinch but answers, knowing exactly what I mean. “Because it was the right thing to do and, I don’t care how ugly shit might get, I always go with my gut.”

I look to my side and I’m not sure I can accept that as an answer. Not after last night—whatever the hell happened after we left the scene. Not after Grady explained how it would go down on the way to the hospital and, even though I didn’t have time to ask why, there was something about him, Asa, and Crew that made me go along with everything. And there’s the fact I wasn’t excited to explain to the police I killed a man, even though it was in self-defense.

Or, mostly in self-defense which was why I had no problem agreeing.

Folding my arms across my chest, I keep on because I have to know. “You don’t know me.”

“I do.” Crew’s answer comes quick. “Almost as well as you know yourself. I know Bev, Morris, Van, and Maggie. I even know Clara’s kids are a pain in the ass. Addy’s mine and that means I know everything about everyone in her life. You were a rowdy kid—but a good one—who’s become an even better man. And I know the woman lying in that hospital bed needs you. Hell, she needs everyone, just as much as Addy needs me—she just hasn’t figured it out yet. So, yeah, Evan. I know you.”

All I can do is stare at him and ask, “But I don’t know you.”

“You know enough. I got your back. So do my men. That’s all you need to know.”

I take in a deep breath. “Fuck.”

Crew doesn’t say another word but the sides of his lips tip and he gives me a shrug.

He’s right. Not only do I not need to know anything else, I don’t want to.

“Tell Mary I hope she feels better soon. I’m sure I’ll catch up with her at Addy’s.” With that, Crew turns and walks down the hall as if he’s not a guy who knows how to get rid of a dead body and cover up a murder—albeit justified.

Shifting, I turn the handle to Mary’s door and hear July talking nonsense about Mary moving back to Tennessee.

“The only place Mary is moving is in with me.”

Mary turns, her bright blue eyes finding mine. Blue eyes that may be tired, worn down, and bloodshot, but one thing they aren’t, is scared. And I’m the one who made sure of that.

I’ll never question Crew or his men again.

“I missed you,” she admits freely.

I go straight to her and put my lips to hers. “I was only gone for three minutes. Crew said to tell you to feel better and he’d see you at Addy’s.”

She nods and doesn’t give Crew a second thought. “So, I’m moving in with you?”

“Addy and Bev are moving some of your things to my condo now. We can get the rest later when you’re feeling up to it.”

She threads her fingers through mine and tips her head toward me on her pillow. “I guess you’ve got everything under control then, huh?”

“You don’t have to worry about anything ever again, baby.” I give her hand a squeeze and I see relief in her eyes. “I promise.”

“I’m worried her dad will be back. He’s already proved how desperate he is,” July says.

I glance at July, shake my head, and tell her the truth. “Mary will be with me and I have a feeling after last night, we’ve seen the last of him. When I looked into his eyes the last time, he was scared shitless.”

“I hope you’re right.” July sighs before her gaze settles on Mary. “Guess what? Wes and I are staying on Evan’s family’s farm—in a guest house!”

Mary smiles at her friend before throwing me a glance, no doubt her thoughts mirroring mine. I rub my jaw and wet my lip just thinking about our time there and make a mental note to take her back as soon as she’s feeling up to it.

She looks back to July. “You’re going to love it. And there are horses—even a colt. It’s right up your animal-loving alley.”

I watch Mary talk and smile and try not to laugh so she doesn’t hurt her ribs as she catches up with her best friend. I get to know Wes Silver and learn about his club and business.

After all this time of me wanting Mary, I had no clue just how badly the thought of losing her would hurt.

And I vow to myself, that will never happen again.





Epilogue





My Dandelion