Candace

I woke to chatter coming from the kitchen. Luke’s warm arms were no longer around me, and I suddenly felt very alone. I sat up, trying to listen as the voices carried through the small cabin.

“You’re awake,” Luke said cheerfully as he peeked around the corner from the kitchen.

I smiled. It was a weak smile, but I was uneasy about the commotion.

“Alyssa made breakfast,” Luke announced.

The aroma of coffee was strong, and there was something sweet.

Luke was standing in front of me, but I still heard two male voices.

“Who’s here?” I asked softly.

“Theo stopped by to check on everyone,” Luke said.

I clenched the blanket in my hands. I wanted to pull it towards my neck and curl back into my usual position on the couch, to hide from the aftermath of what had happened.

“Are you hungry?” Luke asked.

I shrugged.

“Candace, I made pancakes,” Alyssa entered the room, already pushing at me to get up.

“They’re damn good, too,” Luke smiled.

Alyssa moved towards me, her hand extended to mine. I took it without thinking, letting her pull me to my feet.

“C’mon, let’s get some coffee and pancakes in you,” Alyssa insisted, guiding me towards the kitchen.

Theo leaned against the kitchen counter sipping on a cup of coffee and Liam sat at the table while they had their conversation.

I felt out of place. Alyssa pulled out a chair, gently nudged me into it, and gave me a warm smile.

Luke sat down beside me, his hand reaching under the table for mine. I let him take it, feeling the warmth of his skin and the comfort of his touch.

Alyssa made me a cup of coffee and a plate of pancakes, then slid the mug and plate in front of me.

“Thank you,” I forced a smile, fighting off the anxiety that was rolling through my veins. Breathe. Just breathe.

“How are you doing this morning?” Theo asked, his eyes pushing into mine with concern.

“I’m okay,” I smiled faintly.

“I heard there was quite a ruckus here last night,” Theo added.

A ruckus, sure. I poked my pancakes with the fork, cutting off a small bite. I was starving, but it felt like everyone was staring at me.

Alyssa’s hand rested on my shoulder as she leaned to whisper in my ear, asking me if I needed anything. I shook my head, smiling up in her direction. Her dark eyes were so kind, so easy to look at that it was hard to look away.

“I assume Damien is locked up for good now,” Theo stated, his comment not really directed at anyone.

“He won’t be a problem again,” Luke answered sternly.

I knew what that meant. He wouldn’t be locked up for good. I stared towards Luke, his eyes locked onto mine.

“I’ll need you to come into the office, Candace. A full checkup is required to work on the ranch,” Theo smiled.

I nodded.

My hands wrapped around the warm coffee mug and brought it towards my lips. I was engulfed with a feeling of belonging, but also a strange guilt that I didn’t deserve it.

“Tom said you’re doing a wonderful job with the horses,” Theo grinned.

“He’s teaching me a lot,” I admitted, my voice soft and barely heard.

Theo nodded, slapped Liam on the back, and then reached across the table to shake Luke’s hand.

“I’ll check in with you tomorrow. Candace, don’t forget about stopping by for that appointment whenever you’re ready. Alyssa, nice meeting you, and thank you for a wonderful breakfast,” Theo said, and with that, he was gone.

It was a relief, having him gone from the overcrowded kitchen. Luke was watching me from across the table. I wasn’t sure what he was looking for, waiting for, or expecting from me. I shoved a bite of pancake in my mouth as Liam took his attention.

The men left the kitchen, walked outside, and their voices were muffled as they spoke about something they obviously wanted to keep private. Everything felt surreal, like I hadn’t woken up from a dream.

Alyssa sat across from me, taking the seat that Luke abandoned. Her smile was warm, her eyes filled with kindness, and her silence a blessing.

I took a few more bites of the pancake and then pushed the plate away.

“Your appetite not there?” Alyssa asked.

I shook my head. It wasn’t. That feeling in my stomach must not have been hunger, but possibly a sickness from the night’s events.

“Luke is going to make sure you’re safe,” Alyssa stated.

“I know,” I admitted.

“So, you’ll be staying on here, working in the barn?” Alyssa asked.

It felt like small talk, like a distraction from the elephant in the room, the one that was about to have a seat on my chest.

I nodded.

My face must’ve oozed stress, because Alyssa moved to the chair beside me, reached under the table and took my hand in hers. “You know, all this will get easier,” she assured me.

I wasn’t sure if it would or wouldn’t. I hadn’t had a normal life, not like hers, like Luke’s. I didn’t know where to fit in, or even if I could.

“Are you scared?” she asked.

My bottom lip started to tremble, and tears formed in my eyes. I was scared. I didn’t want to admit it, but I was.

Alyssa’s arms wrapped around me, squeezing me tight. “He’s not coming back. Luke won’t let him,” she said.

“Luke can’t protect me forever,” I sighed.

Alyssa pulled back and looked me directly in the eyes. I wiped the tears that remained on my cheeks and tried to form a smile.

“I’ll be okay. It’s just a shock, that’s all,” I sniffled.

“I know it is. But I think Luke is in this for the long haul,” Alyssa giggled.

“He has his own life. I don’t want to be a burden to someone or have them feel the need to protect me,” I sighed.

“I doubt very much he sees you as a burden, and either way, it’s his decision what he wants for his life,” Alyssa smirked. “I dated a man before Liam that was mean, and I was scared too, not just of him, but of Liam feeling the need to protect me.”

I looked into her eyes, discovering a connection with her I’d never thought I’d find.

“Things have a way or working out, and many times, things happen so that certain things will work out,” Alyssa smiled.

“Thank you,” I blushed at her kindness.

“What are you two gossiping about in here?” Liam teased as he walked into the kitchen.

Luke walked in after him, his eyes heavy on mine, filled with concern. I didn’t want him to worry about me. I hated that his life was put on hold to deal with mine.

“You need to come to visit. You could meet Holly. You both could come, get away from this place for a weekend,” Alyssa gushed.

“That’s sweet, but I’m not sure,” I stammered.

“I’d love to,” Luke boasted.

Alyssa reached around me, hugging me tightly.

“If you change your mind, you’re always welcome,” she whispered in my ear.

Liam took her place, hugging me with a thick-armed embrace. His muscles were larger than Luke’s, resembling a bodybuilder. I didn’t like the way they felt around me, too hard, too tense.

“Let us know when Damien goes to court. We will be there with you,” Liam said softly, and then surprised me with a gentle kiss on the cheek.

These people were so kind, so generous with their affections that it made me uncomfortable.

Luke walked with Liam and Alyssa as they made their way to the front door. They stood in the doorway talking for a few minutes, and then they were gone, leaving me alone with Luke.

“So, you going to see the doc?” Luke asked, leaning against the door frame of the kitchen.

His thumbs tucked into his front jean pockets, leaving his remaining fingers dangling out. He wore a tight t-shirt, wrinkled from where he held me all night on the couch. I still couldn’t believe this was the boy I loved. He was a man now. His rugged features were softened by his warm blue eyes and kind smile, but there was something sexy about him, something manly, strong, and safe.

“Yes,” I replied.

I knew he was fishing for more. He wanted to know if I planned on staying, but staying for now was all I could commit to.

“Good,” he smirked.

“Thank you for everything,” I sighed.

“Like I said before, there’s no need to thank me,” Luke replied.

A knock on the door interrupted our conversation. He looked aggravated as he leaned back to peek at the door.

“It’s Lyla,” he sighed.

He opened the door, and she rushed in, immediately taking a seat beside me. Her eyes were wide and eager to see that I was safe, that I was okay. She didn’t speak at first but took a deep breath as she stared into my eyes. A smile appeared on her face, and she stared up at Luke.

“Thank you for keeping her safe, Luke,” she said.

Luke nodded, an irritation notable in his expression.

“I bet you’re ready to get home and shower, maybe rest,” Lyla said, her eyes staring into mine.

A shower sounded amazing. I was still wearing clothes from the previous day. I’d brought all my things to Lyla’s when I left Luke’s, so even if I wanted to shower there, it would be like the first day. I’d have to borrow his sweatpants, use his manly body wash, and brush my teeth with my finger.

I nodded. “I really want to get to the barn, back to work.”

“Let’s get you home,” Lyla said, standing and staring at me with anxiousness.

“You’re welcome to stay here, as long as you want,” Luke said.

My heart was torn.

Lyla waited somewhat impatiently while I gathered my thoughts. Luke leaned his back against the counter, his frame tall and muscular.

Sleeping in his arms was the best sleep I’d ever had, but it wasn’t fair to him to be on watch all the time. Damien was in jail, this time in a place where he couldn’t escape.

“Thank you, but I do want a shower and to change out of these clothes,” I explained.

Luke’s eyes filled with disappointment, and it was easy to see he wanted to argue the situation, but he didn’t.

Lyla took my hand and guided me towards the door. As she was ushering me out of Luke’s cabin, I stopped, turned, and rushed into his arms. His heart beat fast, his breath warm against my cheek, and his arms strong and safe. I felt like I was home.

“We better go,” Lyla rushed.

I pulled back, looking up into Luke’s blue eyes. He looked like he was about to cry. I’d never seen a man cry before. Something strange happened in my heart. It ached and tightened in my chest, but it wasn’t the elephant. It was something else.