“Didn’t you hear? Almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.”
She’d hoped the lighthearted phrase would ease some of the tension. But that hard, guilt-ridden expression of his never wavered.
“If I’d been even five minutes later…” He shook his head in disgust. “And then Rose?—”
“You cannot possibly blame yourself for what happened to her. Jesus, Olly.” Scarlett shot him an incredulous stare. “You were in a completely differentstatewhen she went missing.”
“That’s exactly my point! Don’t you see? If I hadn’t taken that job, then maybe?—”
“Maybe what? She wouldn’t have taken the job at La Cocina? This is what I’m saying. You can’t be everywhere all at once. Hell, some idiot could be out here on the roads right now, driving dead ass drunk, and he could run into us and cause a wreck. Would that be your fault, too?”
“That’s not what I’m saying.”
“Isn’t it?” she challenged. “Your sister was spared a horrific trauma because of you. We’re closer than ever to finding Rose because of you. And I know it’s not a lot to go on, but between what Roxie said about the other girls, and Pauly’s reaction to overhearing our conversation, then maybe it’s enough for the FBI to at least take a look at the place.” Another thought struck then. “Besides, if anyone’s to blame for what happened tonight, it’s me.”
If it was possible, the man looked even madder at that. “That asshole knocks you around…he fucking chokes you…and that’s your fault?”
“If I hadn’t been asking about Rose, er, Cinnamon, then he never would have heard me. And he wouldn’t have had a reason to come at me the way he did.”
“Nothing about what happened is your fault.”
“I see.” She settled back against her seat and stared out her window at the Colorado night sky. “So you can shoulder the blame for things out of your control, but I can’t?”
“I’m not—” He cut himself off when her pointed gaze swung his direction. Seconds later, he blew out a breath and ran a hand over his jaw. “Fine. I get your point.”
“Good.” She looked back through the windshield at the road ahead. “It’s about time you saw things my way.”
One. Two…
“I’m sorry,yourway?”
An ornery smile formed on her lips as she looked his way again. Seeing this, Olly huffed out a deep chuckle. “Swear to Christ, woman. If you weren’t so damn cute…”
He didn’t finish, and that was A-okay with her. Because he’d called her cute,andhe’d smiled. A definite improvement if she did say so herself.
Scarlett leaned her head back against the seat’s padded headrest and closed her eyes against the bright lights of the oncoming traffic.
“Hey.” Olly’s tone was softer as he reached over and covered her hand with one of his.
“Hmm?” She lifted her lids and turned his way.
“Seriously.” His gaze bounced between her and the road. “You okay? I know you said no hospitals, but I saw a sign a couple miles back. I can turn around?—”
“No.” She started to shake her head but thought better of it. “I’m good. Promise.”
Scarlett avoided hospitals at all costs. She had ever since her mom got sick all those years ago. She and her dad had spent so many days—sometimes weeks—either at the poor woman’s bedside or wandering the stark white halls.
So no. There’d be no trip to the E.R. for her tonight. Not for a headache and a few bruises.
But it was sweet of him to offer.
“Thank you.” She closed her eyes again and gave his hand a squeeze.
“For what?”
“Caring.”
The car grew quiet then. Olly didn’t respond. Not verbally, anyway. Instead, he lifted her hand to his mouth and pressed a sweet, gentle kiss there.