Hard to argue with that.
“Like I said,” Knox spoke up again. “The techs are picking the cabin apart as we speak. Trust me when I say if there’s so much as a hair to be found, we’ll find it.”
“I know you will, Detective.” Ellie flashed the tall brunette a small smile.
The warmth from Lucky’s hand returned as he offered the other man his other. “Appreciate you taking the time to deliver the news in person.”
“Yeah, well…” Knox’s light blue gaze slid to hers. “I figured after what that asshole put you through, you’d want to see the proof for yourself. I know I would have, if I were you.”
He wasn’t wrong. Even if she had seen the news before his phone call to Lucky, Ellie’s first instinct would have been to call Knox for confirmation. Then she would’ve insisted on going to the cabin, herself.
Now, thanks to the thoughtful detective standing a few feet away, she didn’t have to do either of those things. And she no longer had a need to hide.
That last one should’ve made her happy. Elated, even. With Harvey dead, and the irrefutable evidence against him where she was concerned, Ellie could go back to living a normal life. Or at least, as normal as possible for the time being.
She still had to find a new place to live, but that was only a temporary issue. The sizeable nest egg she’d managed to stash away since college was more than enough to help with the expense of staying in a hotel until then, so even that wasn’t a massive source of stress.
So why aren’t you jumping for joy or filled with wave after wave of relief?
Ellie’s gaze lifted to Lucky’s, and that’s when she realized he was the reason. Yes, she was beyond relieved that Harvey was no longer a threat to her or anyone else. And yes, she believed with every fiber of her being that this world was a much better place without him in it.
But she’d also become quite accustomed to spending time with a certain private security specialist. Sex aside—and much to her initial surprise—Ellie genuinely enjoyed hanging out with Lucky.
Talking. Laughing. Watching T.V.
It didn’t matter what they did. The fact of the matter was, she simply enjoyed his company. Add to that the amazing sex, and the fact that he also held the ability to cook, and there was no denying it.
Not anymore.
Surprising as it was, Ellie could no longer pretend the same man she’d previously rejected at every run—turned out to be exactly what she wanted—what sheneeded—in a serious romantic partner.
He made her laugh. Gave her comfort. Made her feel safe.
Lucky had known just when she’d needed to escape, and he’d sensed the exact right moment she’d been desperate to feel loved.
Yes, the sexy former SEAL had selflessly given her each of those things and more. All while keeping her safe from a monster determined to kill, no less. And when she thought about her time spent under his watchful eye, Ellie couldn’t help but think…
It’s no wonder you’re falling for him.
“I’ll keep you both up to date on the investigation,” Knox promised as he made his way back to Lucky’s door. “It goes without saying, as far as the two of you are concerned, I was never here.”
“Copy that.” Lucky slapped the other man on the shoulder as he turned the knob and opened the door. “Thanks again for letting us know.”
“Yes, thank you.” Ellie gave the detective a small wave.
Seconds later, Knox was gone, and she and Lucky were alone once again.
“Well that was unexpected.” He came over to where she still stood. “You okay?”
“Me?” She lifted her shoulder in a casual shrug. “Why wouldn’t I be? I mean, Harvey’s dead, and it’s pretty obvious he was behind all the madness surrounding me, so…yeah,” she lied. “I’m great.”
“Good.” Lucky’s returning smile didn’t quite reach his incredible gaze. “That’s good.”
“Yep.”
A very long, very uncomfortable silence arose as the two of them stood there, staring at each other without uttering a single word. When they did decide to speak again, both Ellie and Lucky began talking at the exact same time.
“So, I guess I should probably—”