Thanks to him, the last week had been one of the best of her life. They’d spent more time together. Talked more about their years spent apart. Laughed more when remembering humorous juvenile memories. And when the laughter eventually died down, they’d shared the most amazing kisses.
But that was as far as Chase had taken things with her. Deep, sensual kisses that left her toes curling, her heart full, and her sex aching with insatiable need.
Scottie understood why the man wanted to take things slow. Contrary to Chase’s outspoken desire to not waste any more time, the sweet, big-hearted man was also clearly fearful of pushing this new chapter of theirs too quickly.
She’d agreed at the time because the last thing either of them wanted was to screw up the second chance they’d been blessed with. But now…
Now I’m ready to finally take things to the next level.
“Hey, listen.” Sloane rested a hip against the massive stainless steel island beside her. “Allison Gallo’s husband is at it again.”
A low groan escaped the back of Scottie’s throat as a pit of dread balled up in her stomach. “You’ve got to be kidding me. Doesn’t that guy ever quit?”
“Apparently not.” Anger flashed across the other woman’s blue gaze.
Scottie gladly shared in her boss’s disdain for Tommy Gallo. As far as she was concerned, the man—if you could even call him that—was the lowest of the low.
He was rich. Well-connected. An abusive narcissist with a greater-than-God complex.
As if those stellar characteristics weren’t enough, the guy was also a drunk. And when Gallo drank, he fancied himself as both invincible and above the law.
Sadly, it seemed he was both.
Every shelter in the city was familiar with his face. Every cop on the street new his name. But it was true what they say about the rich buying their way out of trouble.
She just prayed that trouble never found Allison Gallo or her daughter ever again.
“From what I was told,” Sloane continued, “Gallo’s been making his rounds again. Showing up at other shelters demanding they tell him where to find Allison and her little girl.”
Not again.
Fear for the other woman and her child ran its way through Scottie’s veins. Allison became a resident of Liberty House shortly before Scottie’s arrival and had remained here with her six-year-old daughter, Madeline, until a few short days ago.
But aside from the staff and other residents, no one else knew she’d been staying there. Not unless Allison, herself, had shared that information with someone outside the shelter’s walls.
It was a condition of both working for and living in Liberty House. Total confidentiality was a must. For both the safety of the staff and residents and the future of the amazing work the shelter did to help those in need.
“You don’t think he’ll come here again, do you?” Scottie asked.
She would’ve thought Gallow would have learned his lesson after the last time he showed his face. The man had causing a scene and making a fool of himself.
The police were called, and Gallo had been ordered to leave the property. What happened to the man after that, however, she had no idea.
“I seriously doubt he’d be that stupid, but with abusive assholes like that, you never know. Just be careful and stay alert. The residents are all aware, and Gallo’s on both Hank’s and Bruce’s radars, as well.”
The shelter’s two security guards were both former military and up to the task.
“Okay,” Scottie acknowledged the information her boss had shared. “Anything else I need to know before I head out for the night, too?”
“Nothing I can think of. Oh, there was one other thing I wanted to say, though.” Sloane’s blue gaze shimmered with a touch of mischief. “It’s been really nice seeing you so happy lately. I’m gonna take a stab and say it has something to do with a certain Eagle’s Nest operative?”
It has everything to do with him.
“Maybe.” She didn’t bother trying to play dumb.
Sloane had seen Chase when he’d stopped by to surprise her with coffee yesterday morning. The other woman may or may not have also witnessed the tail-end of the appreciative kiss Scottie had given him for his troubles.
“Well, for what it’s worth, I’m happy for you. You deserve it.”