Page 80 of Angels & Whiskey

I looked past her and saw her parents staring at us. Whispering I said, “You have no idea how much I want to kiss you right now.” I felt her smile against my chest and then I let her go and walked past her toward her parents.

“We haven’t been formally introduced,” I said, sticking my hand out to her father. “I’m Gabe.”

He took my hand in his. “Dan. And this is my wife, Sarah.” He nudged his head toward the woman who looked like a slightly older version of Autumn.

“It’s a pleasure,” I said, shaking Sarah’s hand.

After closing the door, Autumn leaned against the dresser. “Like I was explaining, Gabe apparently knew Rich from the army.”

I nodded. “He was my commanding officer,” I explained.

“Tell us about him,” Dan suggested.

Before I could tell them how much of a dick he was, Autumn spoke. “Not tonight. We’re all tired and I want you both to relax and get a good night’s sleep. I’ll be back tomorrow and we can talk about everything. Try to stay in the room as much as you can.” She turned to me. “Do you have a credit card I can use so they can get room service? I had them check in with cash.”

“Of course.”

“You don’t need to do that,” Dan protested.

“It’s not a problem, sir.”

“I want you two to be safe. And this way you can order in and not have to go downstairs where Rich can look for you.”

“How will he know we’re here?” Sarah asked.

“I don’t know if he will, but I’d rather not take the chance,” Autumn explained.

“It’s not a bad idea,” I chimed in. “He shouldn’t connect me with Autumn, so he’ll have no reason to trace anything of mine.”

“Oh my God,” Autumn gulped. “He’ll see you gave me your number on the video cameras in the kitchen.”

“Shit,” I murmured. “I didn’t realize that while—”

“I know. Me either. Everything happened so fast.”

“Can you still keep her safe?” Dan asked.

“Without a doubt, sir.”

“Please, call me Dan. If you’re going to protect my daughter, we can be on a first name basis.”

I smiled. “I’ll protect her.”

“What do we do?” Autumn asked, looking up at me with wide eyes.

I thought for a moment. “We can get a pre-paid credit card.”

“Ahh. Why didn’t I think of that?” Autumn pouted.

“It’s been a crazy night.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

“Let me go get one and I’ll be back,” I suggested.

“I’ll go with you.”

“They probably just have them downstairs—”