Page 55 of Bit's Bliss

“I’m not. I never would. Especially with you.”

“But—”

We’d left our cell phones in the bedroom, and I could hear hers ringing. “This way,” I said, leading herthrough the tub area. Once in the room, she raced over to answer it but was too late.

“It says the call was from an unknown number,” she said, holding it out for me to see as her hand shook.

“Come here,” I said, pulling her into my arms. “I’ll contact Decker and see if he can figure out where the call originated from.”

“He can do that?”

“Sometimes, from what I understand.”

Rather than phone him, I sent a message with the time the call came in.

Roger that. I’ll see what I can dig up, he responded.

“I feel like I should go home,” Eberly muttered as she picked up the clothes that were lying on the floor.

“Of course,” I said, doing the same and hoping she didn’t suggest she stay there alone. If she didn’t want me there, I’d call Michael Oliver.

Eberly put on her bra, shirt, and panties, then sat on the edge of the bed. “What if that was someone calling about my dad? Like a hospital?”

“If so, they would’ve left a message and would likely attempt to make contact again soon.” Theunknown number led me to believe it wasn’t quite that innocuous.

“Let’s get you home,” I said once we were both fully dressed.

“I’m sorry. I know you wanted to stay longer. I feel so far away here.”

“I get it, and I should’ve thought about that.” The drive to her place from here would take close to an hour. I only hoped that whoever had called wouldn’t try again in the next few minutes. It was another thing I should’ve considered. Cell coverage was spotty this far out and wouldn’t get better until we reached the highway. “Your instincts are right in wanting to go home,” I assured her.

“Trevino?”Eberly said when we were within a quarter mile of her house.

“Yeah?” I glanced over and saw she’d put her head in her hands. I pulled the truck over when I noticed her body shaking as if she was crying. “Talk to me, little dove.”

“I’m scared,” she whispered.

“Tell me what I can do to help.”

“Can we go to the cottage instead?”

“Of course we can,” I said, moving her hand from her face and cupping her cheek. “I’ll take you wherever you want to go.”

“I don’t want to be alone.”

I brushed her lips with mine, then smiled. “Did you think I planned to drop you off and leave?”

Eberly shrugged.

“Not a chance you’ll get rid of me that easily.”

“I don’t want to get rid of you.” Our eyes met. “Ever, Trevino.”

I felt the same way. However, as recently as four days ago, we were nothing more than boss and employee. Once her father turned up and we were able to get her some answers, her dependence on me might come to an end. Allowing myself to think beyond that was too much of a risk. “Does knowing I intended to stay make you feel differently about going to the cottage?”

She shook her head. “Right now, I don’t know if I can set foot in the house. Not even to get more clothes.”

I’d tease her again about keeping her naked, but now wasn’t the time, especially with the insecurity over itshe’d expressed before we left my place. “I’ll be with you, Eberly. Plus, my brothers have been overseeing upgrading the property’s security system. If anyone comes or goes, we’ll know. With the injunction and the winery being closed, there shouldn’t be anyone here besides the vineyard manager and his staff.”