Page 3 of Midnight (Chasing the Sun #3)

Harper

U ntil Nate sat food down in front of me, I didn't realize how hungry I was. I ate so fast that now my stomach hurts, but I can't find it in me to complain because this is the first time I have been full in over two weeks.

It was so far out of my comfort zone to let Nate buy clothes for me, but he insisted, and I know I don't have to take them with me when I go. Not that I want to. Actually, the longer that I'm here, the more I want to stay, and the more I feel safe for the first time in my life since my mother died.

"All right, let's get you settled in so that you can get some rest. I'm sure it's been a while since you've been able to sleep peacefully." He stands, offering me his hand. I hesitantly take it not expecting the feeling of my hand in his.

The tingles that race across my skin are something I've never felt before. I wonder if he feels them too. Probably not, it's likely me just being a silly girl like my father always says I am.

"Get some rest and we can talk some more tomorrow and get to know each other. This will be your room, but I will be in the room right next door if you need me. I will keep my door open, so do not hesitate if you need anything, okay?" He says in his voice is so soft and carrying.

It's like I would imagine a caretaker or guardian’s voice should be and it's definitely not what I'm used to. Not sure what to say, so I just nod.

"Since I have tomorrow off of work, we can get to know each other a little more. We’ll see how I can help you some," he says, stepping into the room.

Again, I nod and this time I get a good look at the room. Before I was too nervous and too focused on Nate that I saw nothing of the room.

"Wow, I've never had anything as nice as this room," I say looking around.

Though I probably took too long to take my shower because I was in awe of how nice his bathroom was. It was clean and everything looked brand new. Not only did it smell like him, but the hot water felt all too good.

I memorized the bath products so later I can go to the store and find them and have his scent around once I'm gone. For whatever reason, he's comforting and makes me feel safe. So, I'm hoping having his scent there will give me a bit of that when I leave.

The room is nothing extravagant. But it has fresh paint, some neutral off-white color. Light brown carpet that is so soft under my feet. There is a dresser and a bed, on an actual bed frame. I don't think I've had a bed frame in my whole life. It’s always only been a mattress on the floor.

I even have a closet, not that I have anything to hang in it. This is the nicest room I've ever been in, and I will only be here for a few days. When my gaze turns back to Nate, he's watching me, but his gaze says something else. He's studying me, but I'm not sure what he's thinking.

"What?" I ask, wondering if I said something wrong.

"I'm sorry this is the nicest room you've ever had. I feel bad it's not decorated. You deserve so much better," he sighs. "All things that can be solved later. Get some sleep, sweetheart."

As soon as he closes the door behind him, I jump into bed and pull the covers over me. He's a cop, so I know he will protect me. I'm pretty sure what my dad was trying to do is against the law. I know he stood to make a lot of money and my running foiled his big plans.

I'm also pretty sure he will be trying to find me. While I don't think there is any way he can track me here, I think if he did, I'd be safe. I want to sleep with the light on, but I don't want to look like a silly little girl to Nate, so I take a deep breath and turn off the light.

In the dark, every sound is amplified. I can hear the water running faintly from Nate's shower and the scratches on the window from the branches are louder. In fact, every sound is louder, and scarier because my mind thinks behind every shadow my dad is there.

I can't do this.

Nate

When I get out of the shower, I resist the urge to go check on her.

Finally, getting my cock to go down, the last thing I need is another reason for an ice-cold shower.

Before I came in here, I set the alarm to the apartment, and it's a good one.

I have my gun under my pillow, and this is a safe neighborhood. I can let her be for now.

Taking my time I get ready for bed because the last thing I want to do is sleep. Instead I peek out into the hall and see her light is off in her room. She must have fallen asleep. Thank God for small miracles.

I get into bed and just lay there thinking about tonight’s drastic turn of events. What if I hadn't driven down that road? What if I hadn't taken this temporary assignment? Everything that had to line up for me to find her tonight means that someone was watching out for us.

Laying there for over an hour, I still can't fall asleep.

Finally, I decide to peek in on her and make sure that she's doing okay.

Maybe seeing for myself that she's safe and sound asleep will allow me to actually get to sleep myself.

I get out of bed and quietly make my way down the hallway.

Then I slowly and quietly open the door.

What I don't find is her asleep safely tucked under the covers. Instead I find her sitting up with her back against the headboard her legs pulled up in front of her and her arms wrapped around them. From the dim light in the hall, she looks scared and that's the moment that I break.

"Harper, why didn't you come to get me?" I sigh, stepping into the room.

"It's stupid I shouldn't be this scared. This is probably the safest place I've been in years."

I don't think. I just walk over to the bed, slide a hand behind her shoulders and the other one under her legs and pick her up and carry her back to my room. There's a small voice in the back of my head yelling that this is a horrible idea, but I can't leave her there scared, either.

After settling her in bed, I crawl in beside her. Right away, I can feel her visibly start to relax and as much as I want to hold her in my arms, I can't. She finally drops off to sleep and in her sleep, she turns and rests her head on my shoulder mumbling something about feeling safe.

Turning my head away to look at my nightstand, I know I won't sleep so it's a good thing I don't have work tomorrow. The time on the clock by my bed catches my eye.

It's midnight.

Just one more day.