Page 49

Shine watched as Jay ducked. It took him a few seconds to realize Charles had been hit, not Jay. He breathed a sigh of relief and then pushed Rowan to arm's length. She looked good, unharmed.

Tears filled her eyes before she pulled him closer. He held on, watching as Jay moved closer to the area where Charles had gone down. The worker approached, and he and Jay talked.

The sound of sirens filled the air. He wondered how much trouble the guy would be in for shooting Charles. He hoped none. The bastard had been here to take Rowan captive, maybe even killing her in the process.

“You okay?” Shine asked as the first of the police cars pulled up at the winery.

“I will be now that you’re here.”

He kissed the top of her head as Jay met his gaze and shook his head. Relief spilled through him. “He won’t bug you again.”

She leaned back and looked up at him. “How can you be sure? ”

“Jay said Charles didn’t make it.”

Her forehead wrinkled. “He told you?”

“He gave me the look and shook his head.”

“Oh.” She blinked a few times as she stared at him.

“You can breathe easier.”

The other woman who’d been in the field with Rowan came over and hugged her. She turned to him and shook his hand.

“I’m Cass.”

“Shine. Are you okay?”

A shudder made Cass shake. “I am now. I ran back and yelled for help. I didn’t know they would shoot him.”

Rowan took Cass’s hand and squeezed. “I’m glad you’re okay. He was the man who terrorized me. Don’t feel bad about him being shot.”

Cass gave Rowan another hug before wandering closer to the house and safety. Rowan blew out a sigh and shook her head. The police officer standing next to Jay shook his head and then shrugged. It looked like the police weren't going to have too much of a problem with what happened.

“How are you?” Shine asked.

“Before this, I was doing much better. I was ready to come home.”

“What about now?”

She snorted before answering. “I feel guilty for being happy he’s gone, but now I can come home and not be on edge all the time.”

“You’ll be safe.”

She leaned back, her eyes narrowing. "I don't want—well, I want to live with you. I know the danger is gone, but I think?—"

He put his fingers on her lips. “I want you to move in with me. I know it’s early in our relationship, but I think it would be good for both of us. ”

He liked the way her lips curved up into a smile. He'd gotten so lucky running into her by chance. It was the world telling him they were meant for each other. He vowed to make every day good for her because she made his life better. He had fallen a little in love with her when he'd been seventeen. Now that they were older, he was completely in love. They would make it work. He knew it.