Page 22 of Rescuing Micah (Prey Security: Cyber Team #3)

So, he intended to spend the night sleeping on the floor outside her room.

Snatching up his pillow and a blanket, he padded quietly down the hall, stopping at her door and pressing his ear to it.

When he didn't hear any sounds coming from within, he assumed she’d gone to sleep, so he sat down and got himself settled.

Not ready to sleep yet, since he’d already taken a quick shower after they’d both eaten and Teresa had retired to her room, there was nothing else to do, so he unlocked his cell phone and brought up Nathaniel’s name.

Teresa’s friends knew that she had been discharged from the hospital and she was home now, with him staying by her side for the foreseeable future.

For the moment, he couldn’t allow himself to focus on the fact that his team would be called in.

They were supposed to be on a break, but that didn't mean things couldn’t change, and their unit might be sent out somewhere.

If that happened, he would have to make a choice between Teresa and his job.

Since refusing to follow orders was an offense that would get him court-martialed, possibly thrown out of the SEALs, maybe even sent to prison, he would have to go.

Was there any chance he could convince her to move with him?

Maybe if Ava came too?

It wouldn't have to be permanent, just until this situation was brought under control.

Hey, dude, you up?

Almost immediately, the three dots began to bounce, and he sat there, head resting back against the wall, blanket tossed haphazardly over his legs, pillow lying on the floor beside him, phone in hand, feeling lost.

He needed someone who could give him step-by-step instructions on how to fix the mistake that he’d made. Too bad such a person didn't exist.

Realistically, the only one who could tell him what she needed him to do to earn back his trust was Teresa herself, but he could hardly expect her to hold his hand and walk him through this process when he was the one who had put them in this position to begin with.

Yeah, Ava and I are up

How’s Teresa?

Micah wished he had an answer to that question.

She was doing as well as anyone could expect given the circumstances. But that wasn't really doing well at all. He saw the fear and pain lurking in the depths of her chocolate brown eyes, even if she wanted to pretend they weren't there.

She ate something and now she’s in bed

That didn't seem like enough information, but he didn't know what else to say.

Still, he couldn’t help but feel that Teresa’s best friend deserved more. Too bad he hadn't been able to convince Teresa to stay at Prey. Not only would it be easier to protect her, but she would be better supported with her friends around.

As much as it pained him to admit, he wasn't what she needed right now.

Wasn't what made her feel safe and secure.

Unfortunately, he’d blown that all up when he left without talking to her. While he still hoped he might be able to earn her forgiveness, maybe even her friendship, he understood and accepted that might never happen.

Likely wouldn't happen.

It was a weird feeling to be this helpless when it came to Teresa because from the moment they met, everything had always been so smooth and easy.

He’d stepped into the role of taking care of her as soon as they met.

Even when she’d grumbled at him for being such a mother hen, he’d always known that she secretly loved that he doted on her when she was the one who always had to dote on everyone else.

I’m outside her door if she needs anything tonight

The three dots appeared again, and he watched them to distract himself from getting up and going into Teresa’s room. If he wanted to try to earn her forgiveness, then the very least he owed her was to respect her boundaries.

She knew he was in her apartment, if she wanted him in her room she would have asked. She hadn't, so she didn't.

If she wakes up tell her I'm here if

she needs me

Ava?

Yeah it’s me

I wanted to come right over but Nathaniel

said I should give her the space she requested

They didn't have to be in the same room for him to read her tone perfectly. She was feeling as lost and out of her depth as he was. She wanted to do something, wanted to find the perfect words to make this better for her friend.

Of all of them, Ava was the one who could offer the most support. She’d been through the same thing Teresa had, and he didn't quite get why Teresa had been adamant that she didn't want to see anyone when she knew that Ava got it in a way none of the rest of them did.

She knows you're here for her

The assurance was as much for himself as it was for Ava.

They both cared about Teresa, just in different ways, and they both wanted what was best for her, which was why they were both holding back and fighting against their instincts to flood her with love and support.

And you’ll make her call if she needs anything?

I will

An easy promise to make because he knew that Ava would be more support for Teresa than he would be.

Was there a way to get her friends over there without going against Teresa’s desire for space?

Why don’t you text her in the morning?

That wasn't really a violation of Teresa’s wishes. It wasn't like her friends were going to turn up unannounced, although in reality, they could since this was still their place too, even if they were staying at Prey for now.

Chelsea too

All your team

Convince Josiah to do it as well if you can

While he doubted that the surly retired SEAL would ever text anyone unless he was pressured into it, if ever there was a time to force the man to do something this was it.

Teresa needed to be surrounded by support. If she didn't want to reach out and grab hold of it, then they all needed to build bridges over to the island she had placed herself on.

Yeah Josiah will be thrilled to text

He’ll do it

Guaranteed

He assumed the slight pause between texts was Nathaniel taking his phone back from his girlfriend. Micah had no doubt that his friend could twist the former SEALs arm to get him to do the right thing.

Likely wouldn't be as hard as they were expecting anyway. Josiah wasn't a bad guy, he’d just been through something horrific, and it was no wonder the guy had emotionally shut down. But he’d seen with his own eyes how hard the man was working this case, he cared about his team even if he didn't want to.

Thanks

Appreciate it

It helped to know he wasn't in this alone, and neither was Teresa.

All she had to do was accept it.

For whatever reason, she seemed to want to do this alone, but she had to open her eyes and accept the fact that trying to do so would only make things so much harder on herself.

Truth was that she wasn't alone. Not only did she have amazing friends and a whole family at Prey, as well as her mom and brother, but she had him, too.

He had no right to hold a place in her life anymore, but he was going to claw one out for himself if it was at all possible no matter what that place wound up being.

He’d lost her once, and the thought he might have to do it again terrified him.