Both women were pale and stiff with fear. He wanted to gather up Laken and lend her his strength. Wanted to promise her that everything would be fine. But it might not. And he should speak to Ava first. He approached. “Ava, I’m so sorry.” Laken’s head jerked up. He forced himself to focus on her friend. He crouched and clasped Ava’s hands. Murmured soothing words he prayed would become real. A shudder rippled over Ava, and she fell forward into his arms. Laken stood and set down the magazine she’d been pretending to read. Michael saw the glitter of tears and captured her wrist. She didn’t pull away, but she didn’t look at him, either. With a few more words, he left Ava. Stepped toward her. “How are you, Laken?” “Fine.” She still didn’t look up. Slowly, inexorably, he drew her to him. Took her hands in his and turned her to face him. With more patience than he felt, he waited her out. “How are you, Michael?” So damned polite. “I’d be better if you’d look at me.”
What do You think about Texas Hope: Sweetgrass Springs Stories (Texas Heroes Book 16)?
