Where We Belong (Hideaway Bay, #1)
Page 7
Was this even real? This time she needed proof, and gripped the skin on her forearm between her thumb and forefinger.
“Ouch.” She rubbed the angry skin and smiled.
Not a dream.
Chapter Ten
They say I’m a hero. I say heroes eat jerky.
~ Duke Harper-O’Connor
Ryan tapped the back door of the ambulance, glad to see the back of that particular patient. The so-called tough guy tried to help but instead put Haley in serious danger and hurt himself in the process. Nothing a few stitches wouldn't fix but the way the guy carried on you'd think he'd lost the whole damn leg.
He turned to Officer Jenkins who'd been sent to the scene to interview witnesses. “Any news?”
Jenkins nodded. “They made the arrest and Haley's fine. She's at the North East corner of the park near Oceanside Drive.”
“Thanks.” Ryan looped the strap of Haley's discarded purse over his head, not caring how ridiculous he looked, just desperate to get to her. His heart still pumped violently in his chest and his fingertips itched with the need to touch her, reassure himself she was okay. The anxiety must have shown as shoppers frowned at him, or maybe at the purse, but still didn't get out of his way. Damn it. Moving across this sea of people was like wading through molasses. He finally reached the edge of the park and all the adrenalin pumping through his veins kicked in, pushing his run into a sprint.
More strange looks, but he didn't care. Nothing mattered but getting to Haley.
His lungs burned with each breath and the only sound was the hammering of his heart as he bypassed the footpath and ran through the gardens and line of trees near the edge of the park. When he cleared the trees, red and blue lights flashed, although they grew distant as the patrol car pulled away from the park.
Copper curls never looked so good. Haley bent low talking to Duke, holding her dress in place with one hand and ruffling his fur with the other. Duke licked her face and Haley’s laughter carried on the breeze; the sweetest sound he’d ever heard.
The pressure in his chest eased. The air no longer thick like smoke in his lungs.
She was okay. Duke was okay.
His family was okay.
The strap of Haley's purse dug into Ryan’s already too-tight skin, so he pulled it over his head and placed it on the grass. He needed a minute to collect himself and braced his hands on his knees, focusing on one breath after another.
He inhaled.
One, two, three...
Exhaled.
One, two, three...
He didn't want to spook her, make her think he was freaking out... Well, freaking out more than anyone would expect to in this situation.
Haley dealt with the threat in her typical fashion—like a freakin’ boss. And he'd coped. Relief coursed through his veins, calming the heart about to beat right through his ribs.
Duke saw him first, tugged his leash out of Haley's hand, and bolted towards him. The giant furball pranced around Ryan’s legs as though separated months, not minutes.
“Duke caught himself a bad guy.” Haley's warm voice washed over him like sunlight breaking through clouds. Exactly what he needed to calm the flood of emotions he'd been dealing with since he'd let her go.
He strode closer, his gaze trapping hers. “You’re amazing. I'm so damn proud of you, Hales.”
She’d obviously been nervous about his reaction to the events because her answering smile stole his breath away. “You're not freaking out at all?”
Duke dropped to the grass and chewed the end of his leash.
Ryan tucked his hands into his pockets and swallowed the tennis ball in his throat. “Not gonna lie. I freaked out back there. When he hit you...I wanted to kill him.”
At the mention of the hit, Haley lifted a hand to her cheek and winced. “But you didn't. You trusted me to do my job.”
The need to touch her overwhelmed, so he slid his hands along either side of her jaw and cupped her cheeks, careful to avoid the injured area. “Yes. Being scared for you didn’t change the fact I knew you could handle yourself.”
The truth in those words comforted him. Proof of his progress.
He'd been worried but avoided running through every worst-case scenario until he struggled to think or breathe. He'd pulled himself together using the techniques he'd learned in therapy and focused on how he could help the patient, the one thing in his control.
“I wanted to throw myself between you and that asshole. It took all my self-control to stand back and let you do your thing, but I did it. I think I'm going to be okay.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his forehead down to hers. “I think you're going to be great. We're going to be great.”
All the doubts he’d harbored about himself, could finally be laid to rest.
The tension which held his body hostage for the past year dissipated and his muscles sang with relief. The past year had been bland monotone, and having Haley by his side transformed life back to bright technicolor.
He dipped his head and pressed his mouth to hers. The soft pressure of her lips, and every warm sweep of her tongue, a familiar welcome home. What a kiss. A kiss of lovers who'd lost it all and would never let go again. A kiss he'd remember for the rest of his life.
Duke barked and they reluctantly pulled apart, breathless. The dog nudged Ryan's leg, reminding them of his presence and desire for attention. The hero of the day deserved it, after all.
Ryan scratched Duke's ear, grinning at his groan of satisfaction. “Our boy, the hero. Who would have thought, huh?”
“I can't wait to rub it in Addi's face. Duke has finally one-upped her stupid rabbit.” Haley’s eyes danced with glee.
“You love that stupid rabbit,” he reminded her even though he loved the ruthless way she defended their boy.
She pouted then sighed dramatically. “I do. Damn Starbuck for being so fluffy and cute.” Her sullen admission was peak adorable Haley.
The O'Connor sisters teased as big as they loved. He may not understand the dynamic, but the sibling rivalry provided plenty of entertainment.
“I think Duke deserves a special reward tonight. A giant steak with a side of jerky. Right, Duke?” He grinned as Duke barked in approval.
“I hope I’m getting a reward, too? And I don’t mean steak.” Haley laughed followed by a wince and touched her cheek gingerly again.
He hated seeing her hurt. “That's going to need some ice and we really should clean up those cuts. Want to go to the first aid tent?”
“No ambulance this time?” Her voice lowered, Jessica Rabbit style. She fluttered her eyelashes and ran a finger down his chest to rest on the button of his jeans. “You could fix me up and give me my reward.”
Fuck. Yes.
He planned to reward her for the rest of his life.
“Shit.” Ryan could kill the idiot who’d been injured in the scuffle and now cock-blocked him by hitching a ride in the ambulance. “It’s at the hospital.”
She wrapped her arms around his waist and beamed up at him, her blue eyes shining with love. “Another time. I guess you’d better take me home.”
Home.
The word never sounded so sweet.
They all went home together. Where they belonged.
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Acknowledgments
This crazy dream of bringing characters to life on the page is only possible because of an incredible support system. I’d like t
o thank those special people who have helped me on my journey to publication.
My wonderful editor, Deadra Krieger, and my fabulous cover designer, Charmaine Ross, of Charmaine Ross Book Cover Designs. They’ve both helped my book-baby shine.
My fantastic critique group who I’m extremely lucky to call my friends – Michelle Somers, Miranda Morgan, and Samara Parish. These women support and encourage me every day–and even indulge in a little ass-kicking when necessary! I’d never have made it this far without them, and I know we’ll be brainstorming stories together until I’m old, grey, and surrounded by a hundred rescue dogs.
My amazing friend, Stefanie London, who has supported me for years, and whose talent and drive is inspirational. I miss our coffee catch-ups, but even 10,000 miles apart, we can still chat for hours.
The generous and caring women of the Melbourne Romance Writers Guild (MRWG) have fostered my love of writing for many years. This special group has offered a wealth of friendship and knowledge, supporting me and so many other members through our journey to publication and beyond. A special shout-out to Fiona Georgiou who has been incredibly generous with helping me navigate the world of Indie Publishing.
Romance Writers of Australia (RWA) has offered their support via networking, and learning and development. Since joining their ranks, I’ve made many new friends and would love to take this opportunity to say how much I appreciate the hardworking volunteers who keep the organization running.
My best friend, Cait, who would rather eat glass than read a romance—yet she still supports me and my quest to bring love and happiness to the world.
My adorkable greyhound, Daisy, is an essential part of my writer’s tool kit. She keeps me company while I write, and her many quirks provide inspiration for the furry creatures in my books. Life would be boring without her!
My mum, Cecilia, the first person to take my writing seriously (even before I did). Without her urging me to write a romance novel all those years ago, I may never have found my calling.
And last, but not least, my readers. Thank you for your reviews, emails and taking the time to delve into the world of my characters, sharing in their highs and lows as they search for love. You make all the hard work worth it.
About the Author
Lauren Harbor is a country girl at heart. Raised on a small property surrounded by animals, it's no surprise she writes small town romance with lots of love for creatures great and small.
Having failed fabulously at baking, painting and playing guitar, this bookworm finally found her creative outlet in writing strong, quirky heroines, and tough, handsome heroes with gooey animal-loving centres.
Lauren lives on the outskirts of Melbourne, Australia, with her beloved rescue greyhound, Daisy.
Read more at Lauren Harbor’s site.