Gorman gave a nod, and in moments the suits melted away into the distance, leaving only the whisper of the waves around them.

Now that they were alone, he studied her with quiet concern. Linsey what happened?

A tightness formed in Linsey s throat as she tried to speak. Whatever explanation she meant to give dissolved before it could escape.

Watching her hesitate only deepened Gorman s concern. Linsey, you don t have to be scared. If something s wrong, just tell me. I ll stand by you, no matter what.

What difference could his help make now? She had already lost her virginity, and bitterness welled up inside her.

Thinking carefully about the complexity of that man s background, she decided Gorman was better off kept away from all this chaos. After wrestling with her thoughts, she finally managed a half-truth. I stopped by the pharmacy for some medicine, and things got mixed up. They mistook me for a doctor and whisked me off to help someone. After that Her words trailed off, leaving the rest hanging in the air.

Gorman pressed for more, his voice soft but insistent. What happened after that? he asked, watching her closely.

With her gaze fixed on the ground, Linsey forced a small lie. They realized their mistake and sent me home. That s all.

Why didn t you answer my calls? he asked. ? ?s? ?s FindN0vel.net

She pulled her phone from her pocket and tapped the dark screen. It ran out of power, she replied. Charging her phone had slipped her mind before her errand, so it had died unexpectedly.

Not a single detail in her story was questioned by Gorman. A relieved smile crossed his face as he said, The important thing is that you re safe.

Earlier that day, his most loyal employee had told him Collin was in town on business, so he had been worried Linsey might cross paths with him. It seemed his fears had been unnecessary.

Find your next adventure at g ? ?s?com

He couldn t shake the feeling that fate had brought him and Linsey together for a reason, and that Collin was simply passing through her life.

That realization made him wonder if it was time to become more than friends with her.

While Gorman drifted into his own thoughts, the seriousness in his eyes was unmistakable.

Feeling the weight of the day catch up with her, Linsey murmured, I just want to get back and have a shower.

Before long, both of them were headed back to the inn.

The innkeeper and the little boy wore worry on their faces as they watched over Linsey. Their relief was obvious once they realized she was safe and sound.

After a brief exchange, Linsey excused herself and slipped into her room for a shower.

Once she emerged from the bathroom, she caught sight of Gorman. He stood with his back to her, framed by the tall window, speaking quietly on his phone. Something must have tipped him off to her arrival because he ended his call and turned to greet her, his expression warm.

She returned his smile, drawing closer before saying, I have to apologize. I completely forgot to pick up the ointment you needed for your injuries.

.

.

.