Page 69 of Hurry Up And Wait

“Home.”

He chuckled as he brought the mug to his lips. “Sure.”

“I’m serious. I stayed here and gave them time to work, but I need to go home.”

“So you can be blown up again?”

“They’re installing security. I’ll be fine.”

He lowered his mug, sitting up straighter. “And you think taunting your husband is a good idea?”

“I think he can’t be here all the time, so when he tries again, it won’t be as easy. He showed his hand too early, and that’s not doing him any favors.”

He looked at me strangely.

“What?”

“Nothing. I just…expected you to be on the floor crying.”

“Because I’m a woman?”

“Well, that and based on your reaction to the power being out. You did freak out.”

“Because I thought someone was in the house,” I snapped. “So sue me for not bouncing back right away after my ex tried to kill me. But I’m not going to hide out and let him win.”

Something like pride brightened his eyes as he watched me for a moment. “Well, alright then.”

He stood and headed for the door without another word.

“That’s it? You’re just taking me back?”

“I thought you wanted to go,” he said, turning to face me. “Or are you changing your mind again?”

“No, I just…I thought you would fight me on it. Say something about how this was for my own good.”

“You’re an adult. You can make up your mind about what’s best for you. Can we go now?”

I hurried after him, shoving aside the pain in my body. I was going home. Sure, it might be a little blown up, but I could deal with that. I was strong enough to push past the charred bits and pieces of my house and go on living life. Besides, Riley would be there with me.

Thankfully, IKE didn’t turn the car around halfway to my house and laugh at me, telling me the joke was on me. I really expected him to. As he pulled down the driveway, anticipation swarmed inside me. There were already workers here, which meant the house was clear, right? Nobody would be inside waiting for me.

I stepped out of the car, my bravado waning slightly as I watchedthe front door, waiting for someone to come running out with a bomb strapped to his chest. But that didn’t happen. My gaze swung down the road to look for the gray car, but it wasn’t there either.

“What are you looking for?”

“Huh?” I was so distracted that I didn’t even notice IKE watching me.

“You’re looking for something. Or someone.”

“No…There was a car here a few days ago. It was idling by the curb.”

“Did you tell anyone?”

“Fox. He didn’t see anything.”

“Maybe it was nothing,” he shrugged, walking forward. “You ready?”

“Are you going to check the house first?”