29

“Get used to confined spaces, Barnes.” Slade shoved Aston, bound and gagged, into the back of the van. Aston bumped around, ineffectually kicking and grunting as Slade slammed the door shut and dusted his hands. Turning toward Skylar, he grinned. “I’ve been waiting a long time to do that.”

“Is it everything you’d hoped for?” Skylar asked.

“And then some.” His blue eyes glistened with satisfaction. “Deputy Landers should be here with backup in a few minutes. Want to get some fresh air while we wait?”

She cast a glance toward Mayhew’s remains and shivered. “Definitely.”

Slade led her outside into the crisp autumn breeze. Stopping a few feet beyond the garage door, he grew quiet, looked into the night sky as if his thoughts were as far away as the bright stars overhead. “It’s finally over.”

Skylar touched his arm, taking care to avoid his injured shoulder. “What happens now? You’ve been so focused on Barnes, what are you going to do with all your spare time?” He’d hinted at a relationship. Would he feel the same now that the danger was over?

“I’m going to share the good news with Sarah, and spend time with Lily before they move out. Then, I’ll be getting back to Trinity Securities’ clients. Last Ryder told me, we have a waiting list for our services. I have a ton of paperwork to catch up on, too.”

“Sounds like you’ll be staying busy,” Skylar’s mood dampened.

“No worries.” Slade shifted, and he wrapped an arm around her waist. “I’ve learned to keep my priorities straight. Work will never again take precedence over family or my personal life.” His voice lowered as his appreciative gaze skimmed over her. “Speaking of personal, do you think after all we’ve been through, that having a normal dinner with me would be boring?”

Skylar’s hopes soared. “Are you asking me out on a date, Cowboy?”

He paused, his gaze zeroing in on something on the ground. He stepped toward a dark object, scooped it up. “I guess that depends.” Opening his palm, Slade revealed the pepper spray canister she’d dropped during her hasty escape. “Promise not to use this on me again?”

“I was wondering where that went.” She plucked the can from his hand and shrugged. “I guess I can offer you a measure of reassurance that I won’t douse you.”

“No guarantees?” Slade lifted his brows, laughter in his gaze.

Skylar shrugged. “I’ve made mistakes. I’m not perfect.”

“Yes, well. As you said before, we are not meant to be perfect.” Slade drew her close. “It just took me a little while to realize it.”

“Does that mean you’re forgiving yourself for what happened to Lily?”

“I’m working on it. Carrying around a load of guilt isn’t going to change the past, and it’s not going to help anyone. As much as I’d like to have prevented Lily’s trauma, if events hadn’t happened the way they did, I wouldn’t have met you.” He paused, took a breath and dipped his head. “You’ve changed my life, Skylar Hart, already. I want to spend my days with you.” He lifted her left hand, pressed a kiss to her ring finger. “And, eventually, my nights.” His raspy tone was an invitation within itself.

His voice, seductive, alluring, and all around captivating, cinched the deal. “Keep talking.” Skylar wound arms around his neck, pressing against him. “I could fall in love with you, just from hearing your voice.”

“In that case, close your eyes, babe”—Slade wrapped arms around her, cocooning her within his protective embrace—“and listen.”