Dark Tide by Susan Sleeman

Author:Susan Sleeman
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub, azw3
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2013-01-19T00:00:00+00:00

ELEVEN

Derrick stood in the family room doorway and watched Gina. His anger flared at the senseless loss of life—and at the way it had upset Gina so much she’d fled the conference call. He’d started to follow her, but his number one job was to find the murderer. Working toward that meant sitting through the rest of the call.

Still, even as he’d settled Sophia in her crib for a nap, his mind centered on Gina’s loss. He got how she felt. He’d mourned friends, too. Everyone in the family had, in various ways. Plus all of them shared the loss of their adoptive parents when they were murdered.

He curled his hands into fists. He’d wanted to rail at the injustice then, and he wanted to do so now. But his anger didn’t help. Never helped.

Nothing had. Not even time, really. He still missed his birth parents after twenty-one years despite comfort from Dani—and from his adoptive family.

He hated that Gina had to go through this again. Especially so soon after losing her sister-in-law and her brother. He couldn’t just stand here. He had to help even if it meant crossing the line of professionalism.

Forcing his hands to relax, he approached the sofa. She looked up, the agony on her face searing his heart. He wanted to draw her into his arms. To hold and comfort her. With their past, he should back away, but how could he not show her he understood? That he’d do just about anything to take this pain from her?

He sat on the sofa next to her. “I’m so sorry about Lilly.”

Gina dabbed a tissue under her eyes. “It’s what I expected, but actually hearing it confirmed is another story.”

He took her hand. “Is there anything I can do?”

She shook her head, and as her crying ramped up again, she moved to the fireplace, her back to him.

Enough. No matter your past or fear of getting involved again, she needs you.

He went to her and turned her by the shoulders. She looked him square in the face, her tearstained eyes meeting his. Slowly, so she could move away if she chose, he slid his hands down her arms and around her waist. She didn’t back away but readily moved nearer. He drew her close, and she rested her head on his chest.

As her crying intensified, he stroked her hair and whispered comforting words he hoped would help. As much as he wanted to offer comfort right now, he selfishly thought about the last time he’d held her while she’d truly relied on him. College, so long ago. A time before her ultimatum that she would leave if he didn’t commit.

What would his life be like today if he’d worked through his commitment issues? Would he have someone like Gina and a child like Sophia in his life? He wanted to change now more than ever, but he’d tried for years to no avail. He couldn’t do this on his own.

Father, give me clarity on this issue. Show me what to do so I don’t spend the rest of my life alone.

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