Prodigal Son by Abbie Zanders

Author:Abbie Zanders
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: church and hayley, small town drama, sumneyville, sanctuary series, military hero
Publisher: Abbie Zanders
Published: 2021-12-07T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

Hayley

Hayley thought she was still dreaming at first when she opened her eyes and saw Matt sitting beside her. His hair was messy, as if he’d been running his hands through it repeatedly. The scruff along his jaw was thick. If anything, it made him even more attractive, which simply wasn’t fair.

“You stayed.” Her voice was like sandpaper.

His eyes snapped up, softening the moment they met hers. Then, he was on his feet, thoughtfully pouring a glass of ice water for her.

“Of course I stayed.”

He said it as if anything else was inconceivable. As if he had no idea just what a big deal it was.

“Martha?”

“She’s fine. She was discharged last night. She’s staying with Winona.”

That sounded vaguely familiar, as if he’d already told her that. It was hard to distinguish between what had actually happened and what her mind had conjured on its own.

Matt handed her the water. Even the tiny movements involved in bringing the cup to her lips hurt.

“Did you get my laptop?”

“Yes, but—”

“Hayley.” Lenny entered the room, scowling at Matt. “What’s he doing here?”

“Good morning to you, too,” Hayley said dryly.

“I need to talk to you. Alone.”

The look of intensity on Matt’s face told her he didn’t plan on going anywhere, but it was neither the time nor the place for a confrontation.

“Matt, why don’t you go get some coffee?” she suggested.

His eyes met hers, more gold than brown. The gold flecks were practically glowing, speaking without words. You sure? they asked.

I’m sure, she answered silently back, tacking on a, Please.

Matt made a sound in the back of his throat, a soft grunt that only she could hear, but he did as she’d asked.

“Seriously?” Lenny asked, moving farther into the room after Matt left.

“He heard what happened and was concerned about me,” Hayley said. “It’s not like anyone else came by to see how I was doing. I’m doing great, by the way. Thanks for asking.”

Lenny scowled. “I did come by, but they said it would be hours before I could see you. Daryl wasn’t here? He didn’t talk to you?”

“No.” At least, not that she knew of. Admittedly, she’d been pretty out of it, but on those few occasions when she’d risen to semi-consciousness, it was only Matt’s presence she’d sensed, watching over her like some kind of fierce guardian angel.

“Yeah, well, I guess he’s had his hands full, trying to secure the scene and keep the gapers from getting too close,” Lenny said, but they both knew better.

“Were you there?”

“On scene? Yeah. We managed to get the fire contained quickly. The gas company’s got a crew out there now.”

“The gas company? Why?”

“Because of the gas leak.” When her brows furrowed, he continued, “That’s what caused the explosion. The service line runs right under Martha’s porch. Gas must have been building under there, and something as simple as a static discharge was enough to ignite it.”

She stared at him incredulously. “Lenny, it was a bomb. Someone left a bomb on the porch.”

His eyes widened, then filled with sympathy, even as he shook his head.

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