Chapter 31

Nova walked into Claire's room with a big teddy bear and flowers. Ace and Claire were kissing like two teenagers in love.

"Eww! Gross. Get a room." Becket laughed.

"We did, asshole. You're in it. Don't you knock?"

"It's a hospital, dude. Put little Ace away and give her a few days to recover before trying to get in her pants."

Claire kissed Ace once more. "His kisses are like breathing. I can't live without either one." Claire watched as Nova stood quietly in the doorway. "It's okay, Nova, you can come in. I could use a hug from my bestie."

Nova shoved the gifts into Becket's hands and rushed to hug Claire. "I'm so sorry. It's all my fault. I should have been there."

"Oh, stop with that nonsense. It's not your fault. I heard your voice in my sleep. When you started singing to me it was like you pulled me out of it."

"I'm so glad you're all right. I promise when you get out of here we're having a spa day. We're going to the biggest ice cream shop in the country and we are going to try every flavor twice."

Claire giggled. "Sounds like a plan."

Becket sat on the side of the bed after placing her gifts on the nightstand. "So, did you see who hit you?"

"No. The windows were tinted. I just heard the car coming and saw it swerve to hit me. I know it wasn't an accident. Whoever was in that car meant to do this."

Ace shook his head. "Whoever? You mean Liam. I know that rat bastard is behind this."

Claire nodded saying, "I think so too. I got a strange call a few days before, and one that morning. One day I just heard breathing but I knew it was him. I could hear music in the background and office chatter. It sounded like his office in LA. Nova, do you remember how he always has that one album he likes on a loop playing in the lobby? How it always echoed down the halls? It gave a sort of creepy vibe."

"Yeah. The sound there is pretty distinctive. It's like he did that one purpose to annoy people. It's like when you yell into the Grand Canyon and it echoes back. It's mind-numbing."

"That's it. That's what I heard. The morning before I was hit, I felt like someone was watching me. I thought it was just because I was nervous about my first day. Now I know I was right."

Becket looked at Ace and the duo knew what they were thinking. Their friendship was strong and they always knew what the other was thinking before they said it.

"Okay, girls. Ace and I are going to talk to the investigator and work something out. Right now we focus on Claire getting home and you both being safe. No more Liam talk for now, agreed?"

Nova and Claire looked at each other. "Agreed. We need to focus on Claire. Not that jerk. Now, who's up for some dinner? I'm starving."

Ace jumped up to call takeout. "On it. Let's watch a movie and just celebrate my girl being able to give me that pretty smile again."

Claire blushed. "Oh, Ace. You're such a charmer."

"Only for you, my sweet love," he said with a wink and his sexy sly smile.

Becket laughed slightly shoving him to the side. "He always thinks he's Mr. Smooth."

Ace licked his lips looking over Claire. "I got the girl, didn't I? I must be doing something right."

***

A week later, Claire was home safe with Ace, and Nova was moving her things into Becket's house.

"Why didn't you idiots tell me you were neighbors? Claire and I can see each other every day. I'm so excited." Nova smiled while unpacking her clothes.

"I honestly never even thought about it. I'm so used to Ace being around, that we never even take much thought to the fact we moved close to each other. Kevin lives down the street too. The three of us have always been so close that it was just second nature."

"It's great. It's like a band of friends just congregate together here."

"Well, it's not far from Chicago and Powerbomb headquarters. Do you think this closet is big enough, babe? I never used this spare bedroom so I thought you could use it as your girl cave."

"It's perfect."

Becket rocked back and forth on his heels with his hands shoved in his pockets. He kept looking around the room like he was nervous about something.

Nova looked over at him seeing him blushing and asked,"What?"

"Nothing."

"Beck, what's on your mind?"

"I was just thinking about-"

"Bedroom arrangements?"

"Well, yeah. I mean I don't want to pressure you. I'm not asking for sex. It's just..."

"Yes?" Nova went to him wrapping her arms around his neck. "Just say it."

"I just want to be able to watch you when you fall asleep in my arms. I want you to be with me when I wake up in the mornings. I guess I just want to feel you near me."

"I want that too. I'm ready, Beck. I trust you."

"You're sure?"

"I'm sure. I know when the time is right, we'll both know. I also know you are a good man and would never do anything to make me uncomfortable."

"All I want is your love. If you wanted to wait for marriage, I would. You know that, right?

Nova kissed him with a peck of the lips. "I don't think I can't wait that long. But thank you for the offer. Now. Get those shoes unpacked. I want to go check out the lake. It's a nice day and it's rare to be this warm this time of year. Maybe we could have a bonfire later," she said as she turned back to her work.

"That sounds great. I'll call Ace and see if they want to join us. Nova?"

"Uh-huh?"

"You're safe here. Safe with me."

Nova looked over her shoulder seeing his sincere expression. Her heart leaped in her chest. All the love in the world was in the man's eyes and it was all for her.