Taking Eve(23)
“You’re absolutely right,” Eve said. “Ben has no edge at all. But he’s very loyal and has a good heart. When I need edge, I’ll definitely call you.” She went back in the house, locked the door behind her, and turned back to Ben. “You see, I have that very nice and competent policeman to protect me. I don’t need you, Ben. Go back to the camp.”
He shook his head. “I have to stay with you.”
She nodded. She hadn’t thought that she’d be able to convince him. “I’ll go and get Joe’s clothes. The bathroom is the first door on your left. Why don’t you take a hot shower?”
He shook his head. “I’ll only get cold and wet again when I go back outside.”
“Outside? Why should you go outside again? You want to protect me? Do it from the living-room couch.”
“I just wanted to make sure that the cottage is safe. That Officer Hughes is in a car. I’ll be able to see more if I move around on foot.”
“Ben, there’s no solid proof that I’m even in danger. It’s all fog and mirrors.” She met his eyes. “And dreams. And that dream of yours was very vague.”
“Because of the darkness,” he said gravely. “But it wasn’t vague that Bonnie sent me here. She wanted me to come.”
“And park yourself out in the rain?”
“Maybe the rain will stop.”
“And maybe it won’t.” She gazed at him for another moment and turned on her heel. She wasn’t making a dent in that solemn determination. “I’ll get those clothes. Do you have a cell phone?”
“Yes, but I keep doing things to it that make it go wonky.”
“Well, don’t do anything tonight, dammit. I want you to call me every hour, and I want to be able to reach you.”
He smiled. “Yes, Eve.”
“And I’m going to give you Joe’s slicker, and I want you to keep beneath the trees and out of the rain as much as possible.”
“Yes, Eve.”
“And if you see something you don’t like, then call me, and I’ll call Officer Hughes. Don’t try to deal with it yourself.”
His smile widened. “Yes, Eve.”
“And stop saying that and grinning at me. I mean it.”
“I know you do. But it’s hard not to smile. You’re worried about me, and that means that you like me. That makes me happy.”
She felt a melting within her. “Of course I like you. I’ve always liked you, Ben. Don’t you know that?”
He shook his head. “I thought it was because I helped you with Bonnie. It was okay that it was all about her, but it’s nice that you like me, too.”
She went back and gave him a quick hug. “Don’t you ever say that again. Bonnie was the beginning, but you’re very special to Joe and me on your own. Because you’re who you are.” She turned and strode toward the bedroom. “So you have to take care of yourself and don’t do anything foolish.”
“Some people think I am a fool, Eve,” he said quietly.
“Then they’re stupid. Are you different? Yes. But we’re all different, and we just have to accept each other. Finish that chocolate and dry your hair.”
“Yes, Eve.”
“Now you’re making fun of me.”
“I think I am.” He thought about it. “Do you mind?”
“No. Just don’t make a habit of it.” She slammed the door behind her.
Dammit, she didn’t want Ben to go out there.
But he had said that Bonnie had told him to come here. Surely she wouldn’t have sent him if she’d thought there was any danger. Or would she? Bonnie had shown that she wasn’t above weighing her choices as to whom she wanted to protect. She loved Eve as much as Eve loved her. Eve would always be first where Bonnie was concerned. From the moment she had given birth to Bonnie, Eve had realized her little girl was very special, and they would always have a bond that would last forever. But forever had lasted only seven short years when Bonnie had been kidnapped and died. Eve couldn’t bear the agony of living without her and had been spiraling downward to follow her through that final door when she had started to dream of Bonnie. It wasn’t until years later that she would admit to herself that she believed Bonnie was no dream but a spirit who had come to show her that forever was still possible if they were patient and didn’t break the rules. It had been difficult because Eve always had been hardheaded and practical, and ghosts were not acceptable in her vision of life … and death. But those visits from Bonnie were so real, so right, that she had gradually realized that Bonnie was alive for her no matter what anyone else thought.