Chapter 39

Chelsea took a few steps away from the door as it closed behind her. The men had gone inside saying to call if she needed them. She hugged the throw blanket around her.

The outfit she had on was plain and despite the hurt she wore on her face she still looked beautiful. Then again, Derek had never known her to look bad.

“Chelsea, you look . . .” he began as he moved toward her.

She quickly put her hand up, halting him in his tracks. “Don’t touch me. You can talk without touching me,” she said seriously.

He immediately put his hands up like he was about to be arrested. “All right. I understand.” He lowered his arms slowly. “You are a sight for sore eyes. Where have been, sweetheart? I’ve been looking everywhere for you all weekend.”

“I stayed with a friend for a few days.”

“I see you got the locks changed.”

“Well, you did say this was my house.”

“Right,” he mumbled humbly.