5. Yvette

Chapter 5

Yvette

The days at Banks' house drift into a comforting routine, an easy rhythm of recovery punctuated by his considerate gestures and unwavering kindness. I can feel my strength returning, but more than that, I find myself completely falling for the genuine sweetness of the man who's inconveniently taken up residence in my mind, wrapping around my heart like a cozy blanket that I can't help but nestle into.

As the warm Texas sun streams through the windows, I wake up each morning feeling a little lighter. I've become accustomed to the hum of his house and the inviting scent of breakfast coming from the kitchen.

On one particularly perfect day, my sister Romi swoops in with a whirlwind of energy and my little nephew, Spencer, wrapped tightly in a warm blanket tucked against her chest.

Romi sets the table on the back patio, the air warm with that early fall charm that Texas does so well. We've got a picturesque setting—an idyllic backyard that stretches out, framed by lively trees and blooming flowers. It feels like we've slipped into some kind of cozy family magazine spread, complete with the sounds of Spencer cooing adorably.

"Looks good!" I smile up at Banks as he places a couple of plates on the table, his cheeks flushed from the kitchen heat and what I can only assume is determination to impress.

"You have no idea," he boasts, lifting a fruit skewer and striking a playful pose. I catch Romi's mischievous expression from across the table, and we share a grin. It's a silent acknowledgment of how completely ridiculous and adorable Banks can be.

While we eat, Banks heads inside to finish up some paperwork. At least, that's the excuse he uses. I'm pretty sure he's just trying to give us some privacy.

"So," Romi says, glancing my way with the nosy sister about to pry gleam in her eye. "How are things going with Banks?"

I pause, biting into my sandwich, feeling my cheeks heat up. "He's been really great," I admit, not wanting to sound too mushy but unable to downplay the genuine connection growing between us. "He really takes care of me. Even when I don't ask."

"That's good," she replies, her eyes narrowing slightly as she assesses my reaction. "Does he make you feel safe?"

The question hits harder than I expected. "Yeah, he does." I lean back a bit, surprised by my own honesty. "And he's growing on me."

"Like a fungus," my sister interjects, and I can't help but laugh at the silly expression on her face.

When Romi leans in, her tone shifts to something more serious as the lightheartedness fades away. "Sullivan had Sinclair check him out." I should've expected this from my brother-in-law and his brother who happens to be the Midnight Falls Sheriff.

"I can't believe this." My heart drops as I glare at her. I've never been one to let someone else fight my battles, and I'm not about to start now.

"Relax," she continues, attempting to keep it light, but I can't help the rush of exasperation bubbling up inside me. "They just wanted to make sure you're safe with him. They found out he's from a wealthy family here, but he doesn't flaunt his money. Banks is pretty well-respected around town, and Sullivan feels much better."

I can practically feel my blood boiling now. "I'm a freaking attorney. I can take care of myself," I insist.

"They're just looking out for you after everything that's happened with Richard," Romi pushes back, frustration creeping into her voice.

"I repeat. I can take care of myself," I shoot back. Richard is a name I'd rather forget—his shadow looms like a storm cloud ready to spoil everything good.

"I'm just saying they want to protect you," Romi argues with a hint of desperate sincerity. "We're all worried about you, and my husband tends to go a little overboard protecting me and therefore you, too."

"A little overboard?" I snort, rolling my eyes. "Talk about an understatement."

"He's a caveman but he's all mine." Romi wiggles her eyebrows, and I can't hold in the laughter bubbling up my throat at the silly look on her face.

"Please try to control your husband." I'm not entirely teasing. "I know he means well, but I'm more than capable of taking care of myself. This background check on Banks makes me feel like I'm some fragile little thing who needs constant supervision. I'm not an idiot and I've dealt with toxic people before. Believe me, I can recognize a good guy when I see one."

Romi sighs, her shoulders relaxing a fraction. "Okay, I'll talk to Sinclair. But you know how he is?—"

"Yeah, overprotective and annoying," I say, rolling my eyes. "Just give him a little extra nookie tonight, and he'll be too tired to interfere in my life."

"I give him plenty of nookie, and he still has time to be the biggest caveman pain in the rear."

Banks walks in from the kitchen, his expression a mixture of concern and determination. "Hey, I just had a chat with Ashton," he says, his voice steady but laced with tension. The mood shifts instantly when I see his face, and I brace myself, knowing that whatever comes next is probably not good.

"What's up?" I ask as the air thickens with anticipation.

"They've let Richard out on bail," he explains, frustration weaving tightly through his words. "He has to go back to Houston, and he's been fitted with an ankle monitor."

"That's it?" I echo, my stomach dropping at the mention of Richard. The stupid name sends a familiar wave of anxiety through me, the reckless memories of harassment clinging like unwanted residue.

"Yeah, but the sheriff's going to have someone monitoring him twenty-four hours a day to make sure he doesn't come back here." He clenches his jaw, and I can see the anger brewing just beneath the surface. When he steps closer, I lean against his strong body. "I don't know what the fuck the judge was thinking," he says. "But I'm not taking any chances with you. Not with him being free."

A small part of me warms at his fierce determination, the way he's wrapping me into his protective bubble. Without thinking, I lean into him slightly, craving the sense of safety his closeness guarantees.

"Banks," I say, looking up at him intently, needing to get back a little of the control my former business associate stole from me, "I appreciate you wanting to protect me, but I want to handle this myself. Richard doesn't get to dictate how I handle my life."

He stares down into my eyes for several moments, and I'm expecting him to argue but he shocks me. "I understand, little knockout. I do. I know you're independent and don't need a man to take care of you. I don't want to dictate your decisions. I want to be your partner making them."

In that moment, the honesty shining in his eyes tugs at my heart strings, combining with warmth that sends butterflies swirling crazily in my chest. "I want that, too," I reply, my eyes locking with his. "But I can't have you fighting my battles for me. I need to stand up for myself, especially after everything I've been through."

"I completely understand," he reassures me, his voice low and unwavering. "But that doesn't mean I'll stand by with my thumb up my ass while this dickhead comes after you."

Romi fake gags in the background, breaking up the seriousness of the moment. "That's a vision I just can't get out of my mind."