except when giving directions to her home. She let him know that she was done talking about the attack, so Brandon didn’t even try asking her anything more.
So he took a different route. “How long have you lived in San Angelo?”
Nora kept her gaze on where they were going. “A few months.” She paused, then said, “I wanted to make a fresh start for me and my son.”
“Where are you from?”
She finally turned to him. “Phoenix, Arizona. Is there a reason for your interrogation?”
He shrugged. “I thought I was carrying on a conversation.”
“Since my head is pounding, I’d appreciate it if we didn’t exchange pleasantries right now.”
He nodded. Ten minutes later, they drove through the security gate at her apartment complex. The place was newly built, less than two years ago. Brandon had thought about living here when he’d moved into town, but instead he’d bought a townhouse as an investment. Of course, he already owned a ranch with a big house that he could move in to anytime he wanted to go back.
Brandon turned down her street and Nora directed him to a parking space in front of her apartment. The car had barely stopped when she had the door open and was climbing out by the time he got to her side. She reminded him of the Randell women: independent and stubborn. He took her arm anyway.
Nora tried not to walk too fast, but she wanted to get inside and away from Deputy Randell. Not only did she long to get into bed and try to put this night out of her head, but she also couldn’t let him delve any deeper into her past. If Jimmy sent this guy tonight, she had to think about her next move.
“Thank you, Deputy, for taking me home.”
“Why don’t I make sure you’re safely inside?” He stepped closer, blocking some of the light. Nora drew a breath, inhaling his clean male scent. His gaze met hers, causing a strange warm rush down her spine. She quickly moved away, giving him room to work the key into the dead bolt, then allowing him to open the apartment door.
Nora walked into the small entry, set down her purse on the table, then went into the living area to find Millie seated in front of the television. Her son’s babysitter turned around, then got up and rushed to her.
“Oh, Nora,” she cried as she examined her friend’s face. “You didn’t tell me you were hurt this badly.”
“Don’t, Millie. Like I told you when I called, I’m fine. Really.”
The gray-haired woman frowned. “You don’t look fine. Remember, I’m a nurse, too.” She glanced toward the deputy. “You must be Officer Randell. I’m Millie Carter, Nora’s neighbor and babysitter for her son. Thank you for bringing her home.”
“Not a problem.”
Nora stepped in. “I have a slight concussion so I couldn’t drive myself, but I’ll need my car to get to work.”
Brandon shook his head. “I don’t think the hospital will be expecting you to work for a few days. But another deputy is bringing your car.”
“Then you’ll have time for coffee,” Millie said before Nora could protest. “Cream or sugar?”
“Black, thank you,” he said.
Nora wanted to call Millie back, but her strength was gone. She had to close her eyes, suddenly feeling shaky. The next thing she knew, the deputy reached out for her.
“Whoa.” His arm came around her and he led her to the sofa. “You better sit down.”
“I’m fine,” she lied.
“You’re not fine. It’s probably a delayed reaction. Maybe you should go to bed.”
“No!” She shook her head, trying to erase any thought of this man in her room.
He crouched down in front of her. “Nora, are you sure you’re all right?” There was such concern in those dark eyes of his, but she couldn’t let herself lean on anyone, especially a man. Never again. It wasn’t safe for either of them.
“You’ve had a rough night.”
All at once tears flooded her eyes. She tried to blink them away. “I’m okay,” she lied. “I have to be.”
Brandon couldn’t stop the protective feelings he had for this woman. He wasn’t supposed to get personally involved, but Nora Donnelly made it damn difficult.
“Such a tough guy?” he said with a smile. “Let someone take care of you.” He found himself reaching out and brushing a tear from her soft cheek. His voice softened. “You don’t always have to be so strong.”
“Yes, I do,” she said.
Hearing the trembling in her voice, he pulled a blanket from the back of the sofa and wrapped it around her. “Are you cold?”
“A little.”
He rubbed her arms, stirring up some warmth. She felt so delicate. He didn’t want to think about what would have happened to her if he hadn’t gotten there in time tonight. “Do you have any family I can call? Someone who can stay with you.”
She looked at him with those startling blue eyes. His throat went dry and his chest tightened.
She finally shook her head. “Maybe Millie can stay.”
“Mom?”
They both turned toward the hallway to find a small dark-haired boy in a pair of Star Wars pajamas. “Mom, what’s wrong?”
Nora held out her hand as he walked toward her. “Zach, you shouldn’t be out of bed.”
“I heard you talking.” The child’s worried gaze took Brandon in, then searched his mother’s face. “What happened?” His eyes showed fear. “Did he find you and hurt you?”
Brandon caught Nora’s panic and knew his instincts were right. So maybe this attack wasn’t one of random violence. But he didn’t want the boy to worry.
“Hi, Zach, I’m Deputy Randell. Your mother had a little accident in the parking lot at work, so I brought her home. She’s okay now. I’ve made sure of that.”
The boy looked at his mother. “You’re really okay?”
She nodded. “I hit my head, so I have to rest for a few days.” She studied her son. “Hey, I’m the one who’s supposed to take care of you. How are you feeling tonight?”
“Okay.”
She embraced the boy and Brandon could see the love between them.
“Then you should be back in bed, Zach,” she told him. “It’s late.”
The boy pulled back from the embrace and shot Brandon a glance. There was worry etched on his face, far too much for a kid aged six, maybe seven.
“Your mother is okay, son,”
