Rewarded by Jo Davis

what you want. Instead, I find my baby in pain, upset. Tell me what’s wrong.”
    And it all came pouring out. Her mom had known about her meeting Joaquin in Aruba, and about her going home with him. But not about his dangerous world, the harrowing kidnapping.
    Margaret was horrified. “You were abducted? And nobody called me?”
    “To be honest, I’m sure they were only thinking of getting me away from Santos. And after it was over, I didn’t stay long. The two of them came to blows over me.”
    “Oh, honey.”
    The last part of the story was the worst—her confusion over which man she was truly in love with. Which one was right for her. And leaving to come home so she could think.
    “Sweetie, have you considered that neither of these men is the one for you? They’ve done nothing but make you cry. How can that be a good thing?”
    “I don’t have an answer for that yet.”
    “Well, you know I’m here for you. Whatever you need.”
    “I know, Mom. And thanks.” She hugged her tightly again.
    “Do you know if Gray still lives across the hall?”
    “I don’t know, honey. If he does, I never see him.”
    Anna didn’t try to find out, as tempted as she was to knock.
    Margaret ended up staying a few more days, until Anna was feeling a lot steadier and ready to go back to work. Normally her mother staying so long would drive her crazy, but not this time. Anna was grateful for her mother’s love and her wisdom. She only wanted Anna to be happy, and said so repeatedly until the second she walked out the door.
    Truly alone for the first time in weeks, she rattled around in her near-empty apartment. She went back to the restaurant, throwing herself into work. At home, she cuddled with her kitten and tried not to think of either of the men she’d loved.
    Until the day there was a knock on her door, and she answered it.
    ***
    The past few days—make that weeks—without Anna were the most miserable of his life.
    Gray had tried to keep out of her way, and in his opinion he’d succeeded a little too well. He’d kept the apartment after the case with Anna’s restaurant was over, maybe not his smartest move. Unable to bear being across the hallway from her since her departure from Delacruz’s estate, he’d gone out of state to visit relatives.
    But there were only so many to visit and not too many more days off he could take, and he had to go home. He was going to continue to stay away. To give her the space she needed. And then Simon cleared things right up in two sentences.
    “Don’t be such a fucking moron. Do you think Delacruz is gonna wait forever before he makes his move?”
    “No,” he admitted.
    “Then go see her, dumbass. Fight for your woman.”
    That was why he found himself standing outside her door, working up the courage to knock. What if she told him to go to hell? Or worse, what if she simply had realized she didn’t love him, that they weren’t right for each other?
    But he’d never know unless he tried. Dammit, he couldn’t wait another second.
    Raising his fist, he knocked. Waited. He almost turned and left, but refused to take the coward’s way out any longer. Then the door swung open and Anna stood there, pretty brown eyes brimming at the sight of him. Damn, not a good start.
    “Shit, I didn’t come here to upset you. I can go.” He turned, and was surprised to feel her hand catch his arm.
    “Please, don’t. Stay?”
    Hope swelled and he nodded. “Sure.”
    They went inside and he stood in the middle of her living room, drinking in the sight of her. He cleared his throat. “I tried to give you as much time as you needed, but I couldn’t wait anymore. I’m sorry.”
    “Don’t be. I’ve had plenty of time.”
    He paused, pulse pounding. “You have?”
    “Pretty much. Things are becoming clearer.” Stepping up, she cupped his face. “Kiss me?”
    All too happy to oblige, he planted his mouth on hers. He delivered a kiss that conveyed all the pent-up longing and desire