Noah sighed. “I’ll see what I can do.”
The back door opened, and Tate came in looking exhausted. He frowned at the extra people in his house. “What the hell is going on in here?”
“Tate. Finally.” I slid off my chair and went right to him. “Are you okay?”
He cupped my face. “The bigger question is, are you?”
“I’m fine. I’m so sorry. I can’t even express how sorry I am.”
“I know. It’s not your fault.”
“It is.”
He shook his head. “You warned me. I didn’t listen.” He smoothed a hand over my hair. “And you are?” He looked over my shoulder.
“I work for Brooklyn Dawn. In security.”
“Oh.” He glanced over at James. “Everything good?”
“It’s all good, Lumberjack. He’s just enthusiastic about his job, can’t you tell?”
“I’m going to take this one back with me.” Noah nodded to James. “I’ll be in touch,” he said to me.
“Thanks, Noah.”
Sarah gave me a salute and followed Noah to the door.
James put the bags of cold cuts back into the fridge then ran over to me. “You know I’m not a hugger.”
I laughed. “I know.”
“Good.” She punched my arm. “Consider that a hug. It’s been real, Sparkles. You sure know how to keep it interesting. Remember what I said, Lumberjack.”
He nodded and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. “I remember.”
“Do I want to know?”
Tate kissed my forehead. “Probably not.” He dragged his feet over to the couch and dropped, tipping is head back along the cushion.
I walked James to the door. “Sorry about all your gifts. I’ll make sure I get most of it back and send it to you.”
“Good deal. Don’t go overboard, Sparkles.”
“As if I know how to do anything but.”
James laughed. “That’s very true. Merry Chrismukkah and Happy New Year.”
“Have a good holiday. Give Lindz my love.”
“You got it.”
“And don’t give my mom a heart attack when you get your stuff from my house.”
“No promises.”
I texted my mom to let her know they were on their way. She was still up worrying about me and what happened thatafternoon. I also let her know that Tate was home and that she could go to bed.
I looked up, and found Tate passed out. I sat next to him for a minute. His eyes were dark with exhaustion and his forehead lined with worry.
