I chuckle. “It’s just Stockholm syndrome… One of these days you’ll realize I’ve tricked you and come to your senses.”
She slaps me. Playfully, of course, making me laugh again.
“Get that sexy ass going, Doctor Blake.” I take a step back, even though it aches to do so. “I’ll meet you by the elevators when you’re done.”
“You sure you’re okay waiting? You really don’t have to.”
I raise a brow and smile. “Angel, I’d wait forever for you. Another hour is nothing.”
With a quick kiss that I wish was longer, she heads back toward the nurse’s station across the hall. I watch her go, making sure she’s settled before I pull out my phone to check for my new friend.
But I don’t need the cameras.
A few feet away, Adam comes from the elevator bay, rubbing the back of his neck as he hurries down the hall. Without hesitating, I head back to my hiding spot behind the column before he notices me. He’s oblivious, set on his path into the breakroom.
I lean against the column, angling myself so I can see through the window in the door. Adam’s alone and pacing. Running his hands through his hair over and over. Psyching himself up for what he needs to do. He’s taking this seriously. Smart guy.
A minute passes. Two.
Then Jessica appears from the stairwell. She must have taken some time to cool off after her conversation with Blake. She spots Adam through the window and the anger in her features melts into something softer, more vulnerable.
She pushes through the door.
Let’s see if plan B works.
I can’t hear what they’re saying, which is frustrating as hell, but I can see everything through that little window.
Adam approaches her immediately. He says something that makes her grimace. He’s upset, gesturing with his hands, and she’s shaking her head like she doesn’t want to hear it.
Come on. You can do this, Adam.
He hasn’t given up. Stepping closer, he takes her hands, holds her in his arms. He’s still talking, lower, against her cheek.
I think she’s crying now. Hopefully that’s a good thing.
She’s cupping his cheek, he’s rubbing her back. Hell, I’m starting to feel like a peeping Tom now.
But as long as they’re still talking—and only talking—I’m not moving an inch.
It seems Adam’s making some progress. He pulls back a step, his face serious.Come on, hurry this up.I swear if he doesn’t get the job done in the next five minutes, I’ll intervene. I hope it doesn’t come to that though.
Am I mistaken or did he just say,“It’s not safe. Something’s wrong. I can’t let you do this.”
Fuck yes, Jessica’s nodding now. Wiping her eyes. She looks relieved, like part of her wanted an excuse to back out all along.
Then Adam says something else. Gestures back toward where Blake went across the hall.
Jessica stiffens. Shakes her head. Her mouth forms words I can read even from here.“She was so rude.”
Adam keeps at it. He’s animated now, selling it hard. Whatever story he came up with about Blake, he’s committing to it fully.
Jessica hesitates. Her face cycles through emotions—flared nostrils and high chin, to licking her lip and deflecting her gaze. Finally, I see the moment where she relents.
She nods and her shoulders seem to sag. Adam’s do too, rightfully so.
Her phone is in her hand within seconds.
And just like that, my Christmas luck has turned around.
