“No,” I blurt out, because I truly don’t think I can talk about it. But looking at her, I feel like the biggest hypocrite in the world because I’ve forced her to talk things out for the past two days.
She nods. “You know I planned on hiding in my room then sneaking out for my shift at Winedown in a couple of hours, but when Dottie started whining and scratching at my door…I don’t know, I could just feel something was wrong.”
I let out a humph in amusement, the corners of my mouth threaten a smile, but a lot of energy feels drained. “Jensen?”
“Yeah?”
“I know you’re supposed to work, but any chance you could get someone to cover? I think we both need a lazy day.”
I wait for her to say no, but instead she smiles. “Let me see what I can do.”
Chapter 14
Jensen
I’m not entirely sure what willed me out of my room. I slammed the door with such determination to not leave, but then with Dottie whining and scratching at the door—something deep in my gut told me I needed to swallow whatever of my pride was left and go check on Beck.
I could only hear his side and the end of the call, but the moment he went down to his knees my heart broke.
I know I shouldn’t take off today, but Beck was strong for me yesterday. Crush confession of this morning aside, I owe it to be here for him today.
Finally getting up from the floor, Beck snaps Dottie’s leash on. “I’ll take her out real quick.”
“I can do that,” I protest, but Beck holds a hand up.
“I think some fresh air will do me some good.” He raises an eyebrow. “Greet us when we get back?”
Well, at least his flirty side isn’t completely lost to me today. “Don’t push it.”
I stand rooted in my spot until the front door closes completely. Today has been an absolute ride. Frankly, I have zero clue what’s going to happen next.
A lazy day with Beck could be a step toward some very dangerous territory, but I can’t think of anything more I want to do today.
That is if I can get off work. Moving over to the couch, I pull out my phone and send a text to Mia.
I know this isn’t a good look considering I took off yesterday, but is there any way someone could cover for me today?
Mia
I can make it work. No worries, my girl.
Really? Are you sure?
Jensen, you’ve worked here the entire time I’ve been here and never called out once. I think you’re owed some vacation days.
Well, that was easier than expected. Not to mention, a good point made—I do deserve some time off. As tangled up as my stomach feels, I need this lazy day.
Shooting back up from the couch, I march right into Beck’s kitchen and start raiding the pantry and fridge. I pull out every possible snack and junk-ish food I can find.
For him being a pro athlete, I’m pleasantly surprised at the findings. An assortment of chips, cookies, a jumbo bag of Sour Patch Kids, Cheez-Its, some beef jerky sticks, Nutella, and the best find…
“No way,” I say, just as the front door opens.
“What the hell happened here?” Beck asks, looking at the stuff I’ve piled up on the island.
I shut the cabinet and hold the jar in my hand. “Beckham Daines has weed gummies in his kitchen cabinet. What would your coach say about this?” I fake judgment.
Beck laughs as he hangs Dottie’s leash on one of the hooks by the door. “He’d say it’s legal, and the offseason.”
