She sighed, shoulders sagging."I don't think I can eat."
"You need to try," he said gently.
He stood and offered her his hand.She took it.
He led her to one of the tables in the clubhouse, keeping his hand on her lower back, guiding her like she might float away from him if he didn't keep touching her.When she sat, he stayed close, his palm resting on her thigh, thumb brushing slow circles meant to calm her.
He kissed her forehead."Eat, and then afterward, I'll take you back to my place.We can sleep there tonight."
She looked up at him, eyes tired and unsure."I have to work in the morning."
"I'll bring you back to the diner in time," he said."Before Patty even turns the lights on."
She leaned into him, her head resting against his shoulder just as Baker returned with two steaming plates.Baddy slid one in front of her, nudging it closer.
"Just a few bites," he murmured."For me."
And slowly, Lydia picked up her fork.He glanced at Baker.The old man winked and backed away from the table.He'd get her fed and then take her home and make sure she was safe.
Chapter 27
Lydia woke with a jolt, breath catching in her throat.
For a moment, she didn't know where she was or what had woken her.The room was dark, quiet, and warm.Then she felt the heavy weight of an arm draped over her waist and the steady rise and fall of his chest pressed against her back.
Baddy.
She exhaled roughly, unable to shake the fear that wouldn't leave her thoughts, even in her sleep.
Carefully, she eased out from under his arm, holding her breath so she wouldn't wake him.He murmured something in his sleep and shifted, but didn't reach for her again.
She stood barefoot beside the bed, rubbing her arms against the sudden chill.Grabbing one of Baddy's flannel shirts out of the closet, she slipped it on over her naked body and crossed her arms to keep the material closed around her.
The house was silent except for the faint hum of the refrigerator down the hall.Outside the window, the night was deep and still, the kind of quiet that made her thoughts too loud.
She padded out of the bedroom and into the living room, so as not to wake Baddy.She pushed the curtain aside and gazed out the window.
