He pulls out his phone and hands it to me. But when I reach for it, he catches my hand and holds it, his thumb brushing over my knuckles.
“No police,” he commands.
I huff. “Fine.”
He lets go, and I take the phone, unlock it, and call Leah. Her number being one of the few ones I have memorized.
She answers on the second ring. “Hello?”
“Leah, babe, it’s me.”
“Nadia! Oh my God, are you okay? What happened last night? We were so worried…”
“I’m fine, honey.”
“Where are you? I keep calling but it goes straight to your voicemail.”
“I’m sorry, I dropped my purse. And I’m… with Zak. The guy from last night.”
There’s a pause. “The hot guy you left with?”
I let out a nervous laugh. “Uh-huh.”
“Girl, you went in there trying to prevent me from getting hitched!”
This time I laugh. Oh, God, it’s good to hear my friend and get some semblance of normal. “I’m fine, I promise. It’s complicated, but I’m safe.”
She harrumphs. “Do you need me to come get you? You know I’ll come right now.”
I glance at Zak, who’s watching me, listening to every word.
I roll my eyes before returning my attention to my conversation, my gaze fixed on my lap. “No. I’m good. I’ll call you later and explain everything.”
“Okay… if you’re sure.” She doesn’t sound convinced.
“I’m sure, babe. Thank you. How’s married life?”
She giggles. “Amazing. George is perfect.”
“I’m happy for you.”
“I’m happy, too. And I really hope you’re good.”
“I am. Promise.”
“Okay, call me? I want to see you. Make sure you’re really alright.”
“Okay, I’ll see you soon.”
“See you soon, friend.”
I hang up, then call the clinic to let them know I’m dealing with a family emergency and need a few days off. Thank God, my supervisor is understanding. When I’m done, I hand the phone back to Zak.
“Good?” he asks.
“For now.”
We drive in silence for a bit. I’m hyperaware of him next to me. His presence. His scent. The way his thigh rests only a couple of inches from mine.
