Short, sweet, and effective.
After many long goodbyes, the empty house felt eerily silent.
While Madi helped Emily, I gathered the courage to ask Jamie, “Any objections to me sleeping on your couch?”
Jamie laughed—not a chuckle, a fucking literal laugh out loud—and shook his head with calculated deliberation. He leaned against the counter and crossed his arms over his chest. The Sheppard grin provided little comfort as he stared at me.
“Are you ready to admit you’re in love with Madi?”
I was, but Madi wasn’t ready to hear it. Not that it was any of his business. When I admitted my love aloud for the first time, it’d be for Madi’s ears only.
Instead of answering, I deflected.
“It’s not about that. We don’t have any new leads on who’s stalking Madi, and your hands are full.”
“Are you saying I can’t protect my family?”
I’d clearly struck a raw nerve.
“No, I know you can. I’m offering to help so you can focus on your wife and newborn babies.” I held my hands up as if surrendering. “If you don’t want my help, say the word.”
A high-pitched cry disrupted the uncomfortable pause.
“You know what? You’re right, I could use the help.” He shook his head as another cry reached us. “But Madi needs to agree.”
“You take care of your kids. I’ll handle the rest.”
Jamie’s smile spread across his face. “My kids.” His voice trembled with awe, like he still couldn’t believe it was true.
There was a better than fifty-fifty chance Madi wouldn’t agree, but I wouldn’t know unless I asked.
After he left for the twins’ room, I helped myself to a cup of coffee and called Doug.
I wanted to know if Jamie had updated his system like Jack had.
Doug reassured me that Jamie’s system was as sensitive, if not more so, than Jack’s.
I’d sleep better at night, knowing that.No matter where I am.
“Thanks, man.”
Doug asked, “Are you there now?”
“Yeah. I’m hanging around to help out.”
“Kissing the boss’s ass so he doesn’t give you grief about his sister?”
“Et tu, Doug?”
“Sorry. But it’s not exactly a secret that you’re head over heels for Madi.”
“Who told you that?”
“You did, every time you looked at her.”
Was I wearing a fucking neon sign?
Wanting to admit my feelings to Doug even less than I wanted to tell Jamie, I said, “It’s not a secret because we’re just friends. There’s nothing to tell.”Liar.
