While I don’t think Hal is like that, I can’t risk it. Not when I’m barely holding on as it is.
And I know Hal has probably only been spending so much time with me because he wants something from me. Now that I’ve told him I can’t give it to him, he’ll probably disappear.
Despite how hard I’ve been trying to keep my distance from the five of them, I know I haven’t really been successful. It’ll hurt like hell when Hal decides he doesn’t want to hang out with me anymore.
I start to hyperventilate at the thoughts of relationships and disappointing Hal when I’m suddenly lifted up.
Hal takes my place on the workbench and gently sets me on his lap. He wraps his arms around me and crushes me to his chest. I’m too lost in my mind to even enjoy the contact.
“Hey, wild girl, it’s okay. Shh, baby, it’s okay,” he rasps into my hair over and over as he rocks me back and forth for who knows how long. When I start to calm down minutes or hours later, he presses a gentle kiss to the top of my head and whispers, “I’d be the happiest man alive if you just let me be your friend. I don’t need anything more than that, okay?”
My lips part in surprise at that. Of all the reactions I thought Hal would have, telling me he’d be happy just to be my friend wasn’t it. I don’t know why I’m so surprised, though. Hal has been nothing but kind and understanding since we met. I could definitely do worse for a friend than him.
“I think I can do friends,” I croak as I cautiously peer up at him.
Hal’s face lights up, like I just told him he won the lottery or something. “Really?”
My lips twitch up slightly at his enthusiasm. “Really.”
He grins down at me. “That’s the best news I’ve ever heard.”
While he’s trying to seem upbeat, I can see the worry in his gaze. He clearly wants to ask about my little freak-out but isholding himself back. I’m thankful for it because I don’t think I could answer any questions right now, even if I wanted to.
I roll my eyes at him. “I’m sure you’ve heard better news before.”
“Nope. Never have. So, now that we’re friends, will you stay for dinner tonight? As friends, of course. It’s the least I can do after Az kidnapped you and dragged you out here.”
I open my mouth to refuse, but he gives me puppy-dog eyes that instantly shatter my resolve. I sigh. “Sure, Hal. I’ll stay for dinner.”
He’s practically vibrating with excitement as he leans down to plant a kiss on my forehead. Then he gently sets me down next to him and hops up. “Awesome! How ’bout we go upstairs so you can relax a bit before dinner? It’s been an eventful day, with Az kidnapping you and all.”
I snort and hop off the bench to stand next to him. “Sure. What’s upstairs?”
He intertwines his fingers with mine and starts leading me out of the back room. Over his shoulder, he explains, “It’s where the five of us stay when we have business in the city or just need a break from everything. Everyone’s here today, so we can all hang out together.”
My heart thumps excitedly in my chest at the thought of seeing the rest of them. As much as I try to tamp down on the excitement, a small smile still spreads across my face.
Hal pushes through the door and holds it open for me. We’ve only taken a few steps when we almost run into a person I never expected to see here.
CHAPTER 16
LARK
“Coop?” I ask in surprise.
His ocean-blue eyes widen on me before his face scrunches in confusion. “Baby S? What are you doing here?”
“It’s… a long story. What are you doing here?” There’s no way I’d ever tell Coop that Azrael kidnapped me or anything close to it. He’s always been protective, but that’s kicked up a notch or ten since everything happened.
There’s every chance he would hunt Azrael down and try to kick his ass. Azrael’s quite a bit taller and bulkier than Coop, so I don’t know that Coop would succeed.
His lips tilt up in a wry smile. “I work here.” He points to the Davenport Cycle Repair logo embroidered on his chest. It’s then I notice that he’s wearing the same blue coveralls that Hal is. “How’d you get here? I haven’t seen your bike around.”
“I brought her,” Azrael rumbles from behind me.
I wince at the anger in his voice, knowing he’s probably pissed that I ignored him earlier. Here I was hoping I could leave before I ran into him and that girl again.
Coop notices me shrinking back, and his expression turns thunderous. He gently grabs my wrist and pulls me behind him, his large frame blocking me from Azrael’s view.
