I grabbed his hand before he could move toward the bar. “I’m fine. If I didn’t handle it right, I’d rather know.”
Jack leaned forward, kissing my forehead. “You handled it just right. Just like you do everything. You’re perfect, Hailey.”
My eyes widened as I stared at him. He stepped back, rubbing at that wonderful nose.
Sean clapped a hand on his shoulder. “I’ll sit with her while you finish closing up.”
“Right. Okay.” His eyes moved around the bar, and I let go of his hand. My eyes followed him as he moved over to the tables, starting to stack chairs.
Sean took the empty barstool. “He’ll calm down now that he’s got something to do. He’s just working through some feelings.”
“Oh. Is he mad I called you and not him?” I winced, remembering I had promised Jack I’d call. “I only called you because—”
“Nah, he’s not mad about that. He’s glad you called and that you’re safe. We both are.”
I nodded. With the adrenaline spike wearing off, my exhaustion weighed on me heavier than before. I leaned toward Sean, resting my head on his arm and closing my eyes.
“You’re okay here. We’ve got you. Rest until the cops come.”
Jack was just finishing up when they arrived. There were no blaring sirens or anything. Jack had Edgar watching out for them, and they followed him inside. I sat up straighter, too tired to overthink giving my statement. Sean shared the picture of the license plate.
When they were gone, Sean rose to his feet. “You should stay here tonight. The cops said they’d take a look around, but he could be anywhere along your route watching. Might be even more pissed.” He cupped my face, tilting my head up. “Besides, you’re dead on your feet.”
“I’m really tired,” I admitted, missing the warmth of his hand when he pulled away. I looked toward Jack, who still stood by the door. “Are you okay with me staying?”
Jack nodded. “Yeah, that seems best for tonight. Do you need to call Neil and let him know?”
“I—” The word cracked, and I swallowed. Saying I didn’t even think he’d notice would give Jack that look, the one that made his jaw tight. “I’ll text him so he won’t worry,” I said instead.
Jack nodded.
I pulled out my phone.
Me:
Staying with a friend.
It remained unread.
Sean bumped his fist against Jack’s arm when he passed. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
Jack locked up behind him and crossed to me, holding out his hand. “Let’s go up so you can sleep.”
I took his hand, letting him lead me toward the Employees Only door. He switched off the lights behind us as we went, leaving only the stairwell lighted as we made our way up to his apartment. I moved to the side once we were inside, toeing off my shoes near the front door. His space was as tidy as the last time I was there, with the magazine stack not even out of order.
“You haven’t seen the bedroom yet,” Jack said, moving toward the hallway past the small kitchen. “You can take it tonight. I’ll—” Realizing I wasn’t following behind him, he turned around, his forehead creasing.
I lowered myself onto the gray couch. “The couch is fine for me.”
Jack walked back toward the living room. “Don’t be stubborn. You’re getting the bed.”
The idea of curling up in Jack’s bed, the sheets smelling like him, was way too tempting. I lowered to my side on the couch, curling up my legs even though they had plenty of room to fit, and closed my eyes. “Too late. Already sleeping.”
I could hear his sigh from across the room. His footsteps returned slowly, the cushion near my head dipping. “Fine. Fall asleep. I’ll just carry you in there once you’re out.” His hand stroked my hair, setting off tingles in my scalp.
I opened my eyes, staring up at him. “Now who’s being stubborn?”
“Maybe,” Jack murmured, continuing to sift his fingers through my hair.
