He nodded, then slipped his phone into his pocket. “I’ll leave the two of you then, but I’ll be in contact with you soon, Amelia.”
As Julian stood up, so did Amelia and Ben. Julian shook Amelia’s hand, then clapped Ben on the shoulder before he left them alone in the library.
“Ready to go home?” Ben asked. “Or did you want to hang out for a bit?”
Her shoulders slumped. “I think I should go home. I’m tired, and I still have work tomorrow. I’m sorry.”
He shook his head. “You don’t have to apologize. Never apologize for doing what your body needs. Never.”
“Okay.” She gave him a tentative smile. “I’m just a bit overwhelmed with everything, too. Do you think there might be something that could help with my pain? With the constant tiredness?”
“I don’t know,” he said, needing to be honest with her. “But we won’t know if we don’t try to see what’s available. If it’s out there, Julian will find it.”
They left the library and headed for the mudroom and the back door.
“Are your parents still around?” Amelia said. “I should thank them and say goodbye.”
“I have a feeling they’ve already gone to their suite. I’ll pass your thanks on to them.”
“Thank you.”
Ben put his shoulder holster back on, then led Amelia out the back door. Night had fully fallen, leaving the estate lit only by the lampposts placed along the roads.
Ben opened the passenger door of the SUV for Amelia, then circled around to slide behind the wheel. She sat with her head leaning back against the headrest.
Her whole body posture screamed exhaustion, so even though he would have liked to take a leisurely drive back to her apartment, he didn’t.
Amelia didn’t say anything as he drove along the winding driveway to the front gate. Once he was through it, he glanced over at her, surprised—but perhaps not—that she seemed to have fallen asleep.
Ben considered driving around with her, to let her sleep more. However, he was pretty sure that the best place for her to truly rest was in her own bed.
When they reached the apartment building, Ben slowly came to a stop along the curb. He sat for a moment, then reached out to touch Amelia’s hand.
“Hey, Lia. We’re here.”
She didn’t immediately wake up, so he rested his hand more fully on hers and squeezed. This time, her eyes fluttered open, and she looked around.
“We’re here already?” She straightened in her seat, and Ben moved his hand. “Did I fall asleep?”
“You did,” Ben said.
“I’m sorry. That was kind of rude.”
“Did you do it on purpose?”
She frowned at him. “No. Of course not.”
“Then it wasn’t rude,” Ben said. “Not that someone falling asleep is ever rude, really.”
Ben opened his door, flooding the interior of the SUV with light. Amelia blinked, then opened her door.
When he joined her on the grass next to the car, Amelia gave him a small smile.
“Thanks for the ride home.”
“You’re welcome.” He offered her his elbow. “Let me walk you to your door.”
She gave a huff of laughter, then slid her hand into the curve of his arm. “You’re such a gentleman.”
