“I’ll work on my content.” He chuckles. “So, Erin, tell me about yourself.”
“Me?”
“Yeah, Bookworm,you.”
Why does that name make my insides glow?
“I, um…I work for Wishes and Bones Publishing House,” I say, thinking that talking about work is a safer topic than others.
“Wow. That’s one of the biggest publishing houses in the city. Impressive.”
“Says the NHL hockey player.”
His eyes are laced with gratitude, yet he remains humble, keeping his attention focused on my job. “Do you enjoy working there?”
“I did. Now, not so much.”
“How come?” he asks.
Dropping my gaze, I stare at his leftover fries that now look a little soggy. “There was an incident with a co-worker last month. He got a little physical and…”
“He hurt you?” Chase’s voice is even-tempered but hard, a storm barely held back.
I shake my head. “I managed to break free with a quick knee to the crotch. I didn’t mean to hurt him. I just needed him off me. I ran when he was on the ground, pulled the fire alarm, and found a place to hide until help came.”
“Good girl.”
His praise hits me with the softness of a gentle embrace, acting as two solid arms that wrap around me, offering comfort. There’s no judgment in his eyes, just understanding and quiet depth that makes me feel seen.
“It was my?—”
“Don’t.” He leans forward, cutting me off, but doesn’t reach for me. “Don’t blame yourself for what that asshole did. His mistakes are not yours, Bookworm.”
His kindness is a whirlwind of emotions I can’t contain.
“Thank you.”
“Does he still work there?” Chase asks.
“Wess was suspended with pay. Whether or not he’s let go depends on the outcome of the investigation. My boss offered me paid time off for three months at the start of June just to take some time for myself because of what happened,” I explain. “But I don’t want to go back. I’ve been looking for other jobs and have an interview next Friday. If I don’t find an alternative, Angela expects me to be back in September.”
“You’ll find the right thing. I’m sure of it.”
“So, Jack played for your team?” I ask, hoping to steer the conversation away from me.
“Yeah, he did,” Chase says, nostalgia creeping into his tone. “My dad and Jack’s dad went to college together. They were bestfriends and never left Huxley Bay. Jack and I were the same. We pretty much spent our entire lives together.”
For a moment, a flicker of sadness crosses his eyes, but it’s gone as quick as it comes.
“He was…a brother, ”Chase says, his voice thick with emotion. “His absence is a pain I don’t think I’ll ever get used to. But I’m trying.”
“I’m sorry for your loss. I’ve heard people talking about him all night and they’ve had nothing but great things to say about Jack. He sounds really special.”
His head bows for a moment, and I’m worried that I’ve upset him, but then he looks up at me and his expression lightens.
“He was. Thank you.”
And then his phone buzzes on the table. A couple minutes later, mine does as well. I reach for it, unlocking it with my passcode.
