“Never.” Polly didn’t look at him as she locked the back door then returned to the counter.
Before going over to her, he checked the office and bathrooms for anyone who might be there who wasn’t supposed to be. For signs that an unwelcome visitor had stepped into her café. Polly didn’t seem to notice what he was doing.
The place was empty. But that didn’t stop the churning in his gut.
When she still didn’t meet his gaze, he stepped forward. “Polly?—”
“If it’s okay, I’d prefer you didn’t tell anyone about that. About my panic attack, I mean.”
He tilted his head. “There’s nothing wrong with needing help.”
“I know.”
“But I won’t tell anyone.”
She swallowed.
“Do you need a lift home?” He inched closer again, like he needed to be within arm’s reach.
She shook her head. “No. But thanks.”
He shot a glance over his shoulder before looking back at her. “Polly, I think someone locked us in.”
Her eyes flared, then she shook her head. “No. It was the wind. The door blew shut and the lock caught.”
She had to know that wasn’t possible.
“Polly—”
“You should go.”
He didn’t want to leave her. Not after what had just happened. But he also couldn’t force anything.
He took another step forward, not missing the small hitch in her breathing. “I’m glad you’re okay.”
She nodded, but the move was jerky.
Finally, he forced himself to step away. To cross to the front door. He’d just touched the handle when Polly called out.
“Joel.”
He glanced over his shoulder.
She was fiddling with the edge of the counter, face still pale. “Thank you.”
He smiled, because he knew that must have taken a lot. “I’m not the asshole you think I am. You need me, I’m here. Anytime.”
She gave him a little frown.
One more smile her way, and he left. But when he reached his truck, he didn’t leave.
That basement door couldn’t have closed and locked on its own. Not with the weight and lack of wind. Someone had locked them in. He would wait until she finished. Maybe even tail her home to make sure she was okay.
But one question repeated in his head…why had they been locked in?
4
Polly heated the milk in the pitcher, Joel on her mind. He’d been on her mind for days. No matter how hard she tried to push him out, he was there.
