“Josh, stop that shit. We’re at work, goddammit!” Sophia says, rising from her chair, but Joshua doesn’t seem to listen, still standing chest to chest with Del Moro, clenching his fists. “Clay!” Sophia yells over to the register, but I can’t take my eyes away from the stare-off.
The next second, Clay turns me to him to check in. “You all right?” I nod, and he then stands beside Joshua, arms crossed. “Easy, Josh. These fine gentlemen were just leaving, weren’t they?”
My worries ease a bit now that Clay’s here, making the playing field even and trying to defuse the tension, but Del Moro pushes away Joshua’s hand, causing Joshua to step even closer, their faces inches apart. Clay places a hand on each of their shoulders, urging them to step back. He glares at Taylor and growls, “Get your partner in line, or he’ll get both of you rookies fired.”
Taylor nods, grabbing Del Moro by the collar. “Let’s go,” he urges.
Del Moro shoots me a final glare as they leave and spits on the floor near Joshua’s feet.
I am grateful that the cafeteria is only occupied by a few other people, mostly office or lab staff, given their lack of uniforms, and they all return their attention to their meals after watching our little show.
The whole encounter leaves me trembling. Del Moro is a sick fuck, but this whole thing just escalated way too quickly. If wecarry on like this, there could come a day when Clay and Josh get in trouble for defending me.
“What the hell, Josh?” Clay asks with a concerned frown.
“What were you thinking?” Sophia chides.
Instead of answering, Joshua turns and pulls me into a hug. “You okay?” he murmurs, his voice muffled by my hair.
“I am. I’m sorry,” I breathe out, trying to pull away, but he holds me tighter, his body trembling, and I wrap my arms around him in response.
“No one will ever hurt you again,” he promises, planting a gentle kiss on my head.
“I know,” I reassure him, rubbing his back. “You’ll make sure of that.”
After a few deep breaths, he releases me. By now, Clay sits next to Sophia, and plates of spaghetti are set out on the table. “Feeling better?” he asks, looking at Joshua, who simply nods.
He guides me to the opposite side of the table, and once I’m seated, he pulls my chair closer to his. Without another word, he begins to eat, and I follow suit.
THIRTEEN
Last night was quiet,even when we got home after work. Sophia remained distant, retreating to her room.
She told me she was happy to have me back, so what is the issue then? Everything was fine for Christmas, and now it feels like she’s actively avoiding me. Maybe I am too self-centered, and it has nothing to do with me, but even then, why wouldn’t she tell me what is bothering her?
I am determined to talk to Chiara about keeping Sophia’s house clean, but she told me she’s spending the night at Monica’s, so we’ll have that conversation another day. The last thing I want is to jeopardize things with Sophia because my little sister can’t pick up after herself.
With all the doubt and worry circling about me, I was relieved when Xander texted to invite me to watch a movie with him. I was never good at being alone, but since I always have had one of the guys around me, it’s nearly impossible for me to be alone with my thoughts. Which has been a blessing.
Having so much free time now that I don’t work at the bar is strange. I always dreamed of being lazy, listening to music, sketching, or watching a film. But with all this newfound time, Ifind myself overthinking things. So I prefer to keep myself busy and with company.
Xander ended up choosing a documentary on fishing. I’m not sure why, but he was fascinated during the whole thing and watched while holding and massaging my feet. It has already started to feel like a new normal. Just him and me, enjoying a relaxed evening together while the others are at work.
We are getting more comfortable with each other by the minute, and the growing closeness doesn’t help my crush on him one little bit. The way he looks at me with his big gray eyes, how his large hands squeeze my calves, how he chuckles at something funny on the television with his deep voice, well, let’s just say I am in trouble. At least this time, I manage to stay awake until Joshua and Clay get home, though it is a struggle to keep my eyes open. So I’m more than happy to go to bed when Joshua asks me to sleep in his room.
I promptly slide under the covers while he takes a quick shower, and the sound of running water lulls me to sleep.
This morning,Sophia texts us that she’ll be bringing bagels, coffee, and tea for breakfast.
“Mm… morning,” I greet Joshua as I stretch and roll over to face him.
He slides his hand over my hip, grabbing my ass and pulling me closer. “Good morning, my Carolina.”
He looks sleepy, his hair disheveled, and I reach out to push it out of his eyes, making him smile. My thumb wanders down to his dimple. “I’m going to take a quick shower but don’t wait for me. See you downstairs,” I say, kissing him on the nose and slipping out of bed.
Joshua groans, and I peek over my shoulder to find him watching my ass as he rubs his erection. “Busted,” I tease.
“Woman, you are cruel,” he accuses with another groan.
