But as we pulled up to the bookstore, the dark interior had me rethinking my earlier plans. Could I really leave her here while I went to the police station? It didn’t seem like a very good plan, considering.
Cass was out of the car and pulling her crutches out before I could stop her. As I rushed around to her side, she made a point of getting to the door before I could stop her. With her keys in the lock, there was no going back now. I couldn’t just drive off and kidnap her for another day.
“Home sweet home,” she beamed as she shoved the door open.
I followed her inside, flicking on the lights as I took in our surroundings. Nothing seemed to be out of place, but I walked through, checking the windows and locks before allowing myself to admit that she was probably okay here for a few hours.
“Everything okay?” She smirked at me as I walked out of the back room.
“Yes, it’s fine.”
“Nobody was lurking in the bathroom? Ooh, what about the closet? Did you check there?”
“Do you want to get your ass beaten?”
“Promises, promises.”
Her playful tone had me lightening up just a bit, but I was far from ready to walk away without being one hundred percent certain that she was safe here. Her jaw dropped as I pulled out my phone and walked over to the window, staring out into the street.
“What are you doing?”
“Calling JR.”
“For what reason?”
But I ignored her when he picked up on the other end.
“This had better be good.”
“I’m assuming you’re in town.”
“And I’m assuming you have a reason to call me other than to be a pain in my ass.”
“I need a favor.”
I could practically hear his teeth grinding in irritation over the phone. “Everyone needs a favor.”
“Cass is at the shop. I need someone to stay with her for a few hours.”
“So, hire a babysitter.”
“I need you, and you know why.”
Cassidy got in my face, hissing as she grabbed for the phone. “You do not need to send anyone down here to watch me!”
I turned, yanking the phone away, out of her reach. She tried to grasp it from my hand, but with her leg in a cast, it wasn’t like she could jump up and grab it.
“Look, can you at least send Josie?”
He snorted at me. “Seriously? You think I’m gonna send my wife to watch over your fuck buddy when she’s in danger?”
“Look, I said I wanted you. If you’re not willing to send Josie, then at least get down here and?—”
Cassidy ripped the phone out of my hands, turning away from me. “Do not come down here, JR. I am perfectly capable of?—”
I grabbed the phone, snarling at my wayward woman. “Just get your ass down here.”
“Only today. You’d better not call me tomorrow to do it again.”
