“First of all, I don’t think you’re running anywhere,” I reply.
“And second?”he asks, arching a brow.
“Well, let’s just say I don’t want to lose my job because I didn’t take care of my boss’ friend,” I reply, only half kidding.
“Boss?I know Maddie, but I also know she won’t fire you over me.”
“Not her.Anastasia.”
“Anastasia?”
“Would you just unlock the door so we can get you inside?”I take his keys from his hand and unlock the door myself, then step aside so he can move in.I remain close, though, just in case he needs me.
“When did you start working at the coffee shop?”
“She hired me yesterday.Today was my first day.”
“Are you still working at the diner?”he asks as he takes a seat on the couch.Garrison runs both hands over his face and settles back.I try to ignore the way his shirt rides up just a bit, revealing a sliver of toned skin.
Why does he have to be so attractive?
“Yes.I work nights there.When was the last time you ate?”
“This morning?I had one of those breakfast sandwiches.Absolutely delicious, by the way.”He leans his head back and rests it on the couch.“Sawyer ate two of them, too.He slept on my couch,” he adds.
“Then left you alone all day?”I shake my head.“And that is not enough food.What have you been doing all day?Standing in that corner?”Did no one check on him?
“Sawyer has his shop to run.I’m fine.I just need to sit.”
“You should have been sitting all day.”I sound like a broken record at this point, but maybe one of these times it’ll sink in.He should be resting.Not up and moving around.
“I had some things at work to deal with.”
“No one else could cover?”
He looks up at me now, and a darkness passes over his expression.A haunted look that stops me in my tracks.“Not this.I promise you that I will be staying in tomorrow.And once again, I appreciate your help.I’m going to grab a shower, then go to bed.”But he doesn’t move.
I cross my arms.I should go.Leave him to whatever evening he has planned, but something keeps me rooted in my spot.
“Where is Sawyer?Is he staying here tonight?”
“Not tonight.”
“You shouldn’t be alone.”
He opens his eyes and grins.“You offering to babysit?”When I don’t respond, he laughs.“I’ll be fine.Shower, then bed.That’s all I need.”
“Youneedto eat.”
“I’ll be fine.”He flashes me a smile that’s meant to be reassuring, but only solidifies just how tired the man truly is.“Thanks for being there.Again.One of these days, I’ll have to make it up to you.I’d say we’re up to at least three lasagnas.”
Without waiting for me to respond, he pushes himself up off the couch, then heads down the hall with one hand on the wall to brace himself.I stare after him, trying to understand just what might have happened today that put that haunted look in his eyes.
Is it just that he’s so tired?
The sound of the shower turning on tugs my thoughts from what he might have had to deal with today and places them firmly on the fact that he’sin the shower.Heat rushes my cheeks, so I turn and leave his apartment, locking the door behind me and making a note to give him his keys tomorrow.If he’s truly not going anywhere, he won’t need them.Maybe this is the perfect way to make sure he does stay in.
“Hey, Mom,” Thomas greets without looking up at me.Controller in hand, he’s guiding a colorful car over a soccer field, trying to score points for the blue team.