“Liam…” I whispered, swallowing the lump in my throat. “I love having you here. I don’t want you to go, but only because I’m enjoying your company. I don’t need protection at work. I’ll be okay.”
“Be safe. Heat up the lunch we brought, and stay inside the library? Please?”
“I will. Don’t worry about me. Go ahead.”
“I’ll be back as soon as I can. If I can’t make it back before closing?—”
His concern wrapped around me like a blanket, even if it was a bit much. “Stop it. I’ll call Juliette or Nicky for a ride. I’m fine.”
With a resigned nod, Liam squeezed my hand and hurried out.
Immediately missing him more than was reasonable, I followed him to the doorway under the pretense of greeting the kids coming in, and watched the muscles flex in his broad back, his thick thighs, and his tight butt as he jogged away.
Turning back into the room, a chill ran through me as my attention caught on the contractor standing outside the construction area, his cold, blue eyes on me.Dan.I’d been uneasy around him before, but just my usual. Never like this—never so sharp, so intense.
An ugly feeling twisted in my stomach. This was exactly what I was afraid of. I loved having Liam here, but the second he left and I was on my own, I was jumpier than usual.
I forced myself to smile at Dan before I hurried in and welcomed the class with an overly cheerful greeting. I read them a book about a hungry bird named Gerdie and they made bird feeders, and then I headed back to the circulation desk.
“Jenna,” the same construction worker said as he strode toward me, his long gray ponytail swinging with each step. He stepped up to the desk and rested his forearms on it, leaning toward me.
Every muscle in my body went stiff, but I smiled. “Dan, right?”
“You remember me,” he said with a too-bright smile.
I gave an awkward chuckle and took half a step back, straightening a pile of books to keep my hands busy. Anything to do besides look at his icy stare. “Can I help you with something?”
“I’ve been waiting for you.”
“What?” My eyes shot up before quickly dropping back down to the books.
“The paint you requested isn’t available. I tried to get a color that’s close, but nothing seemed quite right.” He leaned closer. “Come with me to the paint store.”
Heck no. “I can’t, I’m working.” Damn, I hated the tremble in my voice.
“We’ll only be gone for a few minutes. No one will even notice,” he said, his tone smooth and coaxing and terrifying.
“Sorry, I can’t leave during work. I’ll look up some similar colors online and let you know.” Not bad. I managed to sound almost normal.
He scowled. “Listen, I’m not repainting the room if you don’t like the color. Let’s just go.”
A flicker of fear ran down my spine, but I drew in a steadying breath and tried to lock onto a professional tone. “Thank you for your concern, but I’m not leaving the library during my workday. I’ll go to the store later and give you the name of a paint color tomorrow.”
He stared down at the desk for a long moment before he looked back up at me with a half-smile that didn’t reach his ice blue eyes. “I’m sorry, Jenna. I just don’t want to mess this up. It’s obvious how much thought you put into planning this room, and I respect that. I know how important it is to choose the right color. My nephew has autism, and he’ll love this sensory room. I can’t wait to bring him here when it’s finished.”
That was nicer…maybe? Latching onto the hope that it was sincere and the doubt was just in my crazy head, I nodded. “Thank you. I hope he’ll love it. I’ll give you a color tomorrow.”
He looked back down at the desk again and smiled. “Okay, thank you, Jenna. I’ll see you later.”
I stood frozen to the spot long after he walked away. I sucked in a calming breath and saw that my hands on the desk were shaking. Was there any chance he missed that?
With my hands still shaking, I tapped out a text as quickly as I could.
Me: So much for a day off. Do you guys want to come here after work?
Nicky: What about a day off? And yes! I need to tell you what an ass Luca’s dad was. I’m so pissed
Me: Liam was called in to work. Dylan, too?