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“I’m not sure I’d call it freaking, I mean, we’re all entitled to have an off night, aren’t we?”
Resting his elbows on the arms of the chair, he brings his fingers into a teepee as he rests them on his lips. The intense glare he’s got going on right now is making me uncomfortable. “I worry about you, T. It’s not just tonight. I’ve seen it before. I think you’re getting burned out. You’re burning the candle at both ends, and it’s not doing you any good.”
“It’s my life, Croy. You know this. Just about better than anyone.”
“And you know that if you need anything for whatever reason you’re supposed to ask me.” I fall back into my chair, not answering him. “What was going on with that guy tonight? Why did I have to escort a customer out?”
“I really don’t know what to say to that. Phil lost his father a couple of years back. I guess I consoled him—I’m not sure since I don’t remember much. But I ran into him the other day when Sam and I were out, and the entire situation was strange. I don’t think he’s been around since that night his dad passed, but I can’t be certain. Then he showed up tonight, and if I'm honest with you, he puts off a vibe I want no part of.”
“And the other guy?”
I adjust myself in the chair, trying to get comfortable. “He’s from New Mexico.” I don’t go any further. That’s all he needs to know.
“We’re friends, right, T?”
“I’d like to think we were more than that, Croy. Besides Martha, you’re the only one that I can consider family.”
“If that’s true, then why the secrets? After all these years, why won’t you let me in?”
I tuck a lock of hair behind my ear before I answer. “You are in, Croy.”
“Where’s Sam’s father? Is it him?”
“Who, Hawk, no. He’s just from my past.”
“Who seems to now be part of your present?”
“Yeah, well, not really. He’s taking care of family stuff, and we happened to run into each other. That’s where he and I start and end. There’s nothing more to it.”
He takes a deep breath and nods. “All right. Get out of here and get home to Sam.”
Before I leave the office, I turn back around. “Are you still okay with taking Sam in the morning? Sarah has a paper due, and I really need to get some errands done since it’s my only day off. I shouldn’t be too long.”
“I already told you that I’m good with it.”
Making my way to the front of the bar, I see Hawk is still at the bar. The lights are up, making the room seem so much different. It really is a beautiful place. When my boots hit the wood of the dance floor Hawk turns around.
“You ready to head out?” he asks as he stands.
“What?” I duck under the bar and walk to where I keep my purse. Pulling it from the cabinet, I stand back up and throw the strap over
“I asked if you’re ready to head out.”
I shake my head. “You don’t need to keep watch over me, Hawk. I have my car outside, and I’m not far from here.”
“It’s not up for discussion, Tessa. Let's go.”
I concede, knowing that I’m not going to win this argument, and leave the bar. “I’m leaving, Croy,” I yell towards the back.
“I’ll see you in the morning. Careful going home,” he calls back.
My shoulders tense as soon as I feel Hawk’s hand touch my lower back. “It’s me, Tessa. I’ve touched you a hundred times.” His voice is quiet. He’s right, he has, but I’m not the same person as I was before.
I pick up my steps, making it to my car. “Here I am.” I open the door and slide in behind the wheel. Pulling the door closed, I’m stopped by Hawk’s hand.
“Look at me.” The command in his voice should scare me, but it doesn’t, it makes me feel the opposite.
Safe.
