Page 293 of Unexpected Heroine

Interesting timing. I was about to ask you something on that topic. Should we talk rather than text? I can step out to call you. And wipe that cringe off your pretty face.

Me:

How late are you working? All night?

My love??:

Unclear. Not all night. Some of the others are cutting out to get some rest and take care of shit at home. Want me to come over there when I’m done so we can talk?

I bite my lip, utterly desperate to say yes. I missed him two minutes after he left. I’d love to see him again tonight. However, I don’t want to upset the girls. There’s only one option. And I hate it.

Gritting my teeth, I type out my reply.

Me:

Sigh. Call me.

The phone rings a few seconds later.

“Hey, babe,” I answer on the first ring before I accidentally send it to voicemail out of habit or self-preservation.

“Hi, sugar bear. You okay?” His rich voice is a soothing balm to my phone aversion.

“I’m good. Did you get in trouble for being gone so long?”

“Nah. Klein gave me some guilt, but he got over it.”

I swallow around a lump in my throat, itching to get to the point but nervous about his potential reactions. “Babe, listen. So about my living situation...”

“I was gonna call you about that tonight. You go first.”

“Not sure if we’re on the same page about this. Keep in mind you’re under no obligation to agree to what I’m about to say. It’s a suggestion. A wondering. That’s all.”

“Quit stalling, sugar,” he teases, playfulness woven into his tone.

Welp. Like I did the first time he came in my mouth, I spit it out. “What are your thoughts on me moving in with you?”

The split-second I finish the question, he rushes out his response. “Yes. Absolutely, yes.”

My heart launches into my throat. “Really?”

“Yes. Immediately. How quickly can you pack?”

His joke is likely rooted in an honest question. And one I can answer without any lingering doubts.

“How about after group therapy tonight? That’ll give me time to pack and go talk to the coordinators to see about outpatient services. So let’s say... eight?”

I’ll also get to say goodbye to the girls at group, reassuring them I’m not abandoning them and will be back for outpatient care.

“During the days and perhaps some nights, would you be opposed to spending time here at Redleg? They’re converting some of the offices downstairs into bunk rooms, anticipating some people might not feel safe at home. Others might need to rest after working long days and nights. Would you be open to that? Not a ton of things to do here, but we can figure out how to keep you entertained. There’s a nice gym here. I’ll feel better having you with me while I work.”

“Hmm.” I tap my fingertip over my lips. “I hadn’t thought of that, but do you think Boss Dad would be okay with it? I don’t want to make it weird for either of you.”

His returning laugh goes straight to my nipples. “Sugar bear, if it were up to Big Al, he’d put all Redleg staff and our loved ones in bubble wrap, then stack us up in his office so he could watch over everyone himself.”

“That’s equal parts horrifying and hilarious.”

“To answer your question, he won’t mind. He’ll be happy about it.”

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