Page 88 of Stay With Me

“I’m scared,” she whispers. “Not for me but for her. What if this person hurts her?”

I don’t want to give her false assurances, so I say the only thing I can think of. “I’m sure Ben is working hard to find the person, and her staying with him is probably the safest place for her. I’m gonna talk with her and try to convince her to tell everyone at the station—all three shifts—so we can all be on alert. I know she works A shift, but there’s an overlap between all of us. I think I can convince her, though I might have to resort to manipulation.”

Emilyfinallylooks up at me, her tear-stained face showing her confusion with her creased brow and squinted eyes.

“You’re my secret weapon and I’ll use her love for you if I have to. I might have to go heavy on how upset you’ll be if something happens to her. Everyone knows you’re Trina’s weakness. She’d do anything for you.”

“I know,” she whispers. “I’d do anything for her, too.”

I swallow the lump in my throat as Emily rests her head on my shoulder.

“So, do this—stay with her at Ben’s or with Shayna on nights I’m working—for her. Do it for me, Em. We need to know you’re safe.”

Several seconds pass in silence, until Emily mutters a resigned, “Fine.”

I kiss her on top of her head and lean my head back against the wall, relief washing over me.

I could never forgive myself if something happened to her because she was here alone.

CHAPTER33

EMILY

It’s the last Sunday before school resumes for the year. My classroom is ready, thanks to Charlie using one of his days off to help me, and I’m eager to meet the new group of kindergarteners that will be in my class this year.

As a last hurrah to summer, Charlie and I are heading over to Meadow Creek today for brunch at the new Ma and Pop restaurant that just opened there. Then we’re going to hike and explore the state park.

I’m excited to be out with Charlie somewhere we don’t have to hide that we’re together. If that means we have to go to Meadow Creek, so be it.

But I really want to tell Trina what’s happening. The other night just didn’t seem like the time.

We’ve been driving for about ten minutes, and I’m working on getting us some jams playing over the speakers.

When I choose Taylor Swift’s new album, Charlie rolls his eyes.

“You’re so predictable,” he teases.

“Would you rather I put my audio book on?” I’m grinning to myself because Charlie woulddieif I played my book. Yesterday, I walked around the lake picking blackberries to make cobbler while Charlie fished, and I stopped my book right before the second steamy scene. It’s all queued up and ready to play.

“Whatever you want.” He’s watching the road closely as it’s curvy.

Let’s have some fun.

I flip the audio over to my book and lean back against the door, my body angled so I can watch Charlie’s reaction.

The deep bass of a male voice thumps through the truck speakers:“Chapter Five. Good Girl.”I grin as Charlie flashes me a quick glance, one eyebrow raised halfway up his forehead.

“My hands shake as Jonah approaches me, a predatory gaze in his eyes. I feel my panties getting soaked as he looks my body up and down. When he’s mere inches from me, his hard cock pressed against my belly, he asks, “How do you want to be fu?—”

Charlie’s eyebrows fly up almost to his hairline and his eyes bulge. “Christ, Emily. Put Taylor Swift back on. Please.” His ears and face flush a bright red.

I press pause on the audio book, laughing and damn proud of myself for the effectiveness of my effort to make himwantto listen to my music.

“What?” I feign innocence. “It’s our book club selection this month. I have to have it done by Friday.”

“You ladies are a bunch of pervs.” Charlie’s mouth suddenly falls open. “Is this the book you listened to while you picked blackberries yesterday?”

“Yup.” I emphasize the “p.”

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