Page 120 of Hushed

“I was so worried. What happened?”

“It’s a long complicated story. We’ll talk about it on the flight back to New York.”

“You didn’t text me.”

He pulled her phone out of his pocket, and she gasped. The screen was smashed. “I did. You just didn’t see it. Seems Reggie got a little frustrated with whatever calls he was making.”

Kenzie winced. Her brother had disappeared into the Library to make his calls, and she was so focused on her research into New Orleans that she didn’t hear whatever he did to break her phone. “I’m really worried about him. He’s had several angry outbursts this afternoon.”

Gage rubbed her back. “We’ll replace the phone.”

“I’m not worried about the damn phone,” she snapped.

His stern expression had her regretting the tone. Gage didn’t deserve her anger right now. “I’m sorry,” she murmured. “I’m just scared for Reggie.”

He pulled her close. “I know. Me too, babe. But there’s nothing we can do right now.”

“Where is he?”

“Cooling off before he apologizes to you.”

She wanted to go to him, but Gage stopped her and pointed at the laptop. “What were you working on so intently when I came in?”

She gave him a sheepish grin. “I got an email from Kit about the grand opening of Solitaire Mansion. He invited us and said we could come to the club as his guests any time we’re in New Orleans.”

Gage hummed and pulled her close again. “Did he? That was thoughtful. Would you like to go?”

“Yes, please. I really would. The rabbit hole started on the club website and led to all the things we could do while we’re there.”

He cupped her jaw tenderly. “Then we’ll plan on it. Traveling with you is fun.”

He was avoiding the subject of his long absence, and Kenzie wanted to press, but he looked tired, and she didn’t want to upset him, so she just laid her head against his chest.

“Unfortunately, we need to get home and pack up. We’ll have to fly to New York tonight,” he said, breaking the silence.

“Why?”

“I told you, pet, I’ll explain everything on the plane.”

He kissed her nose again and let her go. “Pack up your things and meet us in the lobby. I’m going to go check on Reggie.”

The tone he used had her muttering Yes, Sir and picking up her backpack.

He stopped in the doorway of his office and looked at her.

“You’re a good girl, Kenz. Thank you for not pushing.”

She gave him a small smile. “You look tired.”

He nodded. “I desperately want to curl up with you and sleep.”

Before she could respond, he stepped into the hallway, and left her to pack up.

A knot formed in the pit of her stomach. Something was wrong.

And the stubborn side of her wanted to stomp her foot and demand answers, but the logical part of her brain told her that now was a good time to listen to Gage without being a brat about it.

He would tell her everything when the time was right. She had to trust that. Kenzie just hoped he got the chance before something terrible happened.

---