Page 48 of The Closed Off Captain

I cross my arms, hugging my iPad to my chest. “Try, Trent.”

He sighs. “Maybe a week.Maybe,”he stresses. “And that’sonlyif he continues to let it completely rest. But even then, we will only start physical therapy. It could be a lot longer.”

“But there’s a chance it could only be a week longer,” I push.

“Yes, but it’s a chance. A small one, Chloe.”

“I’ll take it. Make it happen, Trent. If anybody can, you can.”

He makes a sound. “You better be glad I like you. I wouldn’t put up with this from anybody else.”

“You know you love me,” I call out over my shoulder as I walk towards the door.

“Don’t let your fiancé here you say that,” he says.

I laugh. “It’s fine.”

“No, seriously.”

I turn around, taking in the serious look in his eyes. “I know there’s nothing between us, Chloe, except that we’re good friends and co-workers. But your fiancé doesn’t seem to get that.”

I narrow my eyes. “What did he say?”

He laughs humorlessly. “He didn’tsayanything. Does he ever?”

“What did he do, Trent?” I ask in a voice that’s not to be ignored.

He shakes his head. “Don’t worry about it; I’m just giving you a heads up.”

“What did he do, Trent? Don’t make me ask again.”

“Bye, Chloe,” he says and disappears into the back room.

I head back to my office but make a mental note to track Gunner down later and find out what he didandgive him a piece of my mind. The rest of the day disappears, and I never track Gunner down. When I finally finish for the night, it’s dark, and only security is here. Gunner texted me hours ago that he had an interview to do, so he took off. I mentally make a note to watch the interview and see if people are finally moving away from the whole Jenny thing. My stomach growls on the way home, but I don’t stop. I want to just get home; I’ll find something to eat at home.

The drive isn’t too bad going home since it’s well-past rush hour. I listen to my audiobook and try to start unwinding from the day. A million things for tomorrow night’s game crowd my mind, but I make myself focus on my book. When I finally pull up in front of my condo, I park and release a big sigh. I’m happyto be home. I grab my bags and head to my front door. Before I get there, a voice stops me.

“Excuse me.” I pause and turn at the sound of the female voice. This a pretty good area and well-lit, but living by myself makes me wary of people I don’t know. I take the woman in, but I can’t see her very well. There’s a streetlamp a few houses down, but it doesn’t cast enough light where we’re standing. Besides, the woman is wearing a ball cap pulled low over her eyes. An uneasy feeling has me shifting my weight and taking a step backwards. “Are you Chloe Liessman?” the woman asks. She pulls her big coat around her, and I watch her carefully, checking to make sure I still have my phone in my hand.

“Who’s asking?” I neither confirm nor deny.

She laughs, but it’s anything but happy. “Never mind. I know you’re her.”

I narrow my eyes on the woman, trying to figure out what she wants. “Can I help you?” I ask in a voice that’s not exactly welcoming.

“Yes. Yes you can. You can stay away from Gunner Coftman.” Her words are fierce, but the shakiness to her voice betrays her. My eyes drop to her stomach, the one she’s holding a coat around. It’s hard to tell in the dark, but I would bet my life on the fact that she’s the one that’s made Gunner’s life a trainwreck the last few weeks.

“You’re Jenny Prenderson.”

“Listen,” she starts.

“Why are you here?” I cut her off.

She lifts her chin. “I came to tell you to leave Gunner alone and make him do the right thing with Jenny and his baby.”

My smile feels brittle. “You obviously don’t know Gunner that well if you think I can get him to do anything.” I’m ready to tell her to get off my property, but another plan comes to mindinstead. My smile grows, and I twist the ring on my finger. “I’m so glad you showed up.”

Chapter 23

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