Page 88 of Cupcake of the Month
“Mr. Lukasik.”
Josh’s weariness swept away when the security officer called his name, but the man approaching him wasn’t escorting Zach. The fatigue returned, pressing over his entire body. They’d been searching for hours. “Yes.”
“Your brother hasn’t entered the airport, near as we can tell, and there are no more flights heading out tonight. We still have people watching the cameras for him, we’ve got undercover FBI agents here, and everyone on duty knows to keep an eye out. All the airlines have a picture for their attendants.” He patted Josh’s shoulder. “You’re plum exhausted. Why don’t you check into a hotel, get some sleep, and start fresh in the morning.”
“No.” Not without Zach.
“You’re half asleep already, Josh,” Jordan said. “Let me take you to a hotel.”
“I’m not leaving. He has to know I’m here for him, that I’m not going to abandon him.” How could he sleep when he didn’t know where Zach was, what he was doing?
“Mr. Lukasik—”
“Josh.” Jordan’s soft voice cut through his determination. “Only for a few hours. We’ll be back before the sun rises, I promise.”
Her words filtered into his heart. He’d listened to her instincts earlier when they went to the police station. She’d been right then. She was right now. Except…
Shit. “Jordan. Your case. You have to get on a plane right now.” How could he have forgotten? He turned to the security officer. “Do you have any planes flying to Connecticut?”
“Josh, it’s fine.”
“I won’t be the reason you lose your business.”
“I already talked to my lawyer. Now stop yapping and let’s go get some sleep.” She took his hands. They were warm against his cool skin. “Okay?”
Her clear gaze gave him a measure of calm and he gave a quick nod. He turned to the security officer. “You’ll call me if you see him?”
“That very minute. Zach will be okay, Mr. Lukasik.”
There was no way he could know that, but Josh nodded. He didn’t resist when Jordan took his hand and led him through the sliding doors and into the darkened night. There was nothing more he could do until tomorrow.
The hotel nearest to the airport had a dingy exterior, as if it was a continuous target for a plane’s exhaust and jet fuel. Even with the plastic plants in the corners, the lobby didn’t fare much better. Josh was too cross-eyed to care.
Jordan reached for her wallet, but Josh laid down his emergency credit card and dared her to say something. It was bad enough he had to rely on her for transportation, that she put her life on hold and was going to miss her court date. She had given up too much for him already. He could pay for a damn hotel room.
He got the key from the clerk and lifted Jordan’s carryon, ignoring her squawk of protest, and headed to their room.
Their room.
“Fuck,” he muttered. After all he said to her last night, why would she even consider spending the night with him? He wouldn’t give her the choice, the chance to reject him. He turned to go back to the lobby, nearly crashing into Jordan who was two steps behind him.
“What’s wrong?”
“We need a second room.” He was so damn tired. “You don’t need to share with me.”
“It’s okay, Josh.”
“You can’t mean that.”
Her brown eyes peered at him through her glasses. Funny, he’d never thought glasses sexy until he met her. But it really wasthe woman behind the frames. She put her hands on his arms. “I mean it. There are two beds, right? We’ll be fine.”
The warmth of her skin rippled up his arm, but he forced down any thoughts of enjoyment. “If it’s because of the cost, I can afford another one.” He’d live off ramen and peanut butter sandwiches for a few months, but he’d make do.
Her mouth tightened. “It’s fine, Josh. I want to be there when you get the call. We’re adults. We can share. Let’s go.” She brushed past him.
The room was like any other generic hotel room. Rough industrial carpet, seascapes on the walls, large windows, and the requisite noisy air conditioner. Two full-sized beds. He wouldn’t have to sleep in the uncomfortable chair parked beside a table too small to be of much use for anything.
Not that he’d be sleeping much with Zach out there somewhere, alone. Maybe hurt. Hungry.
