Page 25 of Sergeant O'
Not that I probably ever really had a shot anyway, but thanks to my big mouth, the likelihood of ever having a date with Jade Beaumont was now zero.
I used my crutches to continue to the guest room.
Hopefully my dad would come up with a plan to get me back to my house in the morning. Playing house with Jade was not as good an idea as I’d originally thought.
The reality had been so much better than I’d imagined. And it stung that I couldn’t really have it.
Chapter Twelve
Brian
A noise I wasn’t familiar with pulled me from my slumber.
And I didn’t remember the comforter being this soft.
Or vibrational.
It took me a second to realize Penny the Cat was curled up next to me in bed, purring.
At least her butt wasn’t on my face like Jade said it would be.
I ran my hand down the feline’s back and murmured, “Well, good morning to you, too,” then cast a glance at the closed door and mused, “How did you get in here, pretty girl?”
I’d seen videos of animals opening doors, so I supposed anything was possible. But if she’d closed it behind her, I’d be really impressed.
“Does your mama know you’re in here?”
I tried to listen for any sign that Jade was up, but it was hard to make anything out over Penny’s purring.
The kitty was so comfortable, I felt bad moving her, but nature called. I half-expected her to hiss and scratch me when I deposited her on the floor, but the look she shot me before running down the hall after I opened the door sufficed in letting her displeasure be known.
“I know. I’m sorry,” I mumbled as I crutched my way toward the bathroom.
After using the facilities, brushing my teeth, washing my hands, and running a wet comb through my hair, I took a deep breath as I gripped the vanity and looked at my reflection in the mirror.
“Okay, dickhead. Time for damage control. Be cool. Be charming. Let Jade know how much you appreciate her letting you stay last night. Offer to make her dinner sometime to thankher. And for fuck’s sake, don’t add,as friendswhen you suggest it!”
****
Jade
I lay in bed after I woke up and contemplated what I was going to do that day.
My original plan had been to go see Soph, but if Brian was staying at my house, it would feel rude to just leave him here alone.
But he’d said last night that he hoped to be gone in the morning, so I decided to pack a bag, just in case.
I’d let Lainey know that if worse came to worse, and it didn’t work out at Brian’s house with the media, he was welcome to come back and stay here without me. I trusted him.
He really was a good guy.
Plus, he could feed my cat.
I’d just finished making my bed when I got a text from Sophie.
Sophie: Please don’t be mad at me. They’re asking me to work this weekend. Normally I’d say no, but I’ve put in for a promotion, and I need to look like I’m a team player.
Me: I’m not mad—I totally understand!
