Page 92 of Sergeant O'
The plane had just leveled off when I finally let myself breathe. Getting to the airport had been smoother than I’d expected, thanks to Alan’s friend on the Cape Cod P.D. No flashing lights, no scene, just a quiet ride and a low-key escort until we got to the security line.
Brian’s hand had been touching me in some manner the entire time. Now he sat quietly with his eyes fixed on the row ahead, his jaw tight and shoulders stiff.
It was obvious something was bothering him.
“Alan’s friend was great, huh?” I said, trying to draw him out.
“Yeah,” he answered, but his voice was distant.
I reached for his hand on the armrest and squeezed. “Hey, you okay?”
His fingers tightened briefly around mine before he let go. “It’s probably good we already agreed this was temporary,” he said, still staring straight ahead. “The sooner the attention dies down, the better for you.”
I nodded, even though his words sliced through me. What happened to wanting to date once we got back to Haven Springs?
I felt stupid for thinking he’d meant it. I couldn’t believe I’d even let myself consider it.
I turned toward the window so he wouldn’t see the sting in my eyes. “You’re right. It’s for the best.”
My tone was even, but my throat burned, and I bit the inside of my cheek to keep it from showing.
The seatbelt dug into my lap as I shifted, and I forced myself to look out at nothing but the lights on the ground below. If he noticed the way I pressed my nails into my palm, he didn’t say a word.
I hated that a part of me wanted him to argue, to take it back. But he didn’t. He just sat there, silent, and I kept my eyes on the window until the flight attendants came by with drinks.
I asked for water, and he ordered coffee. But neither of us touched them.
The rest of the flight passed in silence.
When we landed at Charleston airport, Adam was waiting at the curb in his Bronco. He waved us over, and Brian looked around tentatively before walking toward his friend.
Thankfully no one started snapping photos as Adam took Brian’s bag and popped it in the back while we climbed inside, me in the back with my backpack, and Brian in the front passenger seat.
“Do you guys need to stop anywhere while we’re in Charleston?” he asked once he was behind the wheel.
I replied, “I don’t,” at the same time Brian said, “Not unless Jade does.”
“Haven Springs it is,” Adam said as he pulled into traffic, his eyes flicking to the rearview mirror. “Just so you know, Angus has the guys on high alert. Anybody hanging around town who doesn’t belong? They’re getting stopped before they can breathe wrong. Haven Springs isn’t Cape Cod—you won’t have anyone hiding in the bushes here.”
Brian nodded. “Good to know.”
“Where am I taking you guys?”
Brian didn’t hesitate. “We need to drop Jade off first.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Adam glance over at him, surprised, but he simply replied. “Got it,” and looked back at the road.
I stared out the window as we got on the expressway, my hands tight in my lap. If that’s what Brian wanted, fine. I wasn’t about to let either of them see how much it hurt.
I shifted closer to the door, keeping my gaze on the blur of billboards and trees outside while Brian and Adam talked about Alan’s cottage and the Cape. I barely registered what they were saying, I just wanted to get home and put this week behind me.
I’ve survived worse than this, I reminded myself. We were doing exactly what we agreed to. I had no business being upset that Brian kept us to the deal.
Adam turned onto my street and slowed as he approached my house. Before the Bronco even rolled to a stop, I had the door open.
“Thanks for the ride, Adam! Give Lainey and Conor a kiss for me,” I called out cheerfully, then leaned forward just enough to catch Brian’s eye, forcing my tone to remain chipper. “I had fun! Thanks for letting me tag along!”
He unbuckled his seatbelt, but I shook my head quickly, still smiling. “You don’t have to get out. I’ve just got my backpack.”
