Chapter 7 #3
“I’ll call you back,” Paul said, laughing at their banter. He ended that call and placed another to the police station. When the dispatcher answered, he asked for the officer in charge.
“Taylor,” a gruff voice replied.
“Hey, it’s Paul Martinez. They’ve got you working Sundays, huh?”
“I’ve got two guys out sick, so I’m holding the short straw. What’s up?”
“I have someone interested in buying the old school building and wondered if you have keys, since Town Hall is closed today.”
“Yep, I’ve got keys.”
“Any chance one of your guys could run them out there? Lizzie and Jared James are there now, and she’s eager to see the inside.”
“What’s she got in mind for the place?”
“An elderly-care facility, of all things.”
“Wow, that’s a cool idea.”
“My brother and I couldn’t agree more. We’re getting to the point with our mom that we’re going to need more involved care than we can provide at home. If this materializes, it would solve a huge problem for us.”
“I imagine it would. I’ll take the keys out there myself.”
“Are you sure? I could come get them if you’re busy.”
“No problem. I’ve got to do my rounds anyway.”
“Thanks a lot, Blaine. Appreciate it.”
“You got it. So I’ll see you next weekend, huh?”
“Yes, you will.” Paul was hosting Alex’s bachelor party next Saturday night. “Looking forward to it.”
“Me, too. Talk to you then.”
As Paul ended the call, Alex and Jenny came in through the front door.
“Hey, you’re up early,” Jenny said with a cheerful smile.
Paul was frozen in place as it dawned on him that he’d missed his opportunity to get Hope out of the house before they were caught together. Crap. “I, um…”
“Everything okay?” Alex asked as he peeled a banana while Jenny made coffee.
“Um, yeah. I’m going back to bed for a while. I’ll just… I’ll see you later.”
“Okay,” Jenny said.
Out of the corner of his eye, Paul saw Alex shrug at Jenny’s inquiring look. Yes, he knew he was acting strangely, but he had a good reason. Lately, Jenny had been dragging Alex to church on Sunday mornings. He could only hope today would be a church day.
He went back into his room, where Hope was still asleep.
Paul got back in bed, moving carefully so he wouldn’t wake her.
Listening intently to what Alex and Jenny were doing, he hoped to hear the shower go on or the car start or something to indicate the coast was clear.
But all he heard was the low hum of conversation.
Hope stirred, her legs moving before she turned, her eyes opening and widening at the sight of him. “Oh, um, wow. I didn’t mean to stay here all night.”
When she started to get up, he stopped her with an arm around her waist. “Wait. Alex and Jenny are out there.”
She fell back against the pillow, groaning. “I’m thinking of a four-letter word that I shouldn’t say, but it fits the situation.”
“I’m thinking of the same word.”
“And of course I really need to pee.”
“She’s been dragging him to church lately, so we may get lucky.”
“What time is church?”
“They’ve been going to the eight-thirty mass.”
She glanced at the clock and groaned again. “That’s in forty-five minutes, and what if they don’t go?”
“Let’s pray that they do.”
“Very funny. In the meantime, my bladder is going to explode, which is way more information than you need on our first morning together.”
“What can we do to take your mind off of it?”
“Find me a bathroom?”
“Next best thing?” He held out his arm and brought her into his embrace.
She rested her head on his chest. “Does this feel weird to you in the bright light of day?”
“It actually feels really good. Does it feel weird to you?”
“Just the part about being half-naked in a bed with my boss.”
“Do you think you’ll ever think of me as anything other than your boss?”
“I already do, Paul. That’s the scary part.”
“It doesn’t have to be scary.”
“Things like this never end well for me.”
Paul filed away that information to chew on later.
“And there’s a lot at stake. Your mom and her care, Ethan and how attached he’s getting to you, my job.” She shrugged. “This was fun, but I don’t think it should happen again. You know?”
“No, I don’t know. There’s nothing wrong with two consenting adults spending time together if they enjoy each other’s company.”
“If people could get hurt, there’s something very wrong with it.”
“I don’t want to hurt you or Ethan. I’ve come to care for both of you. All I’m asking for is a chance, Hope.”
The shower went on across the hallway, and the voices of Jenny and Alex disappeared when the bathroom door closed.
Hope sat up, reached for her top and pulled it on over her head. “They’re in the shower. I’m going to run home and change clothes, and then I’ll be over to get your mom up.”
“I can do that. Today is your day off.”
“I don’t mind.”
“Can we please talk about this before you run away?”
“Later. We’ll talk later.” She opened the door, apparently saw the coast was clear and darted out the door, closing it behind her.
Paul had to laugh at the irony. The first time he spends the night with a woman in longer than he can remember and she runs away like her ass is on fire the next morning. Great way to start the day.