“Yeah?” I whispered, proud that I sounded almost normal.
“Do you want me to leave?” His voice was low, quiet. And he had moved closer. He was right behind me. I shook my head, and then I jumped, when his hands slid over my shoulders, and he stepped up close.
“What’s wrong, little angel? Did I do something to scare you?”
I shook my head again, leaning back against him, letting his strength support me for a moment, his hands massaging my shoulders lightly.
“Talk to me, please. I’m worried that I’m pressuring you, or crowding you, or something.”
He kissed the top of my head, and more tears spilled down, my breath hitching in my throat.
“Jesus, are you crying? Please, please don’t cry. What can I do?”
I tried to pull away, but he wrapped his arms around my front, holding me against him.
“Shhh… it’s okay, it’s okay… it’s my face, isn’t it?”
I couldn’t help the unexpected giggle that erupted then, and then I cried some more. He turned me in his arms, and pressed me against his warm body.
When his phone buzzed in his pocket, he groaned.
“You should get that.”
He didn’t let go. “They can fucking wait.”
I started pushing against him. “It might be important.”
“Fuck!” He finally released me, and pulled his phone out. “Oh god. No… not now…”
He scrubbed a hand over his hair. “I’m so sorry, Julie. I hate to cut and run right now. It’s urgent.”
“Is everything okay?”
His face said hell no, but he nodded. “Don’t worry, little angel. I’ve got this.” He kissed my forehead, and rushed out of my house like something was on fire. Oh god… like Harvey’s shop. What if there really was something bad like that going on?