“You do not go into the building.” I start to protest. “I need to be thinking clearly and if I think you’re in there I won’t be able to do that. I need you to calm the residents down. They know you. Reassure them that we’ll handle this and they will have a place to stay in a few hours.”
“Okay.”
“Okay? You’re agreeing easily.”
I’m not going to fight with him about this. As he said before, there are more important things to handle right now. These families have nowhere else to go. I’m sure that they’re worried about their possessions also.
“Yes, now get going.” He grabs my face, laying a quick kiss on me before he gets out of the truck and runs towards the building. He meets up with another man and they both go inside together. I hop out of the truck and do as Abel asked.
I don’t know how long we’re there. The sun disappeared a while ago and now the moonlight is the only light we have. More workers have shown up, though, which should help. They brought some lights with them so that all of them could continue working.
I sit down on the concrete stairs out by the sidewalk. I’m exhausted, but the last resident is finally off to their new place. My feet are killing me. I have no idea how Abel is doing. I’ve seen him a few times but not for long. I just like knowing that he is okay.
“I can take you back to Abel’s if you’d like so you don’t have to sit out here.” I look up at Joel. He and I worked together getting all the details handled for the residents. Everyone started calming down once they realized not only was everything going to be taken care of, but they were getting put up in these swanky condos.
They are usually for businessmen when they travel for longer stays in the city, but anything is better than this place. Anyone who lives here is doing so because we don’t have many other options. This is going to be like a vacation to most of the residents. That’s how I’ve been looking at it anyway.
“No, I want to wait for Abel.”
Joel smirks. “All right, Pepper. Thank you again for all your help. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you again.”
“It was no trouble.” He gives me a wave as he heads down the sidewalk toward his car. As crazy as all of this was, I enjoyed being a part of a team. Everyone worked with one purpose together to get done what we needed to. It felt good. I am used to always having to do things on my own, so this was a welcome change.
I gasp when I’m lifted from the ground. “Abel?” I must have nodded off for a moment.
“Yeah, we’re going home.” I don’t have the energy or will to tell him it’s not my home. He sets me in his truck, even putting my seat belt on for me. It’s incredibly sweet. I lay my head back on the headrest as he gets in the truck, unable to stop looking at him. “Thank you for tonight. You were incredible. Not that I ever thought you wouldn’t be.”
“Thanks for letting me come. I was glad to help. Even if it means I have to go out with Chad. Seeing the relief on those people’s faces made it worth it.” I let out a long yawn. Abel doesn’t say anything, but I can feel the sudden tension in the air. “You can take me on a date.” I find myself wanting to soothe him. I don’t know why I’m enjoying his jealousy, but I am. “Or we could double!” I tease.
“Good idea.”
“I was joking.”
“I wasn’t.”
I scrunch my nose. Then he’ll have to bring a date. That leaves a sour taste in my mouth. Now I’m the one getting jealous. We can deal with the mess tomorrow. I let out another long yawn as we pull up to the house. Abel comes around the truck as I’m opening the door and takes my hand.
“You want a shower?”
I nod my head.
“Shower and bed.” He gives me a heated look as he opens the front door. “Use my bathroom. There are fresh towels in there. I’m going to check on Bear.” I nod, heading down the hallway into the dream bathroom. I’m almost too sleepy to really enjoy it. I’m going to need a do-over in the morning.
I towel-dry my hair before wrapping another one around me. Where did I put my laundry basket? I hold the towel tight as I step out of the room. I sit down on the bed, leaning back on the pillows waiting for Abel.
I was out the second I closed my eyes. Not just in Abel’s bed but pretty much naked too.