To my complete lack of surprise, it didn’t.
I went downstairs to get another coffee, then nearly tripped on a step as the phone beeped from my pocket.
Hayden: Yes, you could pick me up from work. Thanks.
I waited just long enough to think my response through before sending.
Me: Thank you. I’ll see you at 5:10.
Quickly changing into nicer clothes, I raced across town, giving Glen a happy thumbs up on the way by.
I rolled up in front of her building at exactly five, then immediately checked the tracker. Craig’s car was parked at his mother’s house, where it had been since this morning.
Standing in front of my car, it was actually hard to keep my hands and feet still. I had never been one to fidget before. Hell, I’d been out on surveillance jobs where I had to sit still as a stone for hours at a time.
It was fascinating how much Hayden rattled me. Oddly, that told me yet again that she was the one for me.
I watched as her coworkers filed out one by one, then Hayden came out, closing the door tightly behind her.
It was almost painful not to reach for her as she came toward me. Yet I had to somehow find a way to be the calmest version of myself ever.
“Hi,” I said. “Would you like me to drive you straight home? Or I would love to take you out for dinner – either at a restaurant, or my place. Your pick.”
“Why don’t we just sit in the car for a minute?”
“Sure.” I opened the door for her, and she got in without bothering to put on her seatbelt. That implied that she might not stay, which made me even jumpier.
I got in, then turned to her, smiling as gently as possible. “I sent Julian a list of people who would be perfect for that job, and officially turned it down.”
Hayden’s bottom lip began to tremble. “But what if we don’t work out? Won’t you be disappointed that you didn’t take the job?”
“Not in the slightest. I like it here. I think I was just toying with the idea because I felt like I needed a change in my life, and Julian was adamant that he needed me.”
She finally looked over to me, those big bright brow
n eyes melting my heart.
“The only change I needed in my life was you, Hayden.”
She looked uncomfortable, so I quickly added, “Of course, having a stalking case again was also a bit of excitement.”
Hayden’s head swiveled and tipped as she stared. “You actually enjoy those cases?”
“I do. I hate that women have to deal with them, of course. But it’s satisfying to really help someone. A lot of my work is simply protecting things. Electronics, expensive artwork, jewelry and money. Giving a person their privacy back is important.”
“So you’re positive that Craig can’t say nasty things to his dad about me?”
I shrugged. “I mean, he could. But his dad has practically disowned him, so I really don’t think it would make a difference. Plus, now he knows that I’ll kick his ass.”
Finally she smirked slightly. “Thank you for that.”
“You’re welcome. Anytime. But I know there won’t be a next time.”
Her giggle was a great relief. “I thought he was going to pee himself.”
“So did I. I actually stepped back so I wouldn’t get any on my shoes.”
Hayden sputtered a laugh, then clapped her palm over her mouth.