Evans Creek Book 2: In Good Hands

Chapter 15

It was her first day back to work since she'd been sick, and then all of this happened with the man that she was almost sure was the robber. Ever since she felt him brush against her, she hadn't had a minute to do anything...except maybe at first to try and remember to breathe.

With a long, tired sigh, she tipped her head back against the wall and tried to let it all go.

"Suz."

"Hmm..." She blinked, and smiled as she recognized Rowdy.

"What are you doing here?" She stretched and almost fell off the little chair before she remembered where she was...and why.

"I fell asleep." She ignored the blush she felt creeping up at being caught. "It's been a really long night. Please tell me that they said it was okay to go home now."

Rowdy's answer was a smile as he held out a hand.

He remembered how she looked when he found her passed out when he dropped off the food. She'd fallen asleep sitting up then too. Only then, he had eased her down to the pillows and covered her with a fuzzy blanket that he found on the floor nearby.

Finding her asleep on the chair when he came out of the office...well, it did something.

Then she took his hand and gave him a sleepy smile.

Hallelujah! The butterflies were back!

"Suz!" Jack leapt to his feet as soon as she stepped from behind the bar. She hardly had time to smile at him before he pulled her into a bear hug that lifted her from her feet.

"Jack!" she gasped, "I didn't know you were here."

Jack set her down and threw Rowdy a dirty look.

Rowdy shrugged. "I told her."

"Oh," Suzie noticed the tension. "Rowdy told me that you came earlier, but I didn't know that you were STILL here. I thought you would have gone home hours ago... after you found out that I was okay."

"No. I...Are you going home?"

"Finally." She sighed. "Rowdy and Dennis were just about to walk me home."

"I stayed so that I could make sure you were tucked in safe and sound."

Jack still held her by the arms. She knew he was anxious for her, but she wished he would let go.

The way he was behaving reminded her of Mike...and none of the memories were particularly pleasant.

No.

Jack was worried sick about her. It was really sweet of him to stay. Mike never would have waited so long...not for her anyway.

"That was really sweet of you. But I'm okay. Really. I have a police escort so I'm safe and sound. Go home, Jack. Get some sleep." She saw the disappointment flash in his eyes, but then it was gone as he stood up straight. She added with a smile. "I pick up Brody in the morning, but maybe we can meet up in the park later?"

"I would like that...very much." Jack leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Goodnight, Suz."

"Goodnight, Jack." Suzie blushed as she watched him leave.

"Ready to go home?" Rowdy leaned down and whispered quietly as he took her elbow and steered her to the door.

"Miss Jones."

Suzie barely suppressed a groan as she turned around.

"I need to talk with you again. You'll want an update and I have a few more questions."