Chicago Love ✔️

Chapter 70: Ready to Leave

Hailey takes a glance back at the condo, before shutting the door behind her with a smile. She never thought she would leave Chicago, but she was doing it for the right reasons. Everything was going to be okay.

She makes her way downstairs glancing at the back of Alex's truck which was filled with a bunch of different things that had just been at the top of those stairs. Her car was filled in the same matter, with her set to follow him on the drive down from Chicago to North Carolina. It was time to head home together. 

"Are you sure that you have everything you want and need right now?" Alex questions as he leans against the truck, only to earn a nod in response from her. Besides, anything she forgot, she could pick up when she visited or get Kim to mail down to her. She was not about to be a stranger. There was no way she could totally leave Chicago behind. She would be back once in awhile.

"There's really one thing that matters though," she answers as she walks up to him, wrapping both arms around his waist. She knew it would not get old getting to spend time with Alex, and this close to him. "Let's face it - I am going to be too wrapped up in your arms to care about anything in these vehicles." 

"Do you see me complaining?" He then leans in, easily taking in a kiss as he was not about to give up the chance to taste those soft lips against his own. "Let me tell you something - these kisses will never get old. I cannot wait to do that to you in each room of our home together every single day. Hopefully Finn doesn't get too jealous. He may be feeling as though he's missing out on all the love." 

"We both know that Finn loves me already, so that won't be a problem. He will probably be glad to have mommy around more often." Alex couldn't help but chuckle a bit as he knew she was right in those words. There were several times he would find Finn curled up against her, or wanting her attention over his. He actually adored it as he had always said that any girl he loved would have to pass the animal test. 

"So that's the true motive, right? You're just with me so you can spend time with Finn. I get it. He's good looking and charming. He gets all the girls and attention." Hailey laughs in response, even if she was shocked to see this type of comment slipping from his lips. There was no way anybody would believe that statement. 

"He's the perfect wing man for you, if that's what you're implying. He accomplished his task. Well, and I guess Jay and Erin for introducing us." Alex takes a deep breath at the mere mention of the name, the entire night before flashing through his mind. He could not shake every emotion he felt being at the silos. He could not shake the emotions he felt as he followed the directions asked of him. He could not shake the emotions he felt in hearing those words from Hank, or the barrel of the gun drawn on him. "You still never told me about last night by the way." 

"What is there to say? It was a great night hanging out with the boys." Alex kept telling himself that, and saying those would be the only words she would hear. He would only detail the time spent at the bar chatting it up casually with Jay. He would never go beyond that in the ride they took afterwards. "It was nice to have a chance to catch up with Jay before we head home. We just talked about things that have happened, feelings, and things we've missed. It was a much needed conversation. I hope you and the girls had fun together. Let's talk about tha-"

"Your tone changed as soon as I mentioned Jay's name. You also came home later than expected, a little frazzeled if you will. Jay seemed a bit quieter than normal. I am a detective, Alex, in case you haven't forgotten. You can't hide a secret from me." Alex takes a deep breath, now feeling like a bigger fool in thinking he could swing one over her shoulders. Furthermore, he also remembered how she hated a lier. But he couldn't betray the bro code that he and Jay had over what happened.

"You have nothing to worry about, okay? Everything went fine between us. I think you are just projecting your nervous energy." Hailey could not help but be a little surprised by the comment as she chuckles a bit in response. 

"You're not fooling me, Alex. I also know what Jay is capable of. I also know what he is capable of when he is around Hank. There's more to the story..." Alex glances down at the ground, debating where to say something or not. Why was she making this so difficult? He hadn't forced her to talk about what happened on her girl's night, so why was he getting the third degree?

"You just have to trust me. Things went a little different to plan, but it was fine. We all had a good time and got our messages across. You don't have to keep worrying or prying about it. There were some things that were said. We both know that Jay and Hank love you a lot. Jay emphasized that so I know who to look out for if I ever hurt you." Alex then places his hands on her shoulders, not believing he mentioned that out loud. However, what else was there left to say without the truth? "We both know that I will never do that, because I love you so much Hailey, and I can't wait to take you home officially with me." 

"I love you so much..." She then leans in, brushing her lips across. "Let's officially go home, Alex." 

Stay tuned for North Carolina Love as that is the next story in the series