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I stop walking to check my pocket. “I’ve got them. Why?”
“You forget them a lot, and I’m going to bed, so …”
“Why are you being weird with Leanne?” I blurt the question before he can finish explaining.
He trails off and turns around to look at me. “I’m not sure what you mean, but if you tell me in what way you think I’m being weird, I’ll try to answer.”
He waits, and I sigh, leaning against the railing. “You’re not feeling anything.”
“That’s not unusual.”
“It’s not unusual for you, sure,” I mutter. “But it’s not how you felt the day we met, and it’s not how you feel when we touch, or kiss, or talk about the future.”
“Some days I really don’t know what the fates were thinking, sending me an empath for a mate.”
It’s a joke, really, but he says it with affection, and I can feel that love that he has for me.
So, he’s not having an emotion free day. Those are days where he basically acts like a robot, going through the motions until eventually he passes out cold in bed. They’re not super common, but they’re definitely a thing with him.
“They were thinking you need someone in your life who can tell how you’re feeling. Someone who can look after you. You don’t exactly tell us when something’s wrong, E.A.”
I don’t think he always knows when something is wrong.
He can’t tell when he’s working too hard.
I can’t count the number of times I’ve found him passed out at his desk or standing up next to the back door of the office, head against the wall, snoring.
Setting him a regular bedtime was one way to solve that problem.
He’s not even sticking to that tonight. It’s early. He’s not leaving because he’s tired.
“Nothing is wrong, Echo.”
“Then why are you leaving?”
“It’s been a long day, and I’m burnt out,” he admits. “I know you get mad when I ignore signs that I’m tired and this is like that. I need to rest.”
“You’re not leaving because of Leanne.”
He shakes his head. “I know you probably want her to stay over. That’s a good idea. I just can’t stay up with you all tonight.”
“Okay,” I let out a sigh. “If that’s all it is, I hope you feel better in the morning.”
I move up a step and he leans in to kiss me.
It’s the faintest of touches, but it’s enough to reassure me.
“I’ll see you in the morning,” he says.
“Night, E.A.”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Toshi
There’s an awkward silence when everyone else leaves, and I feel strange about filling it. Leanne’s been sitting close to Echo and Spencer all night, and she’s been reacting warmly to Echo. I’m a little jealous, if I’m being honest, and I’m not completely sure who it’s directed at.
Leanne gets a cup of water from the dispenser and sips at it as she walks back to the desk.
