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“They sure do,” he answered.
“They’ll give up.” She hoped it was soon. She knew the door was locked, but it was still unnerving to have someone trying to get in. Using one hand, she stepped into her jeans and pulled them up. For some reason, she felt more self-confident in her clothes.
“You don’t sound convinced, Sage. I’m on my way.”
“TJ, no. You’re fifteen minutes away.”
“Ten.”
“Only if you make the lights.”
“Who’s stopping for lights?”
“They’ll be gone before you get here.”
The banging came again. Sage hated to admit it, but part of her hoped TJ would ignore her protest and get over here.
“Open the door,” the voice shouted.
“Let’s order pizza,” a second voice said.
For some reason, there being two people out there made her feel less fearful.
She moved a little closer. She considered calling out to tell them they had the wrong place. It was impossible to know if that would make things better or worse. She really didn’t want them to know she was inside.
The doorknob rattled, and she backed away, staring at it.
“I’m driving now,” TJ said, and she jumped at the sound of his voice.
She’d forgotten she was holding the phone to her ear.
“She changed the lock?” the second voice asked.
“Key’s busted,” the first voice said on a slur.
“Keys don’t break.”
“Should I tell them it’s the wrong place?” Sage whispered to TJ.
“No. Do any of your rooms lock?” TJ asked.
“Just the bathroom.”
“Go lock yourself in. Keep talking to me.”
She wanted to argue. She didn’t want to barricade herself in the bathroom. She didn’t want to admit she was in genuine danger.
“I gotta… Where’s the tree?” the second voice asked in clear confusion.
“What tree?”
“That big, fat… Whoa, man.”
“What?”
“You got the wrong house.”
Sage all but sagged in relief.
“I don’t… Well, crap on that.”
“They’re figuring it out,” she said to TJ.
“Go into the bathroom anyway.”
“Is this even the right street?” the second voice asked.
Sage wanted to shout no. It wasn’t the right street. They should go find some other street to stagger down.
“We are so wasted,” the first man said.
“Two minutes out,” TJ told her.
“It sounds like they’re leaving.”
“Are you in the bathroom?”
“I’m listening to them walk away.”
Their footfalls and hollow laughter faded.
Sage realized her legs were trembling, and she backed up, sitting down on her brown armchair. A car engine sounded outside and went silent. She knew it was TJ.
“I’m here,” he said into the phone.
“They’re gone.”
“Can you let me in?”
“Yeah. Sure.” She tried to stand up. “Just give me a…” She pushed on the arm of the chair with her free hand and managed to get to her feet to cross the room.
“It’s me,” he said through the door.
For some reason, that final assurance meant a lot to her.
She opened the door.
“Hey,” he said, his concerned gaze gentle.
“Hi.”
“You okay?”
She nodded, stepping back to let him in.
He pocketed his phone and touched her shoulder. “You sure?”
“Yes. I’m good.”
He smiled as he eased her phone from her ear and gingerly removed it from her hand to end the call. Then he wrapped his arms around her, enveloping her in a reassuring hug.
It felt indescribably good, and for a few moments she simply closed her eyes and leaned into his strength.
He smoothed his palm over the back of her hair. She knew she should break away, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it.
“You scared me,” he whispered. Then he ducked his head to press his cheek against hers.
The contact was electric. Desire raced along her skin, flushing her with heat.
He stilled, and she could hear his breath hiss out.
He was going to kiss her. She could feel it with every fiber of her being. And she was going to let him. She was going to kiss him back.
Her phone rang in his hand, startling them both.
“That’s not me,” he said unnecessarily. He drew back and held the screen for her to see.
Sage’s heart sank. “It’s the hospital.”
CHAPTER FIVE
“It’s an infection,” Dr. Stannis said.
Eli was asleep, looking pale again. TJ hated the sight of the new yellow-colored bag hanging from his son’s IV stand. It was a stark reminder of the setback.
