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“Don’t ever answer again, El. He doesn’t deserve you. And he sure as hell doesn’t get to make you feel the way you do now. No one should.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, meaning it. Looking back at the café, I see the firemen talking to Courtney and Jack, who must’ve been off duty tonight, and my stomach drops.
Tyler turns my face back to his. “Don’t worry about any of that, okay? Courtney’s got it covered, and she said it’s all okay. Don’t worry, sugar. Everything will be alright.” I feel like he’s told me that at least three times already, but I’ve yet to hear him or let it sink in.
“Okay,” I whisper, actually believing him when he says it. “I trust you.”
Those three little words are ones I’ve never said so honestly before this moment. And Idotrust him.
He’s been nothing but honest with me, and I think it’s our arrangement that has me feeling that way. There’s no pressure.
It’s just him, and me.
Relationships open the door for lies and deceit in order to keep the other happy or in the dark. But with us? There’s no need tonotbe honest.
“I know you’re in shock right now, but do you believe me when I say you’re too good for him? For anyone, really, including me.”
I give him a small smile. “I hear you. And thank you. It’s an exaggeration, but thank you.”
“It’s really not, sugar.” He smiles, but I feel a twinge in my gut, not liking that he thinks that.
Courtney walks over and stands next to Tyler. “Like you already know, there’s no damage. There wasn’t a fire. It was just smoke that set the alarm off. But you know all of this. I’m just repeating it so you’ll let it sink in. You’re okay. I’m okay. I don’t blame you. If I were to blame anyone, it would be that douchebag ex of yours. I do think you should take the day off tomorrow, though. Just breathe and relax. Got it?”
I nod once, but then Tyler says, “I’ll make sure she’s fine, Courtney.”
“Thanks, Ty.” She smiles, giving him a quick hug. “I have to go. Jack came to look things over, but since it’s all good, we’re going to head out after the Chief gives us the all clear.”
“Tell him he can call me for anything. I’ll have Ellie with me.”
“No. No, I’m fine, Tyler,” I assure him, not needing anyone to fuss over me.
“Just let me, okay? I finished the guest room yesterday, so you can sleep there if it makes you feel better.”
Courtney looks between us with a knowing smile. “I’ll let you two sort that out yourselves. See you intwodays,” she emphasizes. “Let me know if you need an extra day. I don’t mind.”
“I don’t–”
“No.” She holds up her hand, cutting me off.
“Fine,” I sigh.
Leaning down, she gives me a one-armed hug and kisses my cheek. “Just let Ty take care of you for a day,” she whispers in my ear, low enough that I know he can’t hear this time.
“Maybe.”
“Maybe what?” Tyler asks when Courtney straightens.
“Nothing. Mind your own business, Ty,” she tells him, giving him another hug.
She must whisper something in his ear too though, because he smiles and nods. “Got it.”
“What did she say to you?” I ask him when Courtney’s out of earshot.
“What did she say toyou?” he asks right back.
“Nothing.” I shrug.
“Then nothing for me, too.” He smiles. “I have to go check in with everyone, and then we can go.”
