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It isn’t a far walk, especially so late in the evening, and I make it there within twenty minutes. Her lights are on, so I know she’s still awake.
When I knock on the door, Scotty answers, a bright smile on his face until he realizes it’s me. He’s lost his suit jacket and tie, the first few buttons on his shirt undone.
He’s too relaxed.
″Boss.” He steps aside quickly, allowing me inside.
Haley is sitting cross-legged on the couch, a tub of ice cream in her lap as she watches TV.
Her head turns to me, and she smiles, standing up. “Hey. I thought I’d see you tomorrow.”
″I was at O’Douls and thought I would swing by before heading home.”
She heads for me, ice cream in hand, and presses a kiss to my cheek. “Let me put this away.”
My eyes are trained on her as she goes into the kitchen, clicks the lid back on, then shoves it into her freezer. She opens the cabinet beside her fridge and pulls out an unopened bottle of whiskey. “Drink?”
I nod as she pours a glass for me, handing it over. “I stopped by the liquor store on my way home. Figured if you’re going to be around more, you might as well have your poison of choice at your disposal.”
″Thanks, love.” I take a sip, inhaling the scent of the drink. “It’s good. Peaty.”
She nods, smiling. “The guy at the store let me try a few. That one reminded me of you.” She heads over, wrapping her arms around my waist. ”I think you’ve come over smelling of it before.”
″Hmm. Maybe.” I don’t ever really pay attention to the whiskey I drink. I just know what I like and drink it when it’s around.
Scotty clears his throat and I notice him put his jacket on out of the corner of my eye. “Will you be long, boss? I’ll start guarding the truck.”
″No need.” I shake my head. “Just stopping by.”
″Stay.” Haley squeezes me tighter. “Please?”
I glance down at her, my thumb stroking her cheek gently. “I’ve got to be up early for a business meeting. Then I’ll be over to get you for breakfast.”
″Can’t you leave from here?”
I chuckle, setting my glass down on the counter. My finger runs along her jaw, before hooking under her chin. Lifting her head to glance at me, her eyes catch mine. “It’s not about where I am when I wake up. It’s about getting sleep. I have a feeling you’ll keep me up all night.”
She smiles, her eyes twinkling. “I’ll be good. I promise. Please? I didn’t have any nightmares when you stayed the other night.”
″Is that so?” I ask, kissing her. My heart cracks at her confession. The same is true for me, I slept better on the couch with her than I normally do alone in my bed.
I’m not sure if I can trust myself not to touch her, though. She’s too tempting for me, and our bodies being so close fucks with my head.
She continues to look up at me with large, begging eyes until I give in with a gentle sigh.
″Fine.”
She presses her face into my upper arm. “Thank you.”
Chapter twenty-four
Scottyisinthekitchen when I come downstairs, fresh coffee brewing in the pot. Callum snuck out while I was sleeping after he left me a text, telling me I needed to be ready for breakfast by nine.
8:30 in the morning, and I’m dressed and ready for my last day off before three twelve-hour shifts at the hospital.
″Morning.” I smile at Scotty and round the corner to take the coffee mug he sets on the counter.
He chose my favorite Army mug, and as I take a sip, I notice he used the hazelnut creamer from the fridge, also my favorite creamer. He’s been around enough to know how I make my coffee without even asking.
