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“I don’t think that’s your business or hers.”
His chubby cheeks form a patronizing smile. “I see this isn’t going to be easy. I understand you see this as intrusive, but please talk to Gage. Missy is filing an appeal. She was ill then and is making progress since she was diagnosed. We’re expecting Gage to fight her release. My daughter made a mistake and deserves to be free. Please pass the message on.”
I slowly digest his words and replay them through my head before answering, “I’m sorry, but I’m lost here. What happened?” I’m getting the sense that Missy isn’t in prison for a minor infraction like receiving too many traffic tickets.
His blond brows squish together. “You don’t know about Andy?”
I shake my head.
“I assumed he would’ve told you. Please relay the message.” He pulls two pieces of paper from his pocket and slides them across the table. “Here’s my business card and an incentive in hopes that you’ll convince Gage to hear us out. If you accomplish this, there will be more coming your way.” He smacks the table before getting up. “I’ll let you get back to your job, Miss Barnes.”
“Wait,” I call out, causing him to turn around and look at me. “Care to tell me who Andy is?”
His face falls—the first sign of emotion he’s shown since he interrupted my meal. “Not my story to tell.”
* * *
A hintof relaxation hits my body when I step out of the shower and tie a towel around my wet hair. My shift was long, hard, and busy. Hell, the last twenty-four hours have been long, hard, and busy.
Luckily, it kept my mind off Gage and Missy.
Her father was gone when I looked at the papers he’d left me. The first was a business card, as he'd said. It was simple—white with only a phone number and his first name. There was no associated business. The second item he’d handed me was a check from a law firm, not him, for five thousand dollars. His visit to my job was to bribe me to convince Gage to do what they wanted.
I was tempted to tear up the card and bribe money but decided against it. Not because I wanted the money, but because I was going to show Gage when the time was right. He needed to set the man straight that it wasn’t cool to have someone follow me around for their own shits and giggles.
I pad through the loft, barefoot, wearing only a towel, as I head to the kitchen for a glass of water and a snack. I snag a granola bar and am on my way back to the bedroom to get dressed, but a knock on the door stops me.
Gage is standing on the other side when I peek out. He looks as tired as he did this morning, now wearing his uniform with a five o’clock shadow covering his cheeks and chin. It’s not the time to talk about Missy’s scary dad. I’ll save that conversation for later.
He steps in as soon as I open the door and then leans back against it, arms crossed. I wait for the roaming eyes, given I’m in a towel, and that’s what’s to be expected when you’re half-naked in front of a guy you’ve had sex with, but Gage’s gaze doesn’t move away from my face.
“How was work?” he asks.
Got a visit from your ex-father-in-law, bribing me with money.
I shrug. “It was fine.” I shrug again. “Busy.”
He takes a step forward. “About this morning … and yesterday … and last night—”
I hold my hand up, stopping him from continuing. “I’m tired. Let’s talk about it tomorrow, okay?”
My answer surprises him, and I’m betting he’d thought I’d tell him to kick rocks.
“Yeah, of course,” he answers, running his fingers through his hair. “You still have the day off?”
I nod. “You?”
“Yes. How ’bout I bring you breakfast?”
“That’ll work but not too early. I’m exhausted.”
My response grants a small smile from the both of us.
He takes a step closer and hesitates, waiting for my reaction, but I slowly nod, giving him permission. His arms wrap around me, and it’s exactly what I need. I relax against him, melting into his warm chest, and rest my hands at the base of his neck.
His lips go to my hair. “Soon. I promise.”
I nod at his words, the top of my head brushing against his chin, and hug him tighter, closer, as a silent thank-you.
