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They took a few more deep breaths, then she leaned her forehead on his huge bicep. Finally, her heart calmed and her breathing evened out.
“I’m sorry,” she croaked. He lifted his arm and draped it around her, pulling her close to his side. Jeez, he smelled so good.
“Don’t apologize,” he said softly. “Just relax. Are you thirsty?” She nodded, then a straw was at her lips. She took a small sip, sighing at the sweet taste of Sprite. “That happen a lot?”
“It used to happen more.” She nestled deeper into his side, his arm a comforting anchor around her.
“Why did it just happen?” His voice was low, soothing. Coaxing.
“Overwhelmed.”
Jeez, it was dark in here. Why was it so dark?
She forced her eyelids apart, and winced at the brightness. Okay, not dark. She just had her eyes shut.
“Overwhelmed by my questions?”
“Mhm.”
She shut her eyes again, sighing at the sweet darkness.
“I won’t do that again,” he murmured, and she yawned. Why was she so tired? Maybe because she hadn’t been able to sleep last night. And her anxiety from the day. And the panic attack.
It was a lot.
“Just rest, pretty girl.”
“Need to go home,” she mumbled. “Ottie.”
“I’ve got you. Just rest.”
eleven
So this isn’t how he saw his day going. He definitely didn’t think he’d be a makeshift pillow for this girl, but here he was in the middle of the diner, blocking her from view with his body as she cuddled into his side.
He didn’t want to wake her, but knew she’d probably be embarrassed as shit when she was more alert later. But this felt so right. He stroked her silky hair as he stared down at her, watching her lips press together before relaxing.
“Abbie?” he whispered. She didn’t stir. How out of it was she?
He should’ve known better than to bombard her with all those questions. He was overwhelmed himself, he couldn’t imagine how she felt. This wasn’t a normal situation, which is why he wanted to figure it out. He wanted to have a plan. That’s who he was.
He was so far out of his fucking depth, it wasn’t even funny.
“Pretty girl,” he cooed softly, only loud enough for her to hear. “Want some grilled cheese?” He tried to keep his touch gentle and coaxing, wanting her to wake up, but she barely stirred. “I have a surprise for you too. But you have to eat your lunch.”
That got her attention.
He knew the moment she was fully awake because her little body stiffened. She jerked away from him, and he tried not to take it personally. He’d be freaked out too if he were her.
“Sorry,” he said gruffly, moving to slide from the booth. But then her smaller hand rested on his tattooed wrist, and he paused. He stared at it, at their contrast.
What the fuck was he doing?
His gaze lifted to hers and she sucked in a breath as she stared back at him. There was so much he wanted to say, so much he wanted to ask. He wanted to make things clear between them, but after what just happened, it didn’t feel right to bombard her again.
“I didn’t mean to do that,” she muttered, and he dipped his chin.
“It’s alright.” But she shook her head at his words, her brows pinching together.
