The surrounding crowd is still loud and lively, but right now, it’s as if they have stilled. Mark’s throat bobs as he shuffles aside without hesitation.
Logan turns, allowing me to lead like he had by the bathroom, and I feel him following close behind me. Only when we’re outside does he hold out his hand. “Give me your keys.”
My eyes widen as I stare at him. Not sure if it’s shock or admiration for what he did for me. “Thank you, but that won’t be necessary. I’ll just call an Uber—”
“I’m driving you. Give me your keys, Sora.” His words are demanding, but the only thing I hear is my name as it rolls off his tongue.
I clamp my mouth shut, dropping my keys into the palm of his open hand. A silence falls upon us as we begin our jaunt home. I lay my head on the cold glass window, staring out.
“You still haven’t gotten your new tires.”
His observation takes me by surprise, but it’s been what? Days. Give me time, buddy. “It’s definitely on my to do list.” Once I accumulate money. Going from dirty rich to barely making ends meet is a lifestyle change. But new tires will be first priority. I think.
Logan grunts beside me, making a right down our street and his truck comes into view. Crew must have driven them tonight.
Outside my car, I stroll toward Lana’s steps, only to stop when I hear Logan answer a phone call. I want to thank him. Not only for driving me, but for helping me back there. He’s a crutch I didn’t know I needed.
He tells whoever is on the line he’ll be there in ten. Girlfriend? No. It’s likely a customer requesting assistance. That is his job.
“I need to go. You gonna be okay?”
I nod. “I’ll be fine. Thank you… for tonight.”
He halts with his hand resting on the driver's side door frame, and his shirt lifts giving me a perfect view of some of his strong torso. “Sora?” He says my name in question, and I meet his gaze. “If he touches you again, tell me.” Without giving me a chance to respond, he gets in and drives away. The chains on the tow rattle into the distance.
The air is thicker, chillier, but my body heats in places I don’t think possible. I blow out a huff of breath.
Logan is naturally intense.
When I go to unlock the door, the tall wooden oak slinks open, beating me to it. My muscles lock up, sending a sickening swirl in the pit of my stomach.
I know I locked it before I left.
The kitchen is dark with zero movement or noise, so I continue inside, advancing with measured steps.
Maybe it’s a faulty lock, or I did just forget to lock it. But that meant I never pulled the door shut either. There is no way.
I flick on the light. Nothing appears noticeably touched. No obvious sign of burglary. I make my way upstairs, checking the bedrooms and bathroom. Good here too.
Okay.
Everything is okay.
There might have been a break-in, or it’s just my imagination. I’ve been on edge and the stress is taking a toll.
My sleep outfit is soft against my skin and after gulping down water and aspirin, I tuck myself into bed.
Tomorrow is always another day.
Seven
The aroma of coffee in the morning is pure bliss. Lana already has a pot brewed and ready to go for the day. She was always a morning person but also a night owl. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen her sleep.
“Hey, you.” She halfheartedly smiles, playing with the buckle of her jean overalls.
“Hey, you. How was the rest of the night?” I yawn, wishing I would have just gone to bed instead of the pub.
Lana’s body collides with mine, sending me forward. Her small body devours my back as her delicate arms wrap tightly around my torso. “I’m so sorry, Sora. I am so sorry. I wish I would have kicked Mark in the balls.”
