Page 90 of A Sin So Pure

“Don’t apologize. I told you I’d whisk you away if you needed. The offer wasn’t limited to dancing,” I say. “You want to crashupstairs? I baked cookies earlier and can put on a pot of tea once I’m closed out down here.”

“No, I couldn’t do that—” She launches from the wall, a red mark on her forehead where it was resting against the brick.

I roll my eyes.

“I’d be glad for the company. I’ve been having a rough go of it too. I’ll tell you about it. I could probably use your advice.” I cross my fingers over my heart. “Honest.”

Josie nods, and I send her upstairs with my key before helping Leo and my staff close the night out.

When I go upstairs an hour later, Josie is already asleep, one arm hanging off the couch and the other thrown over her eyes. A half-eaten cookie sits crumbled on the table next to a full glass of water.

I shake my head. She’s going to wake up with a hangover for sure.

I grab a blanket from the basket next to the couch and drape it over her. Josie stirs, a deep sigh filling her chest. I freeze, hoping I don’t wake her, but when her lashes flutter, I know I’ve failed.

Sleepy brown eyes squint up at me, little crow’s feet dancing at their corners.

“Caught me,” I whisper, dropping the blanket over her.

“Hey,” she says, yawning.

Josie sits up, blinking away her nap. She’s got this tiny pout when she glances at the coffee table. My lips twist, holding back a giggle.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen sleepy Josie before.

“Scooch,” I say, pushing at her legs.

She pulls them up to her chest and under the blanket, allowing me room to sit. I throw my legs up on the table and let out a breath, sinking into the cushions.

“I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“And I didn’t mean to fall asleep,” Josie counters. “Downstairs all closed up?”

“Yep.”

“Nice.”

“Yeah.”

A beat of silence passes between us.

“Sorry, again.” Josie winces.

I shoot her an incredulous look. “Josie, I donotcare. You can crash here anytime you need.”

“Duly noted,” she says.

“So. Do you want to talk about before?” I say tentatively.

Josie shifts, curling up on her side and staring at the half-eaten cookie.

“I know I told you everything would work out okay the other day, but I think I was trying to convince myself too,” she says.

“Why? What’s got you so worried?”

She shrugs one shoulder.

“I keep thinking about the girl who lost her parents. And the warehouse. We’ve only been in charge a year and shit’s gone sideways. I’m not doing a good enough job protecting everyone.”

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