Page 53 of Shea's Hero

“I know,” I reply, “and it does sound nice. But I have a job, Niall. Here.”

“You can work remotely.”

“Not with this new promotion. I have to meet with clients in person sometimes.”

“I’m sure we could figure something out.” He glances at Leo. “Can’t you work something out with Shea’s job? Pull some strings?”

Leo lifts his chin. “I could.” He pauses to think. “Maybe arrange for another promotion, one that’s completely remote. Or… I could see about a paid leave of absence.”

It feels like the air is being sucked from the room.

“No offense, but it makes more sense for Shea to stay here,” Cole interrupts. “We can still bring her to work and back.”

“What if someone comes after her at her office?” Niall shoots back. “You can’t tell me it’s one-hundred percent safe.”

“Niall,” I start.

“I can fly out to New York to get you,” my brother says. “I’m not set to leave for a job until next week.” He stops, and the faint sound of keys tapping replaces his voice. “I can get a flight out there tonight. And we can fly back here tomorrow morning.”

Tears prickle behind my eyes as frustration builds.

I have a vise-grip on Oliver’s hand again.

I don’t want to leave. Not when I just got him back.

“Niall.” I force my voice to stay calm. “I want to stay in Sleepy Hollow. It’s close to my job. My… counselor. My classes. To?—”

“I’m sure Oliver understands,” Niall replies quickly.

“It’s not just that. I love you and Jade, but my life is in New York.”

“Shea, this is your safety we’re talking about.” His tone softens. “I’m not suggesting you move here forever. Just until this threat is taken care of.”

“I have an idea.”

Everyone turns towards Oliver.

He swivels his chair to face me. With an earnest expression, he says, “Shea. I know you’re not crazy about either option.” Pausing, he glances at Niall and lifts his chin. “Nothing against you or your team. But you know how hard change is…”

Niall frowns, concern tightening his features. “I know it’s not ideal. But we’ll be here to support Shea.”

“Or—” Oliver turns to me again. A hint of uncertainty tinges his voice. “You could stay with me.”

My heart jumps. “With you?”

“Yeah.” A flicker of hope lights his eyes. “With me. At my house. I have excellent security there, and anything we need to add, I’ll do it. You could pick a bedroom, we could decorate it however you want. I wouldn’t expect…”

After a brief pause, he adds, “I’m not trying to rush things between us. But you might be more comfortable there. You can set up things however you like. All the rooms. Maya says my decorating skills are awful, anyway, so you could help.”

“What about when you go to work?” Niall asks.

“If Shea’s working from home, I can bring her here,” Oliver replies quickly, a sign he’s thought all of this out already. “And I talked to my captain; he said I can shift my schedule to match Shea’s for now, so I can take her to work and back.”

“It wouldn’t be a problem for Shea to come here during the day,” Cole says. “We have plenty of offices she could use.” He nods at Oliver. “And we can help with extra security at your house.”

“Assuming you want to.” Oliver takes both my hands in mine. “I’ll support whatever you want, Shea. Staying here, in Texas, or at my place.” Then he adds quietly, “It won’t change things between us, regardless of what you choose. If you go to Texas, we’ll call. FaceTime. And when you get back, I’ll be here waiting.”

“Shea.” Niall draws my attention. His voice is gentle as he says, “Do I want you here? Of course. But if staying in Sleepy Hollow is what you want, I’ll support your decision.”

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