Page 6 of Impressing Brett

“No. I’ll be fine.” She sighs deeply and tips her head back to stare at the ceiling. “It’s just been tough for a few weeks, and now this.”

I think she’s barely holding it together, and I hate that for her. I suspect she’s too embarrassed to let herself get more emotional than she already has in front of us. Hopefully, when I get her alone, I can help her relax and let go. I’ll certainly try.

Colt speaks again. “Please let us know if you need anything at all. I’m sure Brett can help you sort out whatever is necessary. You should contact your insurance company in the morning.”

She draws in a deep breath. “I’ll add that to my list,” she mutters sarcastically.

I’m unsure what she’s referring to, but I don’t say anything.

Eve bustles back into the room. She’s carrying a small suitcase and sets it by the door.

Lacy looks at me. “Are you sure about this? I don’t want to be an imposition. I’m sure my insurance will cover a hotel for as long as necessary until I can get back into my building.”

I shake my head. “You’re not going to a hotel, Lacy. I insist.” I stand. “Let’s get you to my place so you can get settled. You’re exhausted.” I grab her hand and help her to her feet.

Eve hugs Lacy again, and both she and Colt walk with us to the door.

I take the suitcase.

We’re halfway down the walk before Lacy says, “I’ll follow you, I guess.”

I turn to look at her. “How about we leave your car here for now? We can come back and get it later. You’re shaking.”

She fiddles her fingers together. Her lips are pursed. Her eyes are watery. I suspect she’s moments from falling apart, and who could blame her? Finally, she nods. The fact that she doesn’t even argue with me speaks volumes.

I open the back passenger door first to stow the suitcase on the seat before grabbing the handle for the front passenger seat.

After Lacy is settled, I pull the seatbelt down. It’s instinctive. It’s in my nature.

She glances at me as she takes it from me to buckle it. “How very safety conscious of you,” she jokes.

“Always.” I wink at her and shut the door before rounding to the other side.

What the fuck have I gotten myself into?

Chapter 3

Lacy

* * *

I have no idea why I’ve agreed to this. It’s probably a horrible idea. I’m in no mood to be social or polite. I don’t think I’ve ever been more drained in my life. I was emotionally on my last straw before I pulled up outside my apartment building to find it surrounded by firetrucks.

I should have just gone to a hotel in the first place. I have no idea why I came here. The truth is, I don’t have many friends. Eve is honestly my best friend, even though she probably doesn’t know that. After all, we’re work acquaintances.

We occasionally get together outside of work. She often invites me to group social events at restaurants or bars where I’ve met many of her friends, but I’ve only been to her home maybe a dozen times.

Eve is one of the kindest people I know. I’m confident she’s not just humoring me. She likes me. It’s genuine. But I’ve never told her about my stupid past. The most information I’ve ever shared was inadvertent because we were together when I got the call from Rutherford II that my father had passed.

Also, she had accidentally been with me an hour later when Max had called, so she’d overheard my side of that conversation, too. Other than that, I’ve told her nothing.

I hate my past. I try to ignore it. It’s not important to me. Even my father’s death is hardly a blip on my radar. If it weren’t for his stupid business partner and his stupider son, I would barely flinch over my father’s passing.

What the fuck am I doing in Brett’s car? Jesus. When I drove to Eve’s house, I was on autopilot. I hadn’t thought it through. I probably should have just gone straight to a hotel, bathed, and curled in a ball to sleep for ten hours.

I should’ve kept the stupid fire to myself. I can’t go to work tomorrow because I don’t have any of my clothes, but I could’ve called in sick or something. Now, Eve is involved in my business, and I can’t take that back.

The problem is I’m so tired. Bone weary. Lonely. I put on a front every day of my life, smiling and laughing and working my ass off, but inside, I’m not that person. Inside, I’m a disaster.

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