Page 139 of The Hookup Situation
“Block him.”
“I can’t. We need evidence for the restraining order.”
An hour later, after we’ve finished eating, we lounge on the couch and watch TV.
“It’s quiet,” Nick says with me wrapped in his arms, a tequila buzz swarming me.
He’s right; there’s no more shouting or camera flashes.
Nick creeps to the window, staying to the side so he can’t be seen. “The street is empty.”
“Completely?”
“There’s one car …” He leans closer. “Black sedan on the corner.”
My blood goes cold. “Craig?”
“Can’t tell. Windows are tinted.”
I get up and join him, and we stare at it for a moment.
“Should we call the police?” I ask.
“And say what? There’s a car parked legally on a public street?”
The car’s headlights suddenly turn on, illuminating my building for just a second before it drives away.
“That’s not creepy at all,” I mutter.
Nick pulls the curtains closed. “Tomorrow, we will file that restraining order.”
“Tomorrow,” I agree. “But honestly, where did all those photographers go?”
Nick’s already checking his phone. “Something bigger must have happened.”
“Is this the calm before the storm?” I ask.
“Potentially.”
I sink deep into his arms, and he kisses my forehead.
“Whatever’s coming, we’ll face it together,” I say.
“Together,” he agrees.
We stay holding each other in the quiet, knowing this peace won’t last. But right now, in my little condo with empty Chinese food containers scattered on the coffee table and tequila warming our blood, we’re safe.
For tonight, we’re just Nick and Julie, not the hockey star and the barista or any of the other headlines. We’re just us.
22
NICK
Istand outside on the balcony with the doors open while Julie gets ready for our double date. The cream curtains flap in the breeze as I people-watch. The closer we get to Halloween, the more bloated the town becomes with tourists. Downtown has been gridlocked for days, and the sidewalks are packed with festivalgoers dressed in costumes and cozy sweaters. We’re in the center of it all, the mecca of Cozy Creek.
Julie’s balcony gives a front-row seat to the festivities. Honestly, I could stand here for hours. The weather is brisk, and I can feel the excitement floating through the air.
Most of the paparazzi who were following us left three days ago, but I know it’s short-lived. Asher explained they’re chasing a scandal involving a senator’s son in Denver. He’d fabricated a story for them to salivate over, and they took the bait. I appreciate the reprieve more than he’ll ever know. This is why my brother is the best in this industry. He can bury anything, and I believe my sister knew Asher was a powerhouse, an asset. At first, I didn’t understand why Eden had chosen him to be CEO when I had worked beside her for years. Now, I get it.
