Page 182 of The Hookup Situation
Nick turns to me, his hands cupping my face. His eyes search mine like he’s cataloging every inch of me. “Are you okay?”
I let out a shaky breath. I can’t believe Craig tried to pull that in my family’s business. “I am now.”
Applause starts from the back, hesitant at first, then louder. Blaire bangs a spoon against a mug like a victory bell. Someone cheers, and another person whistles. The sound crashes over me, drowning out Craig’s threats in my head. They’re celebrating.
Nick pulls me into his chest. “It’s over,” he says.
“Thank you. Thank you all so much,” I say to the room of customers staring at me.
“We should get out of here,” Brody tells Nick.
“You’re right,” Nick mutters, escorting me through the room, leading me outside.
The cool October breeze and sunshine feel nice on my cheeks. Police cars are parked in the middle of Main Street, causing a traffic jam, and the sidewalks are full of people watching what’s going on. I’m utterly embarrassed as Craig screams from inside the car.
I see flashes of cameras and notice cell phones are being held up, but I ignore them. We rush down the sidewalk and disappear into the sea of tourists. The cheers still echo in my ears as we walk toward my condo. My legs wobble, and Nick immediately steadies me.
“You okay?” he asks quietly in my ear.
I nod, dazed. “I will be.”
“You stood up to him,” Nick says.
“I thought I’d feel relief,” I whisper. “But I feel hollow. Like I’ve been holding my breath for months, and my lungs still don’t know how to let go.”
Nick threads his fingers through mine. “That’s normal. It’s a trauma response after being violated. Know your feelings are valid, even if you don’t feel anything right now.” He lifts my hand, brushing his lips over my knuckles. “But it’s over, Jules. I’m hiring the best attorney in the country for you. He can’t and won’t hurt you anymore. I’ll make sure of it.”
I let his words sink in as he watches me. When I meet his eyes, his expression is raw, like he’s holding me together with his gaze alone.
“Let’s take this conversation inside,” I say, unlocking the door.
I glance behind us and notice Brody is nowhere around. He’s like a ghost.
Nick grins. “Shall we celebrate?”
“What do you have in mind?” I ask, twisting the doorknob.
Nick grins, eyes swirling with something that makes my stomach flip. “You’ll see.”
30
NICK
Four days. That’s how long it’s been since Julie stood up to Craig and the cops dragged him out of Cozy Coffee in handcuffs. It’s been ninety-six hours since the town applauded her like she’d slain a dragon. In a way, she did.
Since Craig was arrested, she’s actually slept and relaxed. It’s a relief.
This morning, I wake up and can’t remember the last time I felt this. There’s no adrenaline in my veins. No stress of waiting for the next shoe to drop. It’s just peace.
Julie stirs when I press my lips to her forehead.
“Morning,” she says, her voice rough with sleep.
“Morning, beautiful,” I whisper back, not wanting to break the early morning spell.
Her hand slides across my stomach. “Don’t forget, we’re carving a lot of pumpkins at Hollow Manor later for the party tomorrow.”
She sounds excited.
