Page 68 of Inviting Trouble
She crossed to the door and peeked through the glass on the side. Hailey. She flung open the door. “Your timing sucks.”
“I’m sorry,” Hailey said, dashing inside. “I know you didn’t invite me, but I feel so creeped out. I just didn’t want to be alone tonight.” She glanced over to the sofa. “Hi, Park.”
“Hi. You want me to go check things out?”
Hailey wrung her hands together. “Would you?”
He stood.
“No,” Mad said. “You and I will go tomorrow when you need to get to work. You’ll be fine. You said the cops gave you the all clear.”
Hailey gestured to Park. “But he’s so nice and big.”
“I don’t mind,” Park said.
“She’s fine,” Mad said.
Hailey pulled a DVD ofThe Princess Bridefrom her purse. “I brought a movie.”
“Isn’t it cheating to watch the movie before the book?” Mad asked.
“I already read the book.”
“Hailey! I’m surprised at you. Weren’t you the one who gave Lauren a hard time for skipping ahead? We’re supposed to read chapter one together.” Hailey was very insistent on the group experiencing the start of a book together. She’d even postponed the book club meeting until next Thursday since Mad had been so sick. She probably could’ve gone, but she hadn’t been sure before today.
Hailey bit her lip. “I need to watch something happy.”
“Oh, fine. Just don’t tell the others.”
“Like I would.” She handed the DVD to Mad, who set it up.
“You want to watch?” Hailey asked Park.
“Sure.”
Mad thought that was awfully sweet of him considering they were right in the middle ofSupernaturalseason two.
The three of them sat on the sofa, watching the movie. Mad sat between Park and Hailey. It was actually a great movie. They all laughed a lot. By the time the credits rolled, it was late.
“Can I stay a little longer?” Hailey asked.
“You can have the couch if you want,” Mad offered.
“Great!” Hailey said brightly. “I’ll just get my overnight bag from the car.”
She rushed out the door to get it.
Park raised a brow at Mad, and she couldn’t help but laugh.
~ ~ ~
The next morning Mad agreed to drive with Hailey to make sure everything was okay at her work. It was early. They’d go in, do the all clear, and Hailey would drive her home. Her friend didn’t want to be alone for one moment, even in the car. She was that freaked out.
Mad ordered Park to stay behind when he tried to follow. “You need to get used to the fact that I’ll still be alive without your help,” Mad told him. “Seriously. This is an important milestone in our relationship.”
“You guys have a relationship now?” Hailey asked.
“Sort of,” Mad said. “He’s still afraid to touch me.”
