Page 181 of Chasing Infinity

“What’s going on?” I ask him when we’re alone.

Noah runs his hand over the side of my face, catching a few stray hairs which escaped from my ponytail and tucking them behind my ear. A sideways smile forms on his lips, and he leans down, kissing my mouth. When he pulls away, I feel breathless.

“You’re so beautiful,” he murmurs, rubbing his thumb along my bottom lip.

I can’t help but grin at him. “Is that what you pulled me back here for? Not that I’m complaining,” I tease.

He chuckles under his breath but shakes his head. “No, I stopped in to tell you that I’m getting ready to leave. My meeting in DC is at one, and then I’ll hop right on a plane to come home so we can make it to Jordan’s thing tonight.”

“Do you think your meeting will be good news?” I ask him. He’s been on edge about this meeting ever since he caught wind of it. He’s been scrambling all over the place, putting together pieces of his case to convince his superiors that he can take it on again. Last night he got a text from his supervisor telling him to be in DC this afternoon with a link to a plane ticket.

It’s last minute, but Noah has no choice if he wants to keep working for the Bureau. We had been planning on going to his friend Jordan’s baby shower this evening, so hopefully, he’ll be back in time to make it.

“I hope so,” Noah answers my question, running his thumb over my lip again. “I guess there’s only one way to find out, huh?”

I run my hands down the sides of his arms, appreciating the broadness of his muscles. “You’ll do great. Go kick some FBI butt, yeah?”

He chuckles and leans down to kiss me. “I love you, Parks.”

I beam up at him, “I love you too; now get out of here.”

He laughs again, following my instructions after kissing me one last time. I watch him head out of the diner, waving as he gets in his car and drives off. I go back to what I was working on, thinking up all the different ways Noah’s meeting could go. The morning passes by smoothly, and before I know it, lunchtime is coming around. “Addie, can I talk to you for a minute?” Jack asks. I turn around to face him, my eyes widening as soon as he’s in my view. He looks like a mess, his hair all disheveled, and his eyes droopy. I notice his nose is red, and he’s got a fist full of tissues in his hand.

“Jack, are you okay?” I ask him as we walk back to my office together.

He shakes his head and sniffles his nose. “I think I need to go home.”

As soon as we’re in my office, he sits in the chair in front of my desk, bringing his tissues up to blow his nose. I wince at the nasty noise and sit down in my chair. “I’m going out on a limb here and guessing you’re sick?” I ask, a weak attempt at humor.

He plays along, giving a weak chuckle. “Yeah, I’d say so. I woke up feeling a little off this morning, but I chalked it up to not getting enough sleep. But it’s just been getting worse. My whole body is starting to ache now.”

“You should definitely go home then,” I tell him, turning my computer on and pulling up the schedule.

“I feel terrible, though. I was supposed to close for you tonight, so you could go to your friend’s baby shower.”

I shake my head and wave my hand. “Don’t feel bad for even a moment. You’ve been covering so much for me lately; it’s nothing. That’s probably why you’re sick. I’ve been working you like a dog.”

Jack leans back in his chair and frowns. “I like working.”

“Even still,” I respond and fold my hands on my desk. “I’ll cover the rest of the shift tonight. You just go home and get some rest. Can I send you with anything? Soup or grilled cheese?”

“I might take some soup,” Jack says. “My throat is kind of hurting, too, so that might feel good.”

“Of course. Why don’t you get your things together, and I’ll get that ready for you.”

He sighs. “Thanks for being so flexible, Addie.”

“Seriously, Jack. You do so much for me; this is the least I could do.”

My friend gives me a small smile. “I’d give you a hug, but I don’t think you want me to pass whatever this is on to you.”

I hold up my hands jokingly as if to keep him away from me. “Please don’t. I’ve already been sick enough this year.”

Jack shakes his head in amusement, and we leave the office. I let him grab his things while I put together a small bag of goodies. I make sure to spoon out three large to-go bowls of soup for him and toss in a few extra dinner rolls. I have our chef grill him up a fresh grilled cheese and wrap it up in wax paper once it’s finished. Jack is waiting for me in front of my office when I walk out with his complete care package.

“Here you go,” I say, handing it over to him. “I hope you feel better soon.”

“Thanks, me too. Hopefully, it’s just a little cold, and I’ll be better before we know it.”

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