“Why are you telling me this?” he asks calmly.
“Because…you deserve to know this. Because I miss you. Because I really need a hug, and you’re the only person I want to hug me. Because, in spite of everything, I think this thing can go somewhere, be real, and I really want it to. Because you’re worth hoping for. I trust you. And I want you. I need you. No one else. I’m tired of living in a dream, especially when you’ve shown me reality can be a hell of a lot better. I only hope it’s not too late.”
We stand at an impasse, moments growing heavier with the uncertainty as he decides our fate. Luckily, only about three pass before he says, “Come in.”
My whole body loses four hundred pounds with those words. I step in and he shuts the door. The moment it closes I fall into his arms. He hugs me as tight as I do him, and for the first time in days I feel… right. My hot tears soak his shoulder as I weep. He picks me up and carries me into his bedroom, gently setting me on the bed before tucking himself in beside me. He doesn’t say a word. He envelops me until I run out of tears. Welcome to reality, Jo.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
REVELATIONS
I wake at six, and we really make up. Twice. Afterward, Harry showers as I whip up breakfast, using all of my culinary skills to impress him. Meaning, I try not to burn the toast. All is well until I open the front door to get the paper. I about jump out of my skin when I see the midnight blue clad figure standing in the hall with his arms crossed. “Jesus Christ,” I say, clutching onto my frantic heart.
“This is the residence of Lt. Harold O’Hara,” the superhero says with disapproval. “Your supervisor.”
I step into the hallway, closing the door so Harry can’t hear. “Yeah?”
“You’re wearing his pajamas.”
“So?”
“I just…I’m surprised. I had no idea you two were intimate.”
“It’s none of your business.”
“How long have you two been…together?” he asks with distaste for the idea.
“Again, none of your damn business.” I cock my hips and put my right hand on the joint. “Who are you, my father?”
“I meant no offense. I—I hope you’re both happy together.”
“We are. Thank you.” I stare into the impenetrable mask. Neither of us utters another word for an uncomfortable moment. “So, what are you doing here? Harry’s in the shower if you—”
“I knew you were unguarded. I came to keep you safe.”
I do a double take. “And how’d you know that? Hell, how’d you know where I was? Did you follow me last night?” The thought of him watching as I rolled around in the dirt with Justin turns my stomach.
“There’s a tracking device in your coat.”
“You LoJacked me?” I shout.
“Of course. I have to keep track of you somehow,” he assures me. “And now you know, please do not destroy or leave the coat behind. If you do, I will have no choice but to shadow you. I promise only to use the device when needed. I have a feeling you may be grateful for it one day.”
“Not today,” I say with a scoff. “Just go away, okay? I’m safe, but completely creeped out right now. Shoo before one of the neighbors sees you.” I snatch up the paper and retreat into the apartment in total shock.
Harry comes out of the bedroom buttoning up his shirt. “Who were you talking to?”
“Um…” I say, trying to find the right words, “Justice. He, um, bugged me and tracked me here to make sure I was properly protected.”
“Really?” he asks, sounding not at all concerned. “Would he like breakfast?”
I swack Harry with the paper with an amused smile. “This is serious! He put a tracking device in my coat! He stalked me here! He stood out in our hallway while we were…you know! I’m not feeding the man!”
“He’s just a good detective. Right now, you’re his only lead. We have you under surveillance too, remember? Though they called and said they lost you last night. As for him knowing we’re together…” He kisses my nose. “I don’t mind if you don’t. Is the coffee ready?” My boyfriend walks toward the kitchen as I just shake my head. I glance at the door before following him. No superhero is going to ruin my day.
After breakfast, which is edible for the first time ever, Harry collects his things for work while I lounge on the couch with the paper. I’ve made the front page again. A photograph of Justin and me walking into the church takes up half the page, but when I look at it, I get a knot in my stomach. I skim the article, just a re-cap of the funeral. Harry comes back out with his coat and tie on, looking quite dapper. I wolf-whistle. “Looking very smart there, L.T.”