by J. A. Coffey
"What did she say?"
Jocelyn dropped into a chair across from him. "I'm not sure. I think you might have to let her do it her way."
"No. Not an option."
"Jay, you can't control the outcome here. She's strong, but she needs to do things her way." Jocelyn smiled. "She's a bit stubborn. Does that remind you of anyone?"
Jayden smirked. "I can be more stubborn. I can't let anything happen to her."
"This isn't the past. Chloe isn't a child."
"What gives, Joce? Are you telling me to back off?"
"I'm telling you to not push her. Let her come to you for the help."
"No. I can't let her just disappear." Jayden ran his fingers through his hair.
"You can't keep her here. Jay, think about this."
"I can't let her go either."
Jocelyn looked up to see Chloe in the door watching them. She gestured for her to join them.
*****
"I see it in your eyes, Jayden. I don't want to be stuck here, hidden away. I left to get my life back." Chloe took a deep breath. "Can we find a compromise on this?"
"What do you want, Chloe? I want you safe."
The corners of her mouth turned up slightly. "I want to be safe too, but I can't hide anymore. I have to face him and get it over with."
"No way. I won't let your put yourself in danger."
"You won't let me...Jayden?." Chloe sat back in the chair.
"Trust you like you trust me, Chloe? Don't you think it has to go both ways?"
Jocelyn stood. "I think you two have a lot to talk about. Keep me posted." She leaned over and hugged Chloe close. "You need to trust him."
The words were just a whisper for Chloe only. Chloe gave her a squeeze and nodded. They sat in silence until Jocelyn was gone.
Chloe took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. "I don't know what to say, Jayden, but please let me try to explain without interruptions."
"Okay."
"You know I have been in this terrible situation for far too long, and yes, I ran to try and put some distance between me and Tony. It wasn't the right way to handle it, but I had to do it that way for reasons, one I'm not ready to tell you about. But know this, because of you I have the strength to face him. I need to. It's the only way to get rid of these fears of mine forever." She paused, watching him. "Why do you feel the need to hide me away?"
Jayden sat forward, his hands clenched together with his chin resting on them. "I used to work in Portland on the police force. There was an incident that changed my life forever and I'm afraid I won't be able to protect you if I have to." He drew in a shaky breath. "I'm afraid I will let you down."
Of all the things he could have said, it was the one that made Chloe's heart skip a beat. He was afraid to let her down. No one had ever thought they would let her down. No one had ever cared that much for her before. The tears threatened to spill again, but she was able to blink them away.
"How could you possibly let me down?"
"Chloe, if anything happens to you I could never forgive myself."
"You can't control things, Jayden."
He chuckled. "Guess that makes me a bit of a control freak."
"I will make you a promise. I will try to trust you and talk with you about things, but you have to stop hiding me away. I have a job at the diner and I need to get back to work."
"No." Jayden stood and walked over to the railing.
Chloe followed him and laid her hand on his arm. "Jayden." Her soft voice turned him towards her. He met her gaze and leaned down, gently brushing his lips against hers. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close. Gentleness gave way to more demanding as she leaned into him. A soft moan escaped her and Jayden pulled back.
"I do love you, Chloe. Let me in your life."
"I don't know what I'm feeling. I know I want this hope of what could be, but I'm scared."
He pulled her close and held her. His strength warmed her. He sighed. "Fine, let's go to the diner to see Carla. But I'm staying while you're there."
"Can you at least just sit at the counter and let me work?" She smiled up at him. Maybe the trust would come...in time.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Carla glanced up as the bell above the door rang. She shook her head seeing the two of them walking in.
"What are you doing here?" Asked Carla
Jayden pointed to a booth near the back. "Coffee, please."
Carla grabbed the pot and headed to the booth they sat in. "You're supposed to be out of sight."
Chloe covered her cup. "Milk, please. And no, I'm not hiding. I'm going to have a glass of milk and then I'm going to help you with the customers."
"Oh, no you're not." Carla poured Jayden's coffee. "What about you? What are you doing?"
Jayden looked at Chloe and her heart skipped a beat. "I'm compromising, apparently. She doesn't want to hide away."
"Tony was here looking for you this morning. He left this." Carla slid the envelope across the table to Chloe. "I'll get your milk."
Chloe picked up the envelope. She turned it over noting it was sealed.
"Are you going to open it?"
"Not yet."
Jayden sipped his coffee. She could tell by the grip on his cup that he held his tongue. Chloe needed to be in control of this. He sighed. Patience was never his strong suit and she knew this was killing him.
"I can't open it right now."
"I know. When you're ready."
Chloe laughed. "You're dying over there and I know it, but thanks."
Carla returned with the glass of milk and slid into the booth next to Chloe. "Well, what did it say?"
"I haven't opened it."
Carla stared at Jayden. He shrugged his shoulders. She turned towards Chloe. "What are you waiting for?"
"Well, I'm thinking there are some customers who need waiting on and you probably need a break." She drank down the milk and slid against Carla. "Let me get up and I'll get to work."
*****
Carla stood and let Chloe out. She waited until Chloe went into the kitchen before sitting back down. "What's going on?"
Jayden smiled. "Chloe is calling the shots. She doesn't want to hide from Tony any longer."
"And you're okay with that?"
"No, not really, but if I push too hard she will shut me out and I need to be here beside her. It's the only way I will be able to protect her."
"Protect her by putting her right in harm's way?"
"Look, I feel the way you do, but you know as well as I do if it was you, you would do exactly the same thing as Chloe. You would want to face your fears and stop running. She thinks it is the only way to get her life back, and she's probably right about that."
Carla shook her head. "I don't like it, Jay."
"I know. Neither do I."
He glanced over and watched Chloe interacting with the customers. Her face lit up and she truly enjoyed the people she talked with. She was so beautiful and it startled him with the intensity of feelings he had for her already.
"Did she talk with Jocelyn?"
"I think so. Joce didn't tell me anything, except I needed to back off and let her face her fears."
Carla stared at him. "You're kidding? And you're listening? What is it that I'm missing in all of this?"
"What do you mean?"
"You seem all of a sudden too laid back. You must have something up your sleeve."
Jayden shook his head. "No, nothing. I'm trying to trust her." He played with the coffee cup. "I still have nightmares about Portland and I don't want anything to happen to her, but one thing Joce is right about – I can't control any outcome no matter how many scenarios I play through in my mind."
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chloe closed her eyes as she sat back in Jayden's car. She was tired after working at the diner, yet content with the fact that she was being proactive. She had expected Tony to show up at any point throughout the day, but he hadn't. And Jayden was true to hi
s word, staying in sight at all times.
All day her mind had been on this evening and how it would be with Jayden. He had already told her he loved her. She needed to tell him about the baby, but just couldn't bring herself to.
"Tired?"
Chloe opened her eyes and glanced at Jayden. He smiled at her. "A little, but it feels good to have done something today."
"I'll cook dinner and you can rest, if you want."
"That sounds good, but you're spoiling me. I should be cooking for you."
Jayden smiled as he kept his eyes on the road. "I enjoy cooking and never get to cook for others. This is a treat for me."
She nodded slightly as she drifted into a light sleep. Her mind was full of Tony and wondering about the note he had left her. She had yet to read it, but her mind was filled with the worst-case scenario, racing with thoughts of Tony catching her and the baby being hurt.
"Chloe?"
She roused slowly and opened her eyes. Seeing Jayden, feeling his hand on her arm, she calmed. "Just a bad dream."
"Tony?"
"Yeah, I guess that with everything that is happening he is on my mind." She sighed.
"It's understandable. It's on all our minds." He gave her arm a gentle squeeze before moving it back to the steering wheel. The arm immediately cooled where his hand had been and the longing for him to touch her again startled her.
"I need for this to be done with."
"Did you read his note?" Jayden asked.
"No, not yet."
"Will you tell me what it says?" Jayden glanced over for her reaction.
"If it is relevant to what is going on." She was purposefully vague and he didn't like it, but couldn't argue with her. Blind trust rubbed him the wrong way. He wanted to draw her close into his arms and never let her go. She was not ready for that, holding him at arm's length, but at times he had held her she was so inviting and warm. Confusion clouded his mind and he shook his head.
"Everything okay?" Chloe was watching him.
"Fine. A long day." Jayden pulled into his driveway. "Let's get some food and just relax tonight."
They entered the house and Jayden gestured to the living room. "I'll get dinner. Go put your feet up."
"I'm going to shower first, if that's okay. Then get comfy."
Jayden headed to the kitchen. She was sure his mind full of scenarios of what Tony's note could possibly say. But she had to find out what was in it first, before she knew if she could share it.
Chloe ran the water in the shower and stood under the warm spray, tension ebbing from her body. Her legs were tired from being on her feet all day. She splayed her fingers across her belly and felt the gentle flutter. It was the second time she had felt that type of motion. It had to be the baby moving. She stood still. The motion was gone as quick as it started, but it was enough – enough to give her hope for the future and her new life with a child.
She toweled off and slipped into some sweatpants and a baggy sweatshirt. In the guest bedroom, she sat on the edge of the bed and stared at the envelope. It was now or never. She slowly ripped open the end and pulled out the sheet of paper.
Meet me at the diner tomorrow at 9 p.m. Come alone and you won't get hurt. Don't tell your police friend or it will be the last time you see or hear from him.
She read it and reread it. She would be a fool to meet him alone. This may have been the opportunity she wanted, but did she have the courage to go through with it? She tucked the note back into the envelope and slid it into her purse. She stood straight and squared her shoulders. Now to convince Jayden she hadn't read it.
Chloe curled up on the end of the couch and thumbed through a magazine. She wished she had a good book to read, something lighthearted with a happily ever after. Jayden came in with two plates.
"Looks good." Chloe reached for the plate. There was an omelet loaded with broccoli, mushrooms, and cheese, along with an English muffin and fruit. She bit into her first forkful and closed her eyes. Heaven.
"That good, huh?" Jayden chuckled.
"Delicious. Thank you."
They made small talk while eating. Pushing the plates onto the coffee table, Jayden reached for Chloe's feet. "Here, let me rub your feet. They must be killing you after being on them all day."
"You don't have to do that." Chloe spoke, although stretching out her legs towards him. She sighed as he massaged her feet. She could get used to this. "You spoil me."
"Is that a bad thing?"
"No, but it's unrealistic to think this could last." Chloe didn't have to open her eyes to know the impact her words had on Jayden. He had professed his love for her and although she felt it, she couldn't say the words.
"It doesn't have to be unrealistic, Chloe."
She opened her eyes and watched him. "Jayden, there is too much unspoken. It can't be overcome."
"That's your opinion and the decision you're making alone. Why can't you let me in and let me decide what I can handle, and what I can't?"
Chloe closed her eyes tight, willing the tears not to fall. How she wanted to believe him. She was so relaxed with him and deep in her heart she knew Jayden would never hurt her. Yet, she kept holding back. If she survived the meeting with Tony, she would tell Jayden everything.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Jayden massaged Chloe's feet, feeling the tension leave her. He knew the moment she fell into a peaceful rest. His hand stilled, but never left her foot. He laid his head back and closed his eyes. At least he could be close to her while they slept. He had no idea how to get her to open up.
He slowly opened his eyes to the warmth of Chloe snuggled close; her head was on his chest, her arm wrapped around his middle. Jayden's arm was over her shoulder and held her close. He sighed softly. At least in slumber she opened up on some level.
He slowly ran his fingers down her arm and marveled at the softness. He stilled as she stirred against him. Glancing down at her, his eyes met hers as he found her watching him. "Morning," he whispered.
"Morning yourself." She snuggled closer.
"Sleep well?"
"I did, but I think you will have a crick in your neck the way you were all night. I should have woke you so you could have gone to bed, but I just wanted to be close."
"I'm fine. I loved holding you." His fingers ran lightly up and down her arm. "Did the note frighten you?" He held his breath hoping her answer wasn't yes, but that she wanted to be with him.
Chloe pushed away and sat up. "Maybe a little." She shook her head to clear her thoughts. He was ever the protector. She couldn't tell if it was out of his vows to protect and serve that he stayed close or was it because he professed to love her. She wanted clarity of the situation.
"What are you thinking, Chloe?" Jayden stared at her with such intensity she felt he could see right down to her soul.
"Honestly? I can't read you at all." Chloe replied.
He smiled. "Well that makes two of us." He leaned toward her and held her chin in his hand. He paused just before touching her lips with his. "Chloe, I love you. I mean it. Don't have doubts." Before she could respond his lips brushed hers with a gentleness she had never experienced.
Just as quickly as the kiss started, Jayden ended it and stood. "Coffee?"
Chloe paled. "Nothing for me right now. I'm going to change and wash up."
Jayden, puzzled, started for the kitchen to make coffee. He shook his head as he struggled to know her, how to get her to trust him. He had to work today and didn't want her alone. He pulled out his cell phone and sent a quick text to Carla asking if she could keep an eye on Chloe at the diner.
His mood improved as Carla confirmed that she would keep Chloe close. Leaning against the counter, Jayden sipped his coffee. He was lost in thought and startled when he realized Chloe was in the door of the kitchen watching him.
"Feel better?"
"Yeah, thanks."
"Want some breakfast?"
"No, not now. I'll grab something at the diner." Chloe took a step cl
oser and stopped. "Can you give me a ride?"
Jayden nodded. "Let me just get changed. I've got to work today, but you know how to reach me if you need anything."
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Tony sat in his car and watched Carla and Chloe go into the diner. So she was back. He chuckled to himself thinking how easy she had made it for him. He wasn't sure the level of her betrayal, but it would be determined as soon as he was alone with her.
He knew from his sources that Jayden was working today. He probably would be showing up at the diner at some point to check on Chloe. Tony would have to move as soon as the diner was closed. At that time she would be alone for a little bit. He sat back and closed his eyes. Waiting was all he could do right now.
*****
Chloe paused inside the door to the diner. "Did you see him out there?"
Carla turned and looked out the window. "Tony?"
"Yes."
"I didn't see him. We probably should let Jayden know."
Chloe shook her head. "No. He won't do anything right now. Let's just get ready for the day."
*****
Carla acknowledged her. As customers started pouring in, she put Jayden from her mind and just enjoyed having the help today. Summer was over and it was all local people here now. In some ways, Carla preferred the off-season when she had a chance to just interact with the locals.
Chloe worked hard, but Carla saw her sitting whenever she had a free moment. She had gotten out of the routine the little bit of time off from waitressing and Carla knew the pregnancy was starting to be a factor. She wondered if Chloe had told Jayden yet. There was a bit of a bump that showed when Chloe wore her apron, but not knowing about the pregnancy, anyone would think she was just gaining a little weight and looking healthy.
The day passed quickly as locals talked about the upcoming winter season storms and the Farmer's Almanac. Chloe laughed and talked with everyone like she was one of their own. Carla wasn't surprised when late in the afternoon the door opened and Jayden walked in for coffee.
"I expected you here sooner," Carla teased.
