My CEO 172

172 Unfamiliar Comforts

(Winona)

I drive us across the city in a cheap hire car, away from the grime, decay and horrid memories that defined so much of my childhood.

The hotel we check into isn't luxurious by Jayden's standards, but it's clean and comfortable.

Far better than anything Mom and Cass have experienced ever. I chose it carefully-something that wouldn't overwhelm them but would still offer them a taste of security and comfort.

As we step into the small lobby, I can see Cass looking around, her expression staid. Mom is quiet, her eyes darting nervously from one side of the lobby to the other.

"It's very nice," Mom says softly, almost like she's afraid to jinx it by speaking too loudly. "Thank you,

Winona."

I nod, giving her a reassuring smile. "It's a place to rest. We'll be safe here."

Jayden handles the check-in process, his usual confidence on full display, but I can sense something different in him. He's quieter than usual.

Maybe this whole experience has him rattled. Maybe he doesn't think he can handle it.

My mind is so tired I don't even have the strength to worry about something like that right now.

Once Mom, Cass and I are settled in the room-two double beds and a pull-out couch-he pulls me aside.

"We need to talk," he says, his voice low.

I step into the hallway with him and close the room door. "About what?"

"I have something major to take into our next therapy session."

read him. "Something you can't tell

not that I don't want to. It's just... I need to work it out

feeling a pang of worry but push it down. He took me meeting Steve alone

"There's business I need to take care of, and I think it'll be good

that because you don't want to stay here,

nails for you.

bite my lip, not sure how I feel about him leaving. "You think we'll be okay until

away if you need me. This is all a part of being able to function normally We

reassurance. "I want to stay here for

+25 BONUS

172 Unfamiliar Conforts

let

can't

"I know."

"One more question."

"What?"

did that

think I'm going on those

doesn't answer

pin that

can see how pinning topics can work against me." He smiles. I'll head out to the jet.

"I'll miss you.

"I'll miss you too."

what? You were amazing out there. I'm

with it? I'll understand if it's all too much." "Winona. No. I've never been more sure that I want to be with you. You're amazing. You're loyal and trustworthy. I

the others and then he's gone. The place

call the

wait to have a shower. We always

I'd ask

to the bathroom in the house. I remember beating water for it on

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