Page 69 of Unhinged

“When does his job end here?”

“He has about a week and a half left on the contract, I think. I haven’t heard anything about them extending it.”

“I’ll bet he’ll be busy soon,” he replied. “I heard one of his colleagues just took a security assignment for Rina Sterling.”

Her gaze snapped to him. “The singer?”

A wry grin quirked his mouth. “America’s sweetheart.”

Oh, God. A sudden surge of jealousy twisted her stomach into a knot. Rina Sterling was incredibly talented—and incredibly gorgeous. The thought of Luke surrounded by women like her—blonde, beautiful, successful…

“I’m really sorry, Andrew,” she managed to choke out. “My next patient will be here in just a few minutes and I have to get ready.”

“Of course, my apologies.” He stood and brushed a hand over his slacks. “Call me if you need anything.”

After Andrew left, Hannah sat in her chair, twirling a pen and staring out the window as thoughts swirled through her mind. What would Luke do once he was done here? Was there already an expiration date on their relationship?

CHAPTER

THIRTY-ONE

“You okay?”

Luke’s voice cut through the silence as he pushed his food around his plate. She met his gaze and shot him a wan smile. “I’m fine. Just thinking that I should go home soon.”

A wary light entered his eyes. “Well, you should be safe there now. I’ll bet you’re getting tired of living out of a suitcase.”

His gentle teasing caused her heart to constrict. “A little bit. It’s just… I can’t let someone run me out of my own house. I can’t let him win.”

“I understand.” He scooped up another bite of food. “Well, we can head over to your place after dinner if you want.”

We. She sucked in a sharp breath at the word. “Luke? Can I ask you a question?”

“Sure. What’s on your mind?”

“I was just wondering… What will you do after your job here is up?”

“You mean working at the health center?” He shrugged. “I’m not sure. I put in a request for an extension after your house was broken into, but it hasn’t been approved yet. The landlord may deny it and turn the responsibility over to the PD since you’ve been targeted at home. But to answer your question, I honestly don’t know. Why do you ask?”

“No reason.” She pushed the rice around her plate before sighing and setting her fork down. “Will we still see each other?”

Surprise flashed in his eyes. “Of course. Is that what you’re worried about?”

She nodded and swallowed down the lump that had formed in her throat. “What if your next job takes you far away?”

He tipped his head to one side, hazel eyes studying her intently. “We’ll just have to take it one day at a time.”

“But what if you’re gone for months?” She pressed. She cringed at the insecurity and neediness in her voice but couldn’t help it.

“Sweetheart, everything will be fine. I promise.”

He sounded so sure of himself, yet her doubts lingered. “But how can you know?”

“I just know.” His voice was low and patient as he took her hand in his, gently stroking her palm with his thumb. “We’ll still talk and spend time together, just like we do now. Maybe I won’t get to see you every day, but… we’ll work it out.”

“I just… What if you find someone else? What if you get bored?” He opened his mouth to speak, but she cut him off. “Andrew told me today that Rina Sterling hired your company⁠—”

His eyes narrowed and he pulled his hand away. “Andrew? Is that what brought this on?”