Page 102 of The Scientist
Garrett stood there for a moment, his eyes flicking between me and Lex, trying to process what had just unfolded. Lex’s words seemed to stir something in him, and for the first time, I saw a flicker of realization in Garrett’s eyes—an understanding of just how far he’d pushed.
“I’m sorry, Hadley,” he said quietly, the fight draining out of him. “I shouldn’t have done that.”
“It’s okay,” I said reflexively, even though Lex was right. None of this was okay.
“No. It’s not,” Lex said coldly. “I think you need to leave.”
Garrett’s brows shot up. “Where am I supposed to go?”
“There’s a bus stop in town,” Lex said. “Start there.”
“It took me forever just to find this place. I have no idea where to go.”
“You probably should have thought of that before showing up here uninvited,” Lex answered flatly.
“Lex, can I talk to you for a minute?” I asked, my conscience tugging at me despite everything. I couldn’t help feeling a little sorry for Garrett. As much as he was an idiot for coming here and not even bothering to call, I still didn’t want to throw him out without any place to stay.
Lex let me lead him to the kitchen where Garrett couldn’t overhear us, but before I could get the words out, Lex turned and said, “He’s not staying here with you.”
He appeared resolute, but I still pled my case. “Lex, he’s not from here, and it’s getting late. I have the spare bedroom, or he can take the couch. He can find a hotel in the morning.”
“No,” he said, clearly unmoved. “There’s no way he’s sleeping here with you. He’s obviously incapable of keeping his hands to himself.”
I didn’t fear Garrett, not in the way Lex was implying. But I couldn’t deny that if the situation were reversed, I’d be uneasy too, especially given the stellar first impression Garrett had just made.
“Then what do you suggest?” I asked.
He thought about it briefly. “He can stay at my place with Stuart. I’ll stay in the spare bedroom.”
My heart beat unevenly. Neither of us had spent the night at each other’s place yet, so I knew he was trying not to be presumptive by suggesting the spare bedroom. But I also knew there was no way in hell this beautiful man was going to be under my roof, but not in my bed. Especially since I could practically hear my mattress begging for his company. But I didn’t mention that little detail.
“Okay,” I agreed, swallowing thickly.
He gazed at me curiously for a moment before nodding and taking my hand to walk back to the foyer.
“You can stay at my place tonight,” he said to Garrett. “I need to check with my roommate first, but I don’t think he’ll mind.”
Garrett seemed to find the idea distasteful. “Yourplace?”
“It’s either that or a park bench,” Lex replied casually. “Your choice… Truly, I couldn’t care less either way.”
I shot Garrett a look of annoyance. Didn’t he know fishing for scraps meant no complaining about the seasoning?
“Fine,” he grumbled.
Lex didn’t bother to respond. He kissed the top of my head and said, “I need to get back to work to tell Stuart what’s going on.”
“Okay,” I said again. I didn’t know if I should thank him or apologize for dragging him into something that wasn’t his fight.
“You can wait outside,” he said in Garrett’s general direction.
Garrett hesitated, looking to me for support, but I shook my head. Garrett sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping in defeat. Without another word, he stepped outside, the door shutting behind him with a soft click that felt heavier than it should.
“I’m sorry,” I said quietly, breaking the silence.
“For what?” Lex asked, turning to me. The hardness in his features eased, though the edge of protectiveness remained.
“For Garrett showing up here. For dragging you into this. For all of it.”