Just One Night Together by Deborah Cooke

Six

It felt wrong to leave.

It would be even more wrong to stay.

Damon left Haley’s bed and her apartment without waking her. He walked home, across the park, not caring if it was safe or not. All he could think of was Haley’s fierce conviction that she didn’t want love or commitment in her life.

What kind of an asshole had Garrett been?

Haley was the kind of woman who would give everything to a partner, the kind of woman who wouldn’t back down from a challenge, the kind of woman who would be devastated to lose the love of her life. Damon only had to look at how she defended her mom to see the truth of her nature.

And he didn’t believe that with so much passion inside her, Haley could be happy with half-measures. She might be trying to protect herself, but it was another way of cheating herself from everything she deserved to have.

Just sex was a compromise. It was less than it could be, because the emotional connection was lacking. It wasn’t making love. It was physically fulfilling but not emotionally so. People could trick themselves for a night or maybe two, but after three nights together, Damon knew it wasn’t just sex for him anymore.

He was falling hard.

But he knew that taking their relationship to the next step would make him worse than Garrett. He wasn’t capable of sustaining any kind of romantic relationship, and he wasn’t going to be the one to break her heart again.

Damon knew his limitations. As much as he regretted them, there was no doubting their reality.

He hadn’t left a note or kissed Haley goodbye. He had no plans to see her again because he knew that was the smart choice. That’s what he’d gone there to do and it said a lot about his own changing feelings that he hadn’t been able to decline her invitation to talk, much less her invitation to do it one more time. It had been slow and potent, both of them aware that it was the last time.

Funny how he felt so hollow when he’d expected to feel satisfied.

Like Haley, he would have his work.

It didn’t seem like nearly enough.

Damon let himself into the house and listened to its silence. Empty. It was empty and devoid of life and laughter.

It was safer that way, he reminded himself.

That was how it was going to stay. He couldn’t destroy anyone or break any hearts when he was alone.

Damon shut and locked the door, then went to bed.

* * *

Haley wasawake when Damon eased away from her and got out of the bed. She pretended to be asleep, knowing that he planned to leave silently.

He didn’t leave a note.

He didn’t kiss her goodbye.

He certainly didn’t wake her up.

This was it.

She listened to the door close behind him and heard his steps in the corridor. She heard the elevator but stayed in bed. She knew she wouldn’t fall asleep anytime soon, but she didn’t want him to see her watching him go from the window.

It was over.

Even though it hadn’t been a thing.

Haley was already regretting that she’d let him go so easily.

It was probably good that he had gone, because there was something dangerously tempting about Damon. She might have forgotten her own rule—again—and ended up broken-hearted—again.

She reminded herself that it was easier to be alone.

Safer.

Smarter.

Haley rolled to her back and stared at the ceiling.

And she’d said Garrett’s name in her sleep. How embarrassing. Was that why Damon had left? He said he didn’t want a thing, but evidently he didn’t want just sex either.

At least not with her.

There was a familiar theme song.

Haley wasn’t going to fall asleep with her thoughts churning, so she got up and made a cup of cocoa. She remembered Natasha’s itchy chemo hat. That jumped to the top of her real life triage list, because it was something she could fix.

She needed a success.

Haley dug into her knitting bag which had a teensy bit of stash at the bottom, and pulled out the two skeins of red yarn. It was beautiful fine yarn, a blend of angora and alpaca. Haley had bought it because it was so soft, softer than she could have believed yarn could ever be.

She’d bought it on impulse, which was something she never did.

She’d bought it without a plan, which was also something she never did.

And it hadn’t been cheap.

She’d never knit it up because she didn’t want to waste it.

Or maybe she’d just been waiting for the right project.

Holding it now as she thought about Natasha, patting its incredible softness, it felt like destiny that she had this yarn in this moment. She searched on Ravelry for chemo hats and found a free pattern for the right weight of yarn. She started an audiobook on her phone, cast on, and knit with compulsive speed.

She wasn’t going to be taking credit for this gift, much less expecting any expression of gratitude from Damon. It would be her secret.

She would think about Natasha and how the hat might give her comfort. She would send up a few little prayers and maybe stitch some into the hat. She would think about healing and becoming strong.

She certainly wasn’t going to think even once about Natasha’s son.

It might have been better if she had. Instead Haley found herself thinking about Dr. Garrett Smith. She closed her eyes, still able to see his chiseled features, his amazing blue eyes. She swallowed, remembering all the nights they’d spent together.

She’d bet he was still married to the beautiful Dr. Krista Olson-Smith and that they had many adorable babies, a house as big as her apartment building, several large luxury sedans, and a vacation home in an exotic locale. Haley knit as she thought about all the perks that happy couple must share and realized she didn’t care about any of their expensive possessions.

All she had wanted was Garrett.

But he hadn’t wanted her.

And in the early hours of the morning, Haley admitted that truth still hurt.

* * *

Damon awakened,sweating, just as the grenade detonated.

It took him a moment to realize that he was at home in his own bed, and not sprawled in the dirt in Afghanistan.

The dream had been more vivid this time.

The awareness of his own powerlessness had been terrifying.

He was shaking and his heart was pounding as if he’d run halfway across the city. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, told himself he’d get through this.

He dropped and did a hundred sit-ups, but it worked even less than it had the last time. He needed a distraction.

Damon turned on the light and went to his desk. The plans for the condos in the Flatiron Five Fitness tower were spread out there, in progress, but he wasn’t feeling practical. He got out his sketch book and flipped through it to a fresh page, picked up his favorite pencil and began to draw. He let his pencil take its own path, let his imagination take possession of his hand.

He quickly realized that he was drawing Haley.

Laughing. The way she looked after climax. Hair tangled, eyes sparkling, cheeks flushed. The way she looked after he gave her pleasure.

He’d been able to give her this joy.

That wasn’t a small thing.

It wasn’t something to throw away.

His mom would have told him to fight for Haley, but Damon didn’t want his demons any closer to her than they had already been. He was still tempted to call her, just to hear her voice, but he knew he had to be responsible. Even if she forgot about Garrett, she deserved more than he could give her.

She was better without him.

No matter what he yearned for in the night.

There was something very satisfying about capturing the sight of her joy forever. Damon concentrated on every line, getting it exactly right, and before he knew it, the dawn had come.

* * *

Haley wasnervous about going to Flatiron Five Fitness on Wednesday afternoon. It was her day off and she was determined to go to that massage class.

Even if Damon was teaching it.

She wasn’t going to let the chance of seeing him again influence her own plans. She’d done that years ago, when Garrett came back to town with his new wife, and had gone out of her way to avoid crossing paths with either of them. Garrett’s return was why she’d done her Masters in New York, although she hadn’t admitted that to anyone else.

Haley wasn’t going to be such a chicken again.

Especially since it had been just sex. She couldn’t let every sexual partner affect her future choices.

She’d called F5F ahead of time and they’d said she didn’t need to do any preparation or bring anything specific. It was an open class and the teacher modified it each week to suit the attendees. The woman suggested that Haley wear yoga gear, as there would be no nudity in the class. When she found out that Haley had a day pass, she enumerated many of the features of the club, encouraging Haley to make a day of it, and to ask at reception if she had more questions.

She stopped at the hospital with Natasha’s new chemo hat. Damon’s mom was asleep but Haley removed the itchy hat and slipped on the new one. She thought that maybe Natasha smiled a little, but she had to run for the train.

She got to F5F a little early, having left extra time. She wandered through the shop featuring F5F gear and equipment, then watched the climbers on the huge rock wall for a while.

Her brothers would love that.

“Hi,” a woman said, stopping beside her. “You’re new, aren’t you? I’m Cassie Wilson, one of the founding partners of Flatiron Five Fitness.”

Haley shook the other woman’s hand. Cassie was taller than her, slender and sleek. There was a bandage on her upper left arm. She was blond and so pretty that she could have been a model, but Haley had the definite sense that Cassie was smart. “Why is it called Flatiron Five Fitness?”

“Because there are five of us.” Cassie ticked off her fingers. “Me, Tyler, Theo, Kyle, and Damon.” She smiled. “And it’s in the Flatiron district.”

Haley remembered the pictures she’d found online. “You’re the only woman, then.”

Cassie laughed. “And they never let me forget it. They’re good guys, though.” She raised her hands. “I feel like I have four big brothers.”

“Five partners seem like a lot.”

“It’s a big responsibility and takes a lot of different skills to make it work. We each have our gifts.”

“What’s yours?”

“Marketing!” Cassie’s eyes lit with enthusiasm. “Kyle is the visionary. Ty is the money guy. Theo is the networker. That man knows everyone worth knowing, and who to call whenever we need something.”

“You said there was a fifth partner?” Haley asked, feeling very obvious.

“Damon. Our dark horse. He’s a bit mysterious and he tends to be quiet, but then he comes up with these amazing ideas. He’s a great designer. The layout and color scheme are thanks to his skills. It’s welcoming but professional.” Cassie pursed her lips. “I don’t know how to describe it, but he sees things differently, and often puts his finger right on something the rest of us have missed.”

“He sounds like a good person to have on the team.”

Cassie grinned. “Even though he doesn’t take his turn with the club. We love to tease him about it.”

“I thought this was the club.”

“Yes, F5F is the fitness club but there’s also the F5F dance club, which is only open Thursday to Saturday nights. It’s totally Kyle’s brainchild and it works well to attract new members. Its popularity also gives us a lot of media visibility, thanks to Theo’s connections.” She hesitated, falling so suddenly silent that Haley knew there was more.

“Why does it sound like that’s not a good thing?”

“Because we have a policy that at least one of us is in the dance club when it’s open. With four of us—Tyler does the math and the money but also has a day job—that worked out okay. The thing is that right now Kyle and Theo have been spending time in San Francisco, managing the setup of our sister club, our first expansion.” She heaved a sigh. “I like the dance club. I don’t mind working Friday nights, but I’ve been working every Friday night. Damon has a standing date with his girlfriend every Friday night and he won’t even talk about breaking it.”

Haley blinked. “His girlfriend?” she echoed, without meaning to do so.

“Natasha,” Cassie said with a roll of her eyes. She shook her head. “He refuses to mix it up. Kyle was back last weekend and for New Year’s, but this coming weekend, it’s back to me again.” She winced. “I could really dislike this inflexible and demanding Natasha, if I’d ever met her.”

Haley was shocked. Damon hadn’t told his partners that his mom was sick, much less that she was dying. She knew from her courses in palliative care—and from experience—that he was going to need emotional support when Natasha passed away.

Cassie smiled. “But we’re all friends as well as partners. We have each other’s backs.”

These were his friends as well as his partners! How could he not have confided in them?

Cassie’s expression turned contrite. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I ended up telling you all of that.”

“People tell me stuff all the time,” Haley said, because it was true. “I must look sympathetic.”

“Or you’re a good listener. Thanks for letting me vent. Now, you must be here for a class or a workout?”

“I have a guest pass.” Haley pulled it out of her bag but didn’t turn it over so Cassie could see Damon’s handwriting on the back.

“So, you do. How can I make your visit to F5F a success?”

“I’d like to attend the massage class at two.”

“Massage and yoga are both on the seventh floor. You can take that elevator right there. There are change rooms and lockers on each floor, if you want to stash your bag and coat. Did you bring a lock?”

“No, I didn’t think of it.”

“We’ll lend you one.”

“Thanks. Do I need to hand this card in somewhere?”

“I’ll stamp it for you and you can keep it.” Cassie smiled. “So you don’t forget where we are.” Haley nodded agreement. “Let’s get you a wrist band so you can go wherever you want. F5F is all yours for the day. You can install the app on your phone, too.”

Haley followed Cassie to the desk. She put on the wrist band she was given and Cassie stamped the front of the card and handed it back without turning it over. Haley breathed a sigh of relief. After Haley had the app on her phone, the receptionist pointed her to the elevator.

“Have a great class!” Cassie called. “If you have any questions about the club, Sonia here can answer them for you.”

Haley’s pulse was skipping when she took the elevator up to the floor where the massage classes were held, and even the tranquil atmosphere didn’t calm her down much. She wasn’t the first to arrive, and the other two women there were quick to introduce themselves. There were nine people gathered for the class before the teacher arrived.

It wasn’t Damon.

Haley didn’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed.

No. She knew. She was disappointed.

“Good afternoon, everyone,” the instructor said with a bright smile. “I see we have some new faces today. I’m Liz.” She waved to them all and the regulars waved back. “Since we do have some new people with us, let’s take a quick review of what each of you already knows and what you want to learn. I was thinking that we might talk about meridians today, but let’s find out what you think...”

* * *

Haley had emailedher schedule to her mom, like she always did, so she wasn’t surprised when her phone rang on Wednesday night. It was the one evening they were both off that week.

“Hot date tonight?” her mom asked, just like always.

“No way. I’m thinking bubble bath.” Haley didn’t have to pretend to yawn. She’d slept so little the night before that she was exhausted. “How about you?”

“Same for me.” Her mother laughed and they talked about work in their respective hospitals for a few minutes. Head nurses were always on a power trip, it seemed, doctors were always self-absorbed and patients were alternatively annoying and delightful. Her mom asked her then about her research, and Haley told her about her new massage skills.

“You know,” her mom said and Haley sat straighter. She knew that tone and it was always followed by a suggestion. Usually one she didn’t welcome. “They’re creating a post here for someone to head up a new complementary therapies program. The idea is that the nurse would build a team of health care professionals with skills in various therapies, then liaise with all departments and offer the services of her team as needed. There’d be a lot of education involved, both of patients and their families, and of the other staff. It sounds like it would be perfect for you.”

“Except I live in New York. It would be quite a commute.”

Her mom sighed. “That’s easily changed, isn’t it?”

“I like it here, Mom.”

“Why? It’s not like you have a lot of personal connections, Haley. Your friends from your master’s program have all moved elsewhere.”

“So?”

“You work, a lot, and you could work a lot here but be closer to your family.” Her mom paused and Haley braced herself. “I miss you.”

Haley smiled. “You just think that if I come home I’ll find a nice guy and give you more grandchildren.”

“The idea did occur to me.” Her mom cleared her throat. “There are several very nice new doctors on staff. Single.”

“I like it here, Mom,” Haley repeated, not wanting to wade into that mess.

“I don’t believe it. You’re surviving there. I understood when you went back for the master’s, but you’ve earned that degree. Come home, Haley.”

“This is home.”

“A studio apartment furnished at Goodwill? No, Haley, that’s not home.”

“It’s home for me.” Even as she said the words, Haley looked around the apartment and saw it as a stranger might. It wasn’t a personal space.

She was always ready to go, but she hadn’t gone anywhere in a while.

Maybe it was time to change that.

Her mom ignored her comment. “It’s a great position, Haley. The salary is really good and it’s perfect for you. You’d be the ideal candidate, if you’d just apply.”

“I don’t want to move.”

Her mom paused. “Oh. Are you seeing someone?”

“No,” Haley said because it was true. Having sex with Damon, even if there was a possibility it could happen again, wasn’t what her mom was talking about. “But I have a cat now.” She didn’t know why she said that. It wasn’t true.

“A cat. That’s what counts as family now? A cat and a job? That’s a life?” Her mom made a disapproving sound. “Haley, you know there’s more to life than that. You’re not getting any younger, and I want to see you happy.”

“But I am happy, Mom. I’m just not doing what you think I should be doing. That’s different from being unhappy.”

“Haley!”

Haley knew she’d never convince her mom to understand her view, so she used a familiar argument. “You’re the one who taught me that the right man was worth waiting for.”

Her mom sighed. “Are you meeting anyone?”

“Yes. I went to a gym downtown for a massage class today. I might go back, maybe join.” That wasn’t true, either, but her mom took it as a sign of encouragement. They talked about Haley’s brothers, she had an update on how adorable her nieces and nephew were, and she was warned that there might be a wedding in the spring.

“If there’s a wedding, I’ll come home for it,” she said. “Someone has to fill Tiffany’s luggage with confetti.”

“And think about bringing a date,” her mom added.

Haley rolled her eyes. “It’s not like I can just order one online.”

“Maybe it would be easier if you could.” They joked together about online dating—her older brother Brad had tried a lot of services with bad results, then had met Katie at the grocery store—her mom demanded that she send pictures of the cat, then they ended the call. Haley smiled at the phone, then opened her browser.

She needed to find a cat, STAT.

* * *

“You’re evil,”Shannyn muttered as she did yet another batch of push-ups at Cassie’s instruction.

“Hold it longer,” Cassie said. “And keep your back straight.”

“Diabolical, maybe.”

Cassie smiled. “Don’t you want to look your best when you’re twenty stories high?”

“You’re completely merciless,” Shannyn said, sitting up and wiping the perspiration from her face. She was flushed, but her muscles were perfectly pumped. Since she and Tyler had agreed to pose for one of the billboards, she’d been working out a lot. She was stronger and more sleek. “Good enough?”

“You look great,” Cassie said and meant it. She spun her finger and Shannyn turned around to be assessed. “I think you’re ready for the shoot. Quick shower, then that black leotard, please.”

“That’s not really a leotard,” Shannyn said. “It’s a little skinny bit of fabric. A belt.”

“And you look awesome in it.”

“With no secrets left.” Shannyn rolled her eyes, then hurried to the women’s showers.

Cassie went to the room they were using for the photography and checked that everything was set up and ready. The make-up artist was there and the stylist, as well as the photographer Shannyn had couched to take her place. Ty was there already, of course, since he was always prompt.

The man could tempt a saint. He was pumped up from his work-out and naked above the waist. Cassie tried to keep from staring or drooling.

He ran a hand over his sleek chest and gave her an intent look. “I hope this is worth it,” he said, showing almost as much reluctance to participate in their advertising program as he had from the outset.

Cassie smiled. “You even waxed for us.”

“Don’t remind me.” Ty grimaced. “It’s going to itch.”

“Then think of the bottom line, Mr. Money. The ad is perfect for Valentine’s Day and you know it. We’ll be overwhelmed with new applicants.”

“When exactly is it going to be your turn to be on an F5F billboard?” Ty asked.

“When I think of a good slogan. It could be a while.” Cassie reached up and tousled Ty’s hair a little bit, smiling when he glowered at her. “The idea is that your high-finance friends won’t recognize you, remember?”

“I remember.”

The photographer positioned him and began to check the lighting. Shannyn returned and Ty’s eyes lit. He smiled, such a sensual and hungry expression that Cassie had to turn away. She was more than ready to have a guy look at her like that—especially a guy like Tyler McKay.

Her new tattoo itched a little. Was it possible that Chynna’s so-called magic would work? She hoped it would hurry up and do whatever it was going to do. She had another itch that she was tired of tending herself.

Shannyn checked the lighting herself and chatted with the photographer, adjusting Ty’s pose.

Cassie beckoned to the styling team. “We want a really sexy sultry look. Make the most of Shannyn’s eyes and lips.”

In moments, Shannyn had rock-star hair and come-hither lips. Her eyes looked smoky and mysterious. She could have been another person, more sultry and sexy than she’d ever appear in real life.

Cassie got out the mock-up sketch and reviewed the pose with her. Shannyn stepped into Ty’s embrace and put her left hand on his chest with her wedding ring visible. Ty’s left arm was wrapped around Shannyn’s waist, his wedding ring glinting in the shadows. He stared out at the camera, looking imposing and protective and sexy as hell, while Shannyn leaned against him, touching her lips to his skin. They both looked perfect, toned and sleek and tanned, and the pose was both tender and romantic.

The photographer took a couple of shots, then showed them to Shannyn. She made suggestions for adjustments and they set to work as Cassie watched.

Get lucky at F5F.

This campaign was going to set Manhattan on fire.

* * *

He wasn’tthe ideal roommate, but Haley couldn’t resist him.

It appeared that she had a weakness for large, dark, brooding males.

At the shelter, she was overwhelmed by the sheer number of adult cats available for adoption. The girl working there explained their policy of being a no-kill shelter, then pointed out the big black tom who sat at the back of the cat pen as if he wanted to be anywhere else in the world. Younger cats frolicked around him, but he remained impassive. “If we were a kill shelter, he’d be long gone,” she said, as if that wouldn’t bother her too much.

The cat eyed them, as if he knew they were talking about him. He was completely black and an enormous cat. A miniature panther. Sleek and powerful. Still and watchful. He was missing one eye and his ear was ripped.

Haley wondered if he had a tattoo or had done military service.

“Why? Because he’s black?” She knew that black cats were less likely to be adopted, although she thought that was silly.

“That and he’s miserable. He ended up here because he was hurt in a fight and has been here ever since.”

“How long?”

“Eight months. No one ever came for him. Maybe he didn’t have anyone.” The girl shrugged. “Let me show you the kittens. We have some adorable tabbies...”

“No,” Haley said, holding the black cat’s steady gaze and knowing exactly who he reminded her of. “I’m interested in that big tom.”

His eye seemed to glow green as he watched her and the tip of his tail began to flick. Just like someone she knew, he wasn’t in a hurry to share his thoughts.

“Really? He’s been neutered, of course,” the girl said. “The vet did it at the same time as he was patching him up. It was supposed to calm him down, but it doesn’t seem like it. He’s still got his claws, so he’ll scratch up your stuff.”

“I thought you were supposed to help cats get adopted, not talk people out of it,” Haley said lightly and the girl flushed.

“He’s just a lot of trouble. You should know what you’re getting into.”

“I like trouble,” Haley said, because it was true. “I want to see him.”

* * *

Damon was finishingup on Friday night when Ty strode into the weight room. Damon waved, noting that Ty was still wearing his suit and tie and carrying his briefcase. He didn’t think much about Ty being dressed up, just finished putting away the weights. He’d been worrying about his mom all day long and couldn’t wait to get to the hospital. He hated having this knot in his gut, never mind the conviction that there was nothing he could do to help.

He really hated that he couldn’t talk to Haley. She had an ability to make him feel better, but he didn’t want to withdraw what he couldn’t repay. It wasn’t fair.

The day had passed more slowly than he’d believed possible.

He checked his phone again, but there weren’t any messages from the hospital.

Who had given his mom that red chemo hat? It was knitted and he wondered about that basket of knitting in Haley’s apartment. Did she knit for chemo patients as well as premature babies? It wouldn’t surprise him.

He reminded himself that he was not looking for an excuse to call Haley.

But Damon wasn’t sure it was true.

Truth be told, he found the prospect of thanking her one more time pretty enticing.

“I hope you’re not planning to duck out tonight again,” Ty said and Damon jumped with the realization that Ty had been watching him. The other partner hadn’t put down his briefcase or loosened his tie. There was a resolve in his eyes that made Damon wonder what was up.

“I’m always off Friday night,” Damon said, but Ty shook his head.

“You have always been off Friday night. Tonight’s different.”

Damon raised a hand, only realizing after he’d done it that he was gesturing with his phone. “Look, I have to go.”

“Because the lovely Natasha is waiting for you,” Ty said and shook his head. “I never thought that I’d need to talk to you about teamwork, Damon. I always thought it would be Kyle who’d be vanishing when we could use his help, but...”

Damon tapped his watch. “I have to go.”

“No,” Ty said firmly. “Tonight, you have to stay.” When Damon would have protested, Ty lifted a finger and pointed back to the lobby. “You may have noticed that we have a club here, one that’s only open three nights a week.”

“I worked it last Thursday,” Damon said, hearing coldness in his tone.

“And I worked Saturday, and Cassie worked all three nights. With Kyle and Theo in San Francisco, it’s tough to maintain our policy of having at least one partner in the club each night.”

“Hey, it was Kyle’s idea...”

“And he’s not here because he’s setting up F5F West. You know that! Damon, we’ve got to pull together through the tight spots to keep this place going.”

“I’m not staying tonight. I already worked a full day.”

“So did I,” Ty replied. “And I’d love to go home, but I’m staying.” He drilled a finger into Damon’s chest. “And you’re staying. I sent Cassie home already. She’s dead on her feet and if she gets sick, we’ll really be in a jam.”

Anger rose hot within Damon but he didn’t show it. “I have plans tonight.”

“So did I. Shannyn will have to wait and so will Natasha.” Ty was resolute, his stare hard when Damon didn’t reply. “Or do I have to remind you again that we’re all five equal partners? That can be revised if you want out.”

“I don’t want out,” Damon said tightly. “I just have to do something tonight.”

“It’s not fair, Damon, and you know it. Cassie needs a break. The fact that she’s not seeing anyone isn’t a good enough reason to leave her spending every Friday night here at the club.”

Damon took a deep breath and stared around the weight room, composing himself. Tyler was right and he knew it, but he was worried about his mom. “I just need to make one phone call,” he said, meeting the other man’s gaze. “If that’s all right with you.”

“Give my regards to the lady,” Ty said and turned to leave. “I’m going up to change. If you’re not in the club when I come back down, I will find you, even if I have to drag you in there.”

“Got it,” Damon acknowledged. Ty nodded once and left, heading for the elevator and his apartment in the tower above the club.

Damon clenched his fist, exhaled, then punched in the number for the nurses’ station at the hospital. He hated asking for help, but this was about his mom and her comfort.

And there was only one person he could trust to take his place this one time.