Page 46 of Mask and the Magnolia

”Thank you,” she whispers, her breath warm against my skin.

I just nod as I wrap my arms around her and let my eyes slide shut.

I am in so much more trouble than I originally thought, but I don’t think I could give a damn at the moment if I tried.

We both fellasleep in the bottom of the closet.

Yes, we both fell asleep in my privatebathroomafter riding a rollercoaster of emotions and though it wasn’t intentional, it was clearly needed.

I don’t want to move.

Smoothing Magnolia’s hair from her face, I look down at her, smiling a touch over how peaceful she looks.

I did that.

I helped her calm down and ground herself. I provided comfort that she needed.

Pride swells in my chest over the success in diffusing such an impromptu panicked moment.

One that unfortunately must end because I need to check on the residents after everything that just happened.

I’m sure O’Brien has things under control but it’s not his responsibility, it’s mine, and I need to do what I’m getting paid to do.

With a sigh, I carefully move around the closet, scooping Magnolia into my arms as I get to my knees, holding her tight as I stand. She barely seems to notice all the commotion. Sleeping soundly even as I lay her out on my couch and cover her with one of the blankets.

I stare down at her for a few moments, a small smile touching my lips because even like this, she is hands down the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.

I wish it could stay like this.

Between us.

I wish we could continue living in this little bubble where we’re just two people who do care for each other, who bring balance to one another, and who can realistically have that long term.

Even if that feels like an impossibility, I have to talk to Magnolia about several things when she wakes, and if the invitation still stands, I’ll go out with her and Evelyn tonight. I can be her friend, Isaak, for a change.

And I will cock block the hell out of her while I do it.

With a shake of my head, I push my fingers back through my hair a few times, noting it’s just after lunch and we’ve been in here for about two hours. I lift my glasses and rub my eyes, scrubbing my hands over my face before I put myself back together in the most presentable way possible.

Thankfully, the staff on shift won’t start any rumors or spread any lies about the two of us being here so long. They’regood people, people we can both trust, and while they may not understand what it’s like to feel the way Maggie did, they’ll try.

Exiting my office as quietly as possible, I pull the door closed behind me with every intention to head toward the common areas, but stop in my tracks when I look up.

”Hawthorne?” My brows raise as my eyes shift from one worried expression to the next. “Severe, St. James. Can I help you, gentlemen?”

”Everything okay, doc?” Desmond asks as the three push off the wall across from me. “Doc okay?”

I frown a touch before I nod absently.

How unusual.

I know the residents came to Magnolia’s defense but this is not quite what I was expecting when I came to check on them.

”She need anything?” Calix starts wringing his hands, his eyes shifting from me to the door as he gnaws his lower lip. “Anything we can do?”

This is so strange.

Strange, but it means our plan is working.