And just like that, the panic I’ve been holding on to all day loosens its grip. With him, I feel safe from this chaos. Or if it’s not safe, then maybe the feeling is understood. Regardless, he gets it and that’s comforting in and of itself.

Jase puts the car in drive and gives me some time to let the fact that today actually happened—that this is happening—without speaking. I close my eyes and just let the music soothe me and find an odd contentment in him quiet beside me.

“We were in the studio all day. I didn’t have my phone on because . . . simply because I’m not used to having anyone need me.” He pauses but I keep my eyes closed, lulled by the sound of his voice. “I didn’t realize news had hit until we went to leave.”

“Well, it did,” I murmur.

“You didn’t text me.”

I open my eyes and study him as he drives, pondering his statement. “Was I supposed to?”

“No. Yes. I don’t know.” He glances my way and then back to the road. For a man who always seems sure of himself, he’s suddenly lost his footing. It’s cute.

“What does that mean?”

He blows out a sigh like he’s trying to find his words. “You’re a fascinating woman.”

“Oh?”

“You have bouts of insecurity but then today happens—your whole life shifts—and you just, according to Sammy, handle it like a goddamn pro. That takes a lot of guts and a shit ton of fortitude. I’m proud of you.” He reaches out and puts his hand on my thigh and squeezes to reinforce his words. “I guess I thought you’d text because you needed me to come and . . . I don’t know. Help you? Rescue you?” He huffs out a laugh and removes his hand from my leg to run it through his hair before setting right back on it. “That sounds ridiculous. I’m fully aware.”

“That’s sweet of you. I was so busy, I didn’t have a single second to spare. Besides, what are you going to do other than make the situation more chaotic?”

“I know but helpless doesn’t look good on any man and that’s how I felt today when I found out you were fending off everyone on your own.” He glances over at me and his Adam’s apple bobs.

“It was chaotic but I’m pretty sure that will be the norm for a while.”

“But you said it was busy? That’s good, right? More sales? More business?”

“Yes, the Gizmo effect apparently.”

He chuckles but I keep thinking about his hand on my thigh and how his thumb absently brushes back and forth like it’s a habit. And that makes me think of his hands last night and exactly how capable they are.

I try to refocus. To redirect.