Annabelle must have read my intentions because she looped her arm through mine, holding me back from reaching the dickhead. Still poised, she shook her head and said, “I don’t know what you’re implying, Carson. I was hired for the job before I even met Mr. Daire.”

“Really?” Carson sneered. “So divorced-twice Annabelle Martin had to move across the country to find a man. Looks like you found the only sort that would have you. A lame duck.”

I clenched my teeth and my fists. I wasn’t going to punch him; really I wasn’t. Okay, maybe I was but I never got the chance. In the blink of an eye, Carson was standing in front of me and then he wasn’t.

Jackson had zipped up behind him with my wheelchair and clipped him in the back of the knees, causing Carson to reel back into the chair. He was sprawled in the seat like he’d knocked back a few too many at the open bar, which judging by the sight and smell of him, was not too far off the mark.

“Pardon me,” Jackson said. “I’m just going to take out the trash.”

“And now I’m really glad I didn’t fire you,” I said.

That made him laugh, his big, booming, shake-the-rafters guffaw. It also startled Carson, who started to rise. Jackson stopped that by rolling out, forcing Carson back against the seat. Annabelle and I watched as they disappeared. I knew Jackson would dump Carson in a cab, making certain he left and couldn’t do any more harm.

“Good riddance,” Annabelle said. She turned back to me and smiled. “It seems everyone’s timing is on point tonight.”

The sight of her took my breath away, and suddenly that was all I wanted—to be far, far away with her.

“Any chance we can get out of here?” I asked.

“Let’s go,” she said.

We ghosted out of the gala to the curb outside. The valet ran to get my car, and when he returned, I gave the keys to Annabelle. Given the dramatic events of the evening, I had no idea how much longer I could go without my constant companion, anxiety, making an appearance. Dr. Franks and I were making progress, but I knew we were playing the long game in regards to my ability to cope.

Annabelle drove through the city streets, and I sat happily beside her, just watching her. I didn’t know how tonight was going to play out, but since she had agreed to leave with me, I was feeling hopeful.

When we arrived at home, I directed her to drive to her place. She cast me a concerned look as if she thought I was just going to dump her off. Fat chance. Little did she know that if things went according to plan, she was going to have to scrape me off her from this moment forward.