“Rachel Morgan, thank you for Thank you for stepping in. You didn’t have to do that.” “Yeah, I did,” Jack said simply. “You were hurt and asking for help. That’s all that mattered.” Rachel’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “Most people just walked by. I could see them looking, but no one.” Her voice broke slightly.

No one stopped. I know, Jack said quietly. People get scared. Don’t want to get involved, but that doesn’t make it right. Sir, one of the police officers approached. I’m going to need to get a statement from you as well. Won’t take long. Jack nodded, then looked back toward where he’d left Sophie. His daughter was sitting exactly where he’d told her to stay, but her face was anxious, her eyes locked on him.

He raised a hand to wave at her, trying to communicate that everything was okay. The next hour was a blur of questions, statements, and witness accounts. Andrew was detained for questioning, his threats about lawyers growing more shrill as the reality of the situation sank in. Rachel gave her statement in a quiet, controlled voice, carefully omitting certain details, but no longer minimizing what had happened.

Jack learned she was Rachel Morgan, CEO of Morgan Technologies, a name even he recognized from business news segments he half watched while making dinner. She was wealthy, powerful, and apparently engaged to Andrew Kfax, who served as her company’s chief financial officer. “Small world,” Jack muttered to himself when he overheard this information.

the billionaire CEO and the single dad Navy medic. Not exactly social circles that typically over overlapped. By the time the police were finished with statements, it was nearly 900 p.m. Sophie had been brought over by a kind TSA agent who had given her a bag of pretzels and let her color with markers in the security office.

She was tired, hungry, and confused, but she lit up when she saw Jack. Daddy. She ran to him and he caught her up in his arms, breathing in the familiar scent of her strawberry shampoo. “Hey, baby girl, I’m sorry that took so long.” “Did you help the lady?” Sophie asked. “I tried to.” “Yeah.

” “Is she okay now?” Jack looked over Sophie’s head to where Rachel sat on a bench, looking lost and alone despite being surrounded by security personnel and police officers. Andrew had been escorted to a different area and Jack had overheard something about charges being considered for assault and public disturbance. I don’t know, sweetheart, Jack said. Honestly.

I hope so. Can we go home now? I’m really hungry. Jack checked his phone and saw 17 missed calls from work along with a text from his supervisor asking if he was okay. Their flight had been cancelled hours ago due to the incoming storm, and all other flights were grounded until morning at the earliest. “Yeah, we can go home,” Jack said, making the decision quickly.

“They’d been supposed to fly to Baltimore for a long weekend with his sister’s family, but that plan was shot now. Let’s get out of here and find some real food.” He was heading toward the exit, Sophie’s hand in his and their luggage rolling behind them when he heard his name called. Mr. Miller Jack. He turned to find Rachel hurrying toward him, her heels clicking on the polished floor.

She’d retrieved her coat and purse from somewhere, and she looked more composed now, though her face was pale and her eyes were shadowed with exhaustion. “Miss Morgan,” Jack said, stopping. “You okay?” “I” she paused, seeming to struggle with the words. “I don’t have anywhere to go tonight. My flight is cancelled.

” And Andrew, he booked everything. The hotel reservations are in his name. The charter flight was his arrangement. I can’t. Her voice wavered. I can’t go back to those places. Not now. Not after all this. And I just realized I left my phone in Andrew’s briefcase when we were arguing earlier, so I can’t even call my assistant or She stopped, taking a shaky breath.

Jack watched her carefully, his medic’s eye noting the signs of shock settling in. The pale skin, the trembling hands, the rapid breathing barely held in check. “Ma’am, I think you need to sit down,” Jack said gently. “When’s the last time you ate something?” Rachel blinked at him.

“I I had coffee this morning, I think.” There was a breakfast meeting, but I didn’t eat because Andrew was upset about the board presentation, and she stopped again, seeming to realize how ridiculous she sounded. I haven’t eaten today at all. Okay, Jack said, making another quick decision that his more cautious self would probably question later.

Here’s what’s going to happen. You’re going to come with us, get some food in you, and figure out your next move. You’re in shock, you’re injured, and you need to take care of yourself before you make any big decisions. Rachel stared at him. You’re inviting me where exactly to get dinner first. Then Jack trailed off, realizing the complication.

“Do you have access to any credit cards that aren’t connected to Andrew?” “I have my business card,” Rachel said slowly. “But the storm, I heard them say all the hotels near the airport are booked solid because of the cancellations.” Jack ran a hand through his hair, knowing he was about to do something either incredibly kind or incredibly stupid.

“Look, I have a two-bedroom apartment about 30 minutes from here. It’s not fancy, but it’s clean and safe. Sophie and I were supposed to be away this weekend, so the guest room is made up. You can stay there tonight, get some rest, and figure things out in the morning when your head is clearer.” He watched Rachel’s face cycle through a series of emotions.

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