Chapter 27

“Right, right,” Ray said. Then he glanced at the doorway and noticed Nick. His knuckles tightened on the phone. “Martin, I have to go. I’ll call you back.” He returned the phone to its cradle and stood. “Nick?”

He smiled or at least he hoped it was a smile. He was so unsure of everything. “I-Ray,” he croaked out. Nick cleared his throat and decided to try again. “I’m sorry, Ray.”

Ray stared at him, his expression unreadable. “About what?”

Figures Ray wasn’t going to make this easy.

“About everything,” Nick said softly. “I’m going crazy. These last two weeks have been terrible. I can’t sleep or eat. I’ve been practically living like a hermit. Devon came to see me. He said you’ve been miserable.”

“I have been.” Ray took a step toward him. They stood only inches apart. “I can’t stop thinking about you, Nick.”

“I can’t stop thinking about you, too.” Nick ran his hand through his hair. “I-I’ve been suspended from the force.”