Chapter 9

The applause still echoed in Jay's ears as he returned to his seat, the weight of the trophy in his hands feeling oddly surreal. Around him, his teammates clapped him on the back, Adam making a joke about how they'd all known he'd win, and Kevin already ordering another round of drinks for the table.

But Jay barely heard them. His mind was elsewhere, stuck in the moment when Erin had handed him the award.

Her smile had been genuine, her presence commanding yet effortless. And for a split second, when their eyes met on stage, it felt like the rest of the world had disappeared.

"Speech was solid," Will said, leaning over with a grin. "Mom would've loved it."

Jay glanced at his brother, his jaw tightening as he gave a small nod. "Yeah. Thanks, man."

Will's expression softened, and he clinked his glass against Jay's before leaning back to let his brother breathe.

Jay tried to settle back into the flow of the night, accepting congratulations from players and celebrities who passed by. But his focus kept drifting back to the stage—or, more specifically, backstage.

Where was Erin now?

Meanwhile, Erin was backstage, catching her breath after stepping off the stage. Trudy stood by her side, handing her a glass of water.

"You killed it," Trudy said with a smirk. "Seriously, kid. Between the Jeggins interview and presenting an award, you're on fire tonight."

"Thanks," Erin replied, her voice steady despite the rush of emotions swirling inside her. She sipped the water, but her mind wasn't on the ceremony anymore. It was on Jay.

Seeing him win, hearing him thank his brother and his mom—it had stirred something in her. His vulnerability had been unexpected, cutting through the polished surface of the night and revealing a side of him she hadn't fully seen before.

"Don't look now, but you've got company," Trudy said, tilting her head toward the curtain.

Erin frowned, setting down her glass and turning to see Avery Jeggins approaching. The older author smiled warmly, holding out a hand.

"Erin, you were fantastic up there," Avery said, his tone genuine. "And congratulations again on The Light Within. It's a stunning piece of work."

"Thank you," Erin replied, shaking his hand. Her nerves melted away slightly under his kind words.

"You've got a gift," he continued. "And I'm not the only one who thinks so. I heard some murmurs earlier tonight—don't be surprised if you see your name in the running for an American Books Award."

Erin blinked, her heart skipping a beat. "Are you serious?"

"As serious as a deadline," Avery said with a laugh. "Keep doing what you're doing, Erin. The literary world needs voices like yours."

He excused himself with a nod, leaving Erin standing there, her thoughts spinning.

Back in the main ballroom, the party was beginning to shift into its second phase. The awards had been handed out, and now it was time for the real celebration: mingling, dancing, and letting loose.

Jay found himself leaning against the bar, nursing a glass of whiskey as he watched the crowd. His teammates had scattered, some hitting the dance floor, others disappearing into conversations with sponsors or fans.

He was debating whether to head out early when he caught a glimpse of bronze out of the corner of his eye.

Erin had just stepped into the room, her gown catching the light as she moved. She was smiling at something the woman near her said, her posture relaxed, her confidence radiating like a force field.

Jay's breath hitched.

For ten days, he'd tried to push her out of his head. Tried to convince himself that whatever connection he felt with her was a fluke, a product of circumstance. But seeing her now, in the middle of this glittering chaos, he knew he'd been lying to himself.

"Halstead," Adam's voice broke through his thoughts, and Jay turned to see his teammate grinning. "You're staring. Pretty sure you've got competition in this room, though. Half the guys here are probably lining up to talk to her."

Jay huffed out a laugh, shaking his head. "She's not—"

"Not your type? Not into athletes?" Adam cut in, his grin widening. "Come on, man. You're not fooling anyone."

Jay didn't respond, his gaze drifting back to Erin as she moved further into the room.

It wasn't long before their eyes met.

And it wasn't long before Will interrupted him.

Will appeared beside him, his brow furrowed as he studied his brother. "What's up with you?"

"Nothing," Jay said too quickly.

Will didn't buy it for a second. "Uh-huh. Nothing's why you're standing here like a statue, staring at…" He trailed off, following Jay's line of sight. "Oh."

Jay glared at him, his tone low. "Don't."

Will raised his hands in mock surrender, a knowing grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "So that is the girl.The writer.You never said bestselling though."

Will's eyes narrowed slightly, his head tilting as he studied Jay. There was something calculating about his expression, like a puzzle piece had just clicked into place.

Jay stiffened, his fingers tightening around his glass. "Will, don't—"

"Oh my God," Will interrupted, his eyebrows shooting up. "That is really her."

Jay groaned, closing his eyes briefly. "It's not what you think."

Will ignored him completely, his grin growing. "That's why you didn't want to talk about her. You knew I'd figure it out."

Jay set his drink down with a little more force than necessary, glaring at his brother. "Nothing to figure out. We had dinner. Once. Then coffee. That's it."

Will didn't look convinced. In fact, he looked positively gleeful. "You didn't mention the coffee before. Interesting."

Jay sighed, scrubbing a hand over his face. "Will—"

"Let me guess," Will cut in, clearly enjoying himself. "You went for coffee to… what? Talk about books? Life? Or was this one of those 'totally platonic, definitely-not-a-date' situations?"

Jay leveled him with a look. "It wasn't a date."

Will smirked. "Uh-huh. Sure."

"It wasn't!" Jay snapped, his voice low but firm. "We talked. That's it."

Will leaned in slightly, his grin never faltering. "And you're trying to tell me you feel nothing for her? Because, buddy, you've been acting like a lovesick teenager for weeks."

Jay's glare sharpened, but there was a flicker of something else in his eyes—something Will caught immediately.

"You do like her," Will said, his voice softening. "Don't you?"

Jay hesitated, his jaw tightening as he looked away. "It doesn't matter."

"Why not?" Will pressed, his teasing gone now.

Jay hesitated, his gaze flicking back to Erin for the briefest moment before he looked away again. "Because she's… She's too good for this."

Will frowned, leaning against the nearby table. "You mean you? Or your life?"

"Both," Jay admitted quietly, his voice rough.

Will sighed, studying his brother for a long moment. "Jay, come on. You're not giving yourself enough credit. Or her, for that matter. Maybe she's more capable of handling this—handling you—than you think."

Jay didn't respond, his chest tightening as Will's words hit a little too close to home.

"Look," Will added, his tone gentler now, "if you really believe there's nothing there, fine. But if you're just scared of what might happen…" He shrugged. "Maybe you're the one holding yourself back, not her."

Jay swallowed hard, his throat dry as Will's words sank in.

"Anyway," Will said, straightening up and clapping a hand on Jay's shoulder. "Think about it. But for now, maybe try to stop brooding and actually enjoy the night, yeah?"

Jay nodded mutely, watching as Will wandered off to join the others.

But even as he tried to push the conversation from his mind, his gaze drifted back to Erin. And for a moment, just a moment, he let himself wonder—what if Will was right?

So he decided that maybe, this was another occasion to talk to her, maybe trying to understand why he keeps feeling this way whenever she's around.

Jay drowned the left of his whiskey glass in mere seconds, standing up, seeing her heading towards the terrace of the luxurious party hall.

Will's words echoed in his mind. Maybe you're the one holding yourself back, not her.

He had to admit, it stung a little. But Will wasn't wrong. The longer Jay stood there, watching Erin, the more he realized he was letting his own fears dictate his actions.

His eyes followed her as she gracefully moved toward the terrace, her dress catching the soft light from the chandeliers, her posture confident and relaxed. For a moment, she looked like she belonged in this world—a world Jay wasn't sure he belonged in anymore.

With a deep breath, Jay pushed himself off the bar, leaving the rest of the celebration behind. He made his way toward the terrace, the clinking of glasses and laughter of his teammates fading as he focused on the one thing that seemed to matter right now.

Talking to Erin,cause damn, he's seen her three times,really talked to her two and yet he felt like he was missing something among these days.

When he stepped outside, the cool night air hit his face, but it did nothing to clear the tension in his chest. He spotted her immediately, standing by the railing, her back to him as she stared out over the city. She hadn't noticed him yet.

"Don't tell me you're avoiding the chaos too," he said, his voice a little rougher than he intended.

Erin turned at the sound of his voice, a small smile curving her lips when she saw him. "I could ask you the same thing."

Jay chuckled, trying to hide the nerves creeping up on him. "I don't know what you're talking about. I'm totally enjoying the night," he said, his tone mockingly upbeat.

She raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "Right. I bet."

There was a brief silence, and Jay felt like he had to say something, anything to keep the moment from slipping through his fingers.

"Didn't think I'd see you here." Jay said,as he leaned his arms down the balcony railing,looking at her.

"Well,it isn't my scene,as you can clearly see."She jokes,chuckling."But,Walter Westbrook invited me,I couldn't say no,could I?"

"Walter,my-my club president?" He questioned,sounding a bit confused.

"The one and only."

"But you were a natural at this, you know," he said, glancing at her sideways. "Up there on stage, I mean. I almost forgot I was supposed to be the one getting the award."

Erin laughed softly, her shoulders relaxing a little. "I wasn't exactly planning on stealing your spotlight," she teased.

Jay's smile faltered, and he took a step closer. "No, seriously. You seemed like you belonged up there."

She met his eyes, her expression softening, and for a moment, Jay forgot to breathe.

"Thank you.Glad you couldn't feel my panicking inside."

"You masked it pretty well,I must say."

"Well,then maybe I should start acting too aside from writing."

Jay chuckled awkwardly, trying to mask the weight of the moment with humor. "Look..I probably owe you an apology.." he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I kinda… disappeared on you, didn't I?"

Erin tilted her head, the playful glint never leaving her eyes. "You could say that..But I get it. You're a busy guy, right?And I had my own things too, so it's not just on you."

"Yeah, something like that," he said, offering a sheepish grin. "I just… I told you i would've reached out to you and.."

She raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms with a smile that was both teasing and understanding. "It's fine, Jay. Really. I didn't expect a call or anything."

Jay's smile faded just a little, and he shifted, uncomfortable. "I don't know. I guess I hoped we could just… talk more. Like, really talk. Not like… whatever this is." He gestured vaguely to the earlier, chaotic part of the evening.

"Not sure I get what you're talking about," Erin said, her lips curling up. "But okay."

Jay's gaze faltered for a second, and his voice dropped, almost like he was admitting something to himself. "I'm sorry if I left you hanging. It wasn't right." He cleared his throat and glanced away, hoping she hadn't seen all the photos of him plastered all over the internet. He definitely didn't want to talk about that.

Erin seemed to catch on, her eyes softening just a touch as she gave him an amused look. "Look, I saw the news. It's okay, Jay."

Jay froze, feeling heat creep up his neck. "Wait, you saw that?"

She shrugged lightly, almost nonchalant. "It's hard to avoid. The internet loves to make a big deal out of everything."

Jay grimaced, rubbing his face. "Great. Just what I needed. I was hoping you didn't see those."

Erin chuckled, the sound light and playful. "Well, if you're really sorry about it, maybe we could actually talk? Like you said, catch up. Without all the… chaos."

Jay's face lit up with a small grin. "Yeah, I'd like that. But, uh, maybe without me getting caught up in any more headlines, yeah?"

She laughed softly. "Deal. But you might want to lay low for a bit."

Jay laughed along with her, the tension in his shoulders easing. "Definitely," he said, more relaxed than he'd felt all evening. "So, how about you? What's been keeping you busy?"

Erin raised an eyebrow, an impish smile dancing across her lips. "You know, the usual. Writing, keeping out of the spotlight, trying not to get dragged into any drama."

Jay grinned, feeling like the night had just turned around. "Sounds like we're both in the same boat then.You're just way more good at that than me."

For the first time in days, the weight on his chest felt a little lighter.

"Look," Jay turns around to look at her,shivery petite frame as he takes his suit jacket and gently places it onto Erin's shoulders. "Want to go somewhere?"

"What?"Her eyes widend confused, "Like,right now?"

Jay nodded, his hand still resting lightly on the back of her shoulders where he had draped his jacket. "Yeah, why not? I mean, we both could use a break from… hell, everything. Somewhere quieter. No crowds, no cameras."

Erin blinked, caught off guard for a second by the unexpected offer, but the warmth from his jacket on her shoulders felt like a gentle push in the right direction. She met his gaze, the mischievous smile never quite leaving her face.

"I don't know…" she teased, "You're not planning on dragging me into some club full of chaos, are you?"

Jay laughed softly, shaking his head. "No way. Not tonight. I was thinking somewhere more… chill. No drama, no loud music. Just… us talking. Actually getting to know each other, like we should have after that coffee."

Erin hesitated for just a moment, then nodded. "Alright, you've convinced me," she said with a smirk. "Where are we going?"

Jay's grin widened, a little nervous excitement bubbling up."I..my apartment isn't far if we want to walk to it,just talking,I promise you I-"

"Jay,stop rambling.Let's go."

Jay blinked, momentarily thrown off by her interruption, but the warm, playful tone in her voice made his heart flutter. He laughed, shaking his head as he gently led her toward the exit.

"I have to warn you,these heels are killing me, so I'll walk slow."

Jay chuckled softly at her comment, a grin tugging at his lips as they made their way down the steps and into the cooler night air. "Fair enough," he said, adjusting his pace to match hers. "I've got no problem slowing down."

Erin shot him a sidelong glance, her smile still lingering. "You're not just trying to get me alone so you can gloat about being taller than me, are you?"

Jay laughed, shaking his head. "Nah, even though I could."

She rolled her eyes, but there was a light in her gaze that told Jay she didn't mind the playful banter. "I'll have you know, these heels are the reason I can keep up with someone like you," she teased, giving a little twirl that made her dress flutter.

He couldn't help but smile wider, the sight of her so at ease making his chest feel a little lighter. "I'm definitely not complaining," he said softly. "You look really beautiful,Erin."

Erin's steps faltered for a moment, and Jay immediately regretted the way his words had slipped out. He had meant to keep it casual, but there was something about the way she looked—effortlessly stunning in her dress and heels—that made him forget to hold back.

"Thanks," she said, the surprise in her voice quickly turning into a smile. "You look good, too. But no need to get all soft on me just 'cause I'm letting you win the height battle."

Jay chuckled, the tension easing out of him as she shot him that teasing look again. "Hey, I'm just stating the facts. You can't deny I'm the taller one here."

She shot him a playful side-eye. "For now. Wait until I find some higher heels," she teased.

"I'll be watching out for that," he replied with a grin.

"Even though I'm sure they will be even more painful than these one.And it's hard to beat this deadly trap."

"Right, I'm sure it's a real workout," Jay teased, his grin never fading as they strolled down the quiet street.

Jay's heart gave a little jolt, but he didn't know what to say to keep the moment from getting too serious. Instead, he smiled, his usual confident grin returning. "So… are you ready to see where I live and probably make fun of me for having too many sports trophies?"

Erin laughed, the sound light and easy, and Jay felt his stomach flip in a way he hadn't expected. "Lead the way, Mr. Trophies."

As Jay and Erin stepped into the lobby, Erin couldn't help but notice the doorman giving them a long look. He was clearly trying to remain professional, but there was no mistaking the way his eyes lingered as they walked past.

Erin raised an eyebrow, a small smirk forming on her lips as she leaned in toward Jay. "You sure your doorman's not writing up a full report on us right now? He's eyeing us like we're the main event."

Jay chuckled, a slight flush creeping up his neck. "What can I say? I'm the entertainment around here."

They walked to the elevator, and Erin felt her nerves tighten a little. She had never been a fan of elevators, especially ones that took a while to get to the top. As the doors closed, she tried to distract herself with the soft music playing in the background, but her thoughts kept drifting back to the height. She shifted uneasily on her feet.

"So, uh," Erin began, attempting to sound casual, "What floor do you live on again?"

Jay grinned, noticing the way she was fidgeting. "Top floor. Penthouse," he said, his tone teasing as he leaned against the elevator wall.

Erin's eyes widened, her nerves flaring slightly. "Top floor?" she repeated. "So, we're going all the way up?"

"Yeah," Jay replied, his grin never fading as the elevator began its ascent. "It's a bit of a ride, but it's worth it."

Erin couldn't hide the anxious look on her face. "I'll be fine, I just… don't love the whole up-and-down thing. The longer the elevator ride, the more I start imagining I'm stuck in it forever."

Jay's grin softened a little as he saw the unease in her eyes. "Hey, we'll make it quick. I won't let you get stuck in here. And if you need something to distract you, I'll talk you through it."

Erin gave him a skeptical look, but then a small smile tugged at her lips. "As long as you promise not to make me talk about your doorman's investigation skills."

Jay laughed, his confidence in the moment easing her worries a little. "Deal. We'll keep it low-key, just the two of us. No press conferences."

As the elevator continued its slow ascent, Erin tried to relax, but there was still that slight anxiety buzzing in the back of her mind. At least with Jay beside her, the tension didn't feel as overwhelming.

He made her feel at ease.

"So," Erin began, trying to keep her mind off the elevator ride, "penthouse, huh? Must be nice. How long have you lived here?"

Jay chuckled, leaning casually against the wall, the smooth rhythm of the elevator's movement giving him a moment to think. "Almost a couple of years now. It's one of those 'if I'm going to be in the city, I might as well go all in' kind of things." He glanced over at her, a small grin tugging at his lips. "Though, I didn't exactly picture myself living in a place like this when I first moved here. But hey, it's got a killer view, so I can't complain."

Erin nodded, still feeling the subtle shift in her stomach. "I'm sure it does. I mean, with a view of Chicago from the top floor, that's something, right?" She couldn't help but imagine the sweeping skyline she would probably see once they got to the top. Her mind briefly wandered to the idea of how different the world must look from such a height.

"Yeah," Jay agreed, his voice softening slightly."Do you..leave alone too?"

Erin nodded,"Yeah.Since I started working at a book shop after I realised my major in criminal justice wasn't for me.My place is nice I won't lie,but i already bet that it's nothing compared with your view."

Jay gave her a knowing look, a little smile tugging at his lips. He could imagine her space—quiet, cozy, probably filled with books and a certain calmness that matched her personality. "I think it's cool that you're doing what you want, though. Leaving behind a major for something you actually care about. Takes guts."

Erin's smile was small but appreciative. "Thanks," she said, feeling a warmth spread through her chest at his words. "I was lucky enough to meet Trudy at that book shop, she was there for an organised conference and now she's my editor,kinda like a second mother.Strange how quickly things can change."

Jay raised an eyebrow, genuinely interested. "Well,it was your talent that lead you there,don't underestimate you."

Erin chuckled softly, nodding. "Yeah, but it feels like the universe sort of put things in motion for me. And now, I've got this books out there, and… it's crazy." She paused for a moment, as if considering how much to reveal. "But I think, deep down, I was always meant to do this. It feels like home, you know?"

Jay's gaze softened, a small, encouraging smile curving his lips. "I can see that. You've got that vibe about you—like you've found where you're supposed to be." His voice lowered slightly, almost as if he was speaking from a place of understanding.

"Well,coming from a sport star who has it all figured out, I'm honoured."

Jay laughed, shaking his head at her playful jab. "I'm far from having it all figured out," he said, a touch of humility in his voice. "Trust me, I still wake up some mornings wondering how I got here and if I'm doing it right."

Erin raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Really? I would've figured someone in your position has it all locked down."

Jay shrugged, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips. "I had my bumps on the road, or my tough moments.I love what I do, but sometimes it's not that easy."

Erin chuckled softly. "Yeah, I guess everyone's got their struggles. You're right though, no one has it all figured out." She glanced at him with a playful smile. "Maybe you should start a podcast about it. 'Confessions of an NFL star'—I'm sure people would love that."

Jay laughed, shaking his head. "I'll pass. I'm not sure the world's ready for that kind of honesty."

The elevator gave a soft chime, and Erin let out a relieved breath, clearly happy that the ride was nearly over. "Well, thank God for that," she said, glancing up at the numbers as they ticked closer to their destination.

Jay grinned. "You made it through without imagining the elevator getting stuck. Impressive."

As the elevator doors opened, Erin stepped out, her eyes widening as they took in the breathtaking view. The penthouse was far beyond anything she could have imagined. The city sprawled out beneath them, the lights from every building twinkling like stars against the night sky. Lake Michigan shimmered in the distance, its surface reflecting the stars in a mesmerizing, almost surreal way. The scene felt like something straight out of a magazine—or a dream, as Erin couldn't quite shake the feeling that this was all too perfect to be real.

She let out a soft sigh, captivated by the view, but quickly winced as the pain in her feet reminded her of the long night. "Okay, I have to admit, this view? Unreal," she said, glancing back at Jay. "It's like… a postcard, but better. If I didn't have my heels digging into my feet right now, I'd probably think I was in a dream."

Jay chuckled, noticing the way she shifted slightly in her shoes, clearly uncomfortable. "Yeah, I get that. This place does tend to take your breath away." He paused, then added, "But I can help with the heels part. I've got some slippers around here if you need a break."

Erin shot him a grateful smile. "That might be a lifesaver. But I think I'll live, for now." She looked out at the skyline again, taking it all in. "It's… just amazing."

Jay followed her gaze, a hint of pride in his expression. "It's my little piece of peace after a long day. Glad you like it."

She turned to him, her smile softening. "I don't just like it. I'm kind of in awe." She hesitated, then joked, "Though, I'm starting to think you're just showing me the view to distract me from my aching feet."

Jay laughed, his eyes sparkling. "Guilty as charged."

"Now that I am here and kinda broke the ice.You know,I thought you were a real ass.When you didn't text and when that photos dropped,I must say."

Jay motioned toward the sleek kitchen area. "I've got a good bottle of red that's just waiting for the right moment. Think this qualifies?"

Erin chuckled, giving him a teasing look. "Only if you promise not to judge my wine knowledge. I'm definitely not a connoisseur."

"I wouldn't dream of it," Jay said, his grin wide as he made his way toward the kitchen. "We'll keep it casual. I'm just here to make sure you're comfortable."

She took a moment to admire the view again, the lights of Chicago twinkling below like stars in a sky that seemed almost too perfect to be real. It was peaceful in a way she wasn't used to, and she realized she was beginning to feel at home—if only for a night.

"You know," she said, her voice quiet, "this place really is something else."

Jay paused mid-step, glancing back at her. "I'm glad you like it." He walked over to a cabinet, pulling out a bottle of wine and two glasses.

"Your speech was really beautifully,the way you thanked your brother and your mom."

Jay's hand paused just before uncorking the bottle, his posture stiffening for a brief moment. He turned slowly, meeting her gaze, his expression softening at the mention of his mom. "Thanks," he said quietly, his voice a little rough. "It's… not always easy to talk about them, but I try. They're a big part of who I am."

Erin could see the weight behind his words, and her heart gave a small twist. She knew the pain of loss all too well, but it was different when someone like Jay, with his larger-than-life presence, seemed to carry such a quiet sadness beneath the surface.

"I can only imagine," she said, her voice gentle. "I think it was really moving, the way you honored them."

Jay gave a small, tight smile. "I don't know, it felt right to say something, you know? My mom always made sure we never took things for granted—taught me to be grateful for the moments I have. So, I guess I just try to keep that in mind."

Erin nodded, feeling the unspoken understanding between them."I get that,I try to do the same,for my..for my mom."

"She…?"

Erin hesitated for a moment, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her glass. It was rare that she talked about her family dynamics in such a personal way, but there was something about the way Jay spoke, the softness in his voice, that made her feel like she could share.

"It's a long story..I don't want to burden-"

Jay's gaze softened, understanding in his eyes."I am a good listener,if you want to,of course."

Erin glanced at him, meeting his gaze, and for a moment, she considered the offer. The vulnerability in his voice felt genuine, not rushed or expecting anything in return. She took a deep breath, the weight of her thoughts still there but a little easier to bear with his openness.

"Alright," she started slowly, her voice quieter now,scared that what she was about to say could change the beginning of..whatever this was between her and Jay. "I..my parents,they aren't my real parents.They took me in when I was 13, after a case that my adoptive dad was investigating on,about my real father."

Jay listened carefully, his expression soft and steady as Erin spoke, showing no sign of judgment or discomfort. His eyes never left hers, the weight of her words sinking in.

"Wow," he said quietly, his voice laced with empathy. "That sounds like it's been a lot to process, especially at such a young age."

Erin nodded, her gaze turning to her glass for a moment as she took a breath. "Yeah, it wasn't easy. I didn't know where I fit in. My real father… he wasn't a good person, not someone I'd ever want to be around. But the whole situation was so messed up. It was like my whole world shifted overnight."

She paused, the vulnerability of the moment making her feel exposed, but Jay's steady presence seemed to encourage her to keep going.

"I didn't feel like I belonged anywhere. I'm grateful for the Voights—they've been amazing.Legally adopted me while my parents gave up any parental right."

Jay's voice softened as he looked at her fragile gaze,thinking about a 13 year version of Erin scared and alone.The thought made him want either to to punch someone or to get to hug two people who he didn't even know the names of for taking care of Erin. "You really did face a lot growing up."

"Yeah," She said,resolved."But I gained something I never had.I have a brother, who's 3 years younger than me and I'm the great auntie of his beautiful son.The only missing part is Camille Voight,my mom,cancer took her away too soon.Almost four years ago."

He listened to her story and it reminded him of his own mother, taken from him far too early. The connection between them felt deeper now, the shared experience of losing someone they loved so dearly.

"I'm sorry, Erin," he said quietly, his voice heavy with understanding.

Erin's smile was faint but genuine, the vulnerability still there but softened by the warmth of his response. "It's okay. I've had time to process it, and, you know, it's part of life. You have to learn to live with the things you can't change." She shrugged, though it was clear she still carried the pain of that loss.

"You're strong, Erin. More than you probably give yourself credit for," Jay said, his tone sincere as he met her gaze, letting her know that he wasn't just speaking from sympathy, but from a place of true understanding.

Erin looked at him for a long moment, her heart racing slightly at the sincerity in his eyes. She wasn't used to opening up this much, especially to someone didn't know that much. But there was something about Jay, something that made her feel like it was okay to be this honest, this vulnerable "You are strong too,it must've been hard to lose you mother."

"Yeah,but I didn't processed it in an healthy way like you did.Deployed not even a month after her death,needed to get away."

"It was your own decision?"

Jay's eyes flickered briefly, a shadow passing over his expression. He took a slow breath before answering, his voice quiet. "Yeah, it was. I had just got an offer from a minor football team but.. I don't think I was really thinking clearly, just reacting to the weight of everything..so, I volunteered for deployment."

Erin sensed the shift in Jay's demeanor, the subtle withdrawal that indicated he wasn't entirely comfortable opening up about that part of his life. She immediately regretted pushing him, realizing that some wounds were still too raw to touch.

"It's alright," she said gently, offering him a soft smile to ease the tension. "I didn't mean to make you relive all that."

Jay let out a slow breath, his gaze falling for a moment before he looked back up at her. "It's not that. I just… don't talk about it much. It's easier to keep it locked up, you know?" His voice was quieter now, almost apologetic, as if he felt guilty for not being more open.

Erin nodded, understanding. "I get it. Sometimes, the past is just too heavy to unpack."

Jay gave her a small, tight smile. "Yeah. But I appreciate you listening."

She gave him a reassuring look, wanting to make sure he knew she wasn't pushing for more than he was willing to share. "Of course,don't worry."

Jay's expression softened, and for a brief moment, there was a quiet understanding between them, one that didn't need words to be spoken.

There was a long pause between them, the silence thick but not uncomfortable. They both seemed to be processing the weight of the conversation, but also feeling the relief of not having to continue pushing.

Jay looked down at his hands, his fingers fidgeting slightly with the stem of his glass. "I never really talk about that time… after my mom passed," he admitted, almost to himself. "I guess, it's easier to just keep moving, you know? Sometimes, it's like if I stop talking about it, it won't hurt as much."

Erin's heart ached a little at his words, and she leaned forward slightly, her voice gentle but firm. "But you don't have to carry it all alone. You can talk about it if you ever want to."

Jay looked up at her then, his expression softening just enough for her to catch a glimpse of something deeper—vulnerable, but not quite ready to be exposed. He gave her a brief nod, his lips curling into a faint smile that seemed genuine but weary. "Maybe. Maybe one day."

Erin smiled back, not pushing further, but letting him know that the offer was there. "Whenever you're ready."

"You're in contact with your birth mother?"

"I," She took a deep breath, "I'd be lying if I say she doesn't reach out sometimes,but I know her.She's always the same, never cared about her own daughter enough."

Jay's gaze softened as he listened to Erin's words, the pain in her voice not lost on him. He knew what it was like to have people in your life who were supposed to care, but didn't. He felt a deep empathy for her, but he also respected the strength it took to distance herself from someone who didn't deserve her time or energy.

"I'm sorry, Erin," Jay said quietly, his voice gentle. "That's a heavy thing to carry."

"I feel like you know the feeling from close too,I don't know why." Erin says, as Jay looked at her in surprise. "Your dad?"

Jay nodded,but said nothing,Erin took it as another subject he didn't really like to talk about.

"It's late,I guess I should be going,so told Trudy left early so..I'll call an uber."

"I can take you home."

"No Jay,you won't step outside your house just to come back."

Jay shook his head, his smile determinated. "It's not about that," he said, his voice firm but soft. "I want to make sure you get home safely. That's what matters."

Erin opened her mouth to argue but paused, looking at him—really looking at him—and something in his expression softened her resolve. She didn't know what it was, but Jay had a way of making her feel cared for without saying much at all.

"I can't let you take an Uber alone this late," he added, his eyes steady on hers, making sure she understood he wasn't asking—he was offering. "Let me do this. Please."

She hesitated, her chest tight with emotions she wasn't ready to unpack yet. She didn't want to be a burden. But there was something about his quiet insistence, the sincerity in his voice, that made her want to say yes. "Okay," she finally relented, her voice soft, just above a whisper.

Jay's face softened, and for a second, there was a hint of relief in his eyes. "Thank you," he said quietly, stepping towards her. "Let me grab my jacket."

Erin blushed, realising she was still having his suit wrapped around her.

She didn't know why, but the thought of him going to get his jacket made her stomach flip. She tried to push away the feeling as she watched him walk toward the coat rack, feeling the tension between them build just a little. Maybe it was the vulnerability of the night, or maybe it was just the quiet way he treated her, but Erin couldn't shake the pull she felt toward him.

When he came back, a black leather jacket on instead of the suit one, she felt her cheeks reddening even more.

They made their way downstairs together, the weight of the night between them, but somehow lighter now that they weren't trying to figure everything out in words.

Erin settled into the seat, glancing over at him as he slid behind the wheel. "Thanks for this," she said softly, unable to shake the feeling that they were both teetering on the edge of something—something she couldn't quite place yet.

"Of course," Jay replied, his voice steady. "I'm not letting you go home alone this late."

Jay let Erin set her address on his car navigatore,"Lincoln Park?Well you are fancy too,and it's actually quite close."

"I told you I could go alone.Catch an uber.And yeah, it's a nice neighbourhood,but definitely not your view."

"Well,that doesn't mean it's not a good place."

The ride was quiet,soft music humming through Jay's Rolls Royce as they chatted about the busy days that expected both of them, Jay with the start of his training in a week, Erin with her editor and a infinite list of meetings she had to attend.

Jay glanced at the navigation, turning onto her street. "This it?" he asked, his eyes falling on a charming two-story house with a not so little porch and warm light spilling out from the windows. It gave a cozy yet chic vibe in its simplicity.

Erin nodded, fiddling with the edge of Jay's suit jacket still draped around her shoulders. "Yeah, that's it. Told you it wasn't anything fancy,but it has a nice garden on the other side."

Jay pulled up in front and parked, turning to her with a smirk. "You call this 'not fancy'? Erin, this place has character. And good taste. I'd say it suits you."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the small smile creeping across her lips. "Okay, Mr. Penthouse. Let me guess, it doesn't measure up to the view from the 40th floor?"

"Not everything has to be about the view," he said softly, his gaze lingering on her for a second longer than necessary.

Erin glanced away, suddenly feeling the weight of his eyes on her. "Well, thanks for the ride. I can manage it from here."

But before she could move, Jay was already stepping out of the car, walking around to her side. He opened her door with a smirk. "I said I'd make sure you got home safe. That includes walking you to your door."

"Jay, I'm literally five steps away. What, you think I'm gonna trip and fall?" she teased, even as she let him help her out of the car.

"With that heels,well,you could" he shot back smirking, falling into step beside her as they walked up the short path to her house.

When they reached her porch, Erin turned to face him, slipping the suit jacket off her shoulders. She held it out to him with a smile. "Thanks for this, by the way."

Jay took the jacket, but instead of pulling away, his hand brushed hers, lingering just a second too long. His eyes locked on hers, and the playful smirk faded, replaced by something deeper.

"Anytime," he said quietly, his voice low and steady.

For a moment, they stood there, the night air thick with unspoken words.

Erin felt her breath hitch, her heart pounding as his gaze dropped to her lips, then back to her eyes. It wasn't intentional, not really, but suddenly she wasn't sure if she wanted to step back or lean in.

Jay leaned slightly closer, his hand still lightly brushing hers, and for a heartbeat, the world around them seemed to hold its breath. Erin's pulse raced, her chest tightening as she tilted her chin up ever so slightly—

Her phone buzzed loudly in her small clutch bag, shattering the moment like glass.

Erin groaned softly, breaking eye contact as she pulled her phone out. "God" she muttered blushing softly, glancing at the screen. "Trudy. Again. She's probably wondering if I died or something."

Jay took a small step back, his own breath a little uneven as he forced a smirk and let out a chuckle. "Guess she's looking out for you."

"Yeah, in her own overly persistent way," Erin said, slipping the phone back into her purse. She looked up at him, her voice softening. "Thanks, Jay. For everything."

"Anytime," he said, the corners of his mouth lifting in a genuine smile.

Erin hesitated, feeling like there was still something left unsaid, but she let it go. "Goodnight, Jay."

"Goodnight, Erin," he replied, his voice warm and steady.

She stepped inside, pausing for a moment to glance back at him before closing the door. Jay stood on the porch for a few seconds, staring at the closed door before finally turning and heading back to his car.

As he drove away, he couldn't help the small smile tugging at his lips.

Almost.