Page 81 of Eldritch

“Yes. He would call me ten times a day and wanted to talk on the phone for a really long time while I was working. He started telling me what I should wear and when I should wear it. That was it for me. I called him up one day and broke it off.”

“What did he do then?”

“He tried to talk me out of it again, and when I refused to take the bait, he started insulting me.”

“Jesus.”

“He said I was a naïve woman who needed a firm hand to guide me. Said that he would’ve turned me into a real woman.” The heat of remembered anger filled her face, but all she saw in Doug’s expression was concern and anger. “He said that I was frigid, and that was the reason I didn’t want sex with him.”

Doug made a sound of disgust. “What a lot of bullshit.”

“Exactly.” She sighed. “I hung up on him. That’s where it stayed until he called a few days ago. I’d forgotten to block his number. I didn’t answer the call.”

“So he takes his time between the breakup until now and then goes stalker on you.”

“Yes. So, as a former cop, you’d suggest a restraining order, right?”

“It’s a good idea. I know a guy in the sheriff’s department. He used to work for the Denver PD like I did. I’ll call him and see what he advises.” His expression softened. “But only with your permission. I’m not trying to take over.”

She drew in a slow, deep breath. “This is unique.”

“What is?”

“I’m not used to a man that cares about my opinion and wants to honor it.” The thought made her eyes water, but as she always did, she shoved back the urge to let tears fall. “Thanks for that.”

His brow furrowed a little, making him look older. “Really? I mean...” He swallowed hard. “Your father?”

She shook her head. “Sometimes. And my mother. I’ll tell you more about them another time.”

“Okay.” He turned to look out the window. “It’s getting bad out there.”

Darker clouds had lowered on the area, and the flurries had a steady wind behind them.

“Thanks for the advice, by the way,” she said.

“You’re welcome.” He placed his coffee on the table and leaned forward, hands clasped between his knees and his expression serious. “I’ll call Clinton, too. He may have some ideas. Well, I’d better leave before the weather is worse.”

At the front door, he paused and turned to her. Bundled up for the weather, he looked strong. His eyes sparked with warmth, and he leaned forward a little, bringing himself closer into her space.

“If the weather permits, you still want that spaghetti dinner soon?” he asked.

“Of course. When?”

“Tomorrow night? I could pick you up.”

Pleasure slid through her. “Sounds good.”

“I’ll check your car right now.”

“Let me grab my coat.”

A short time later, he located a small device under her front bumper and held it up. “Here it is.”

When he handed it to her, anger made her want to rage at Taggert. “That pig.”

Doug straightened. “That’s too nice of a word for him.”

An icy wind danced around them, and yet the weather didn’t chill her half so much thinking about Taggert’s possible intentions.

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