Page 30 of Something New

But Tuomo isn’t there.

As the days go by, I do not see him anywhere. I keep a sharp look out for him, but he isn’t there.

It’s strange, because it’s like he is everywhere - watching me all the time - his eyes on me and that dark smile curling up at the corners as he spies on me.

But I think I am just paranoid after finding him in my bedroom.

The shock is wearing off though and as the days go by and I don’t see him I feel more and more at ease.

Maybe it was just a stupid attempt at a surprise. Maybe he really didn’t have any intensions of scaring me.

But - no - I know better than that. I shouldn’t play it down. I shouldn’t make excuses for him.

His family is dangerous. I can’t forget that.

The Vece family always gets what they want, no matter who they have to walk over to make it happen.

That’s why - and I concluded after a lot of thought, that is why I have to go on the date.

If I go on the date, then I have kept my word. And in a public, safe place, I can try to talk some reason into him. My bedroom, at past three in the mooring, after terrifying the living daylight out of me - was not a good place.

But in a restaurant filled with people and noise and atmosphere - I am sure I can get him to see reason and understand that we are from different worlds.

Ugh.

It doesn’t help that I still think he is the hottest guy on the planet.

In fact - yes - he got hotter and it’s an enormous problem trying to stay focused around him.

But looks isn’t everything. His heart is dark. And stained with his family’s blood. Generations of dangerous men that I want nothing to do with.

So, I will go on the date. But that is it.

After that I am done with him.

I won’t agree to a second date. In fact, I hope I never see him again.

After the date my new job will be starting and everything in my life will fall into place. I will focus on my career and not have to worry about Tuomo - or any men for that matter. I can just focus on me.

As the weeks pass by my sense of security increases. I am relaxed and confident that it was just a stupid misunderstanding. I spend time with Hayley, and I learn about the new company I am going to be working for. I’m happy and confident and excited.

Now and then I get a shudder down my spine, and an icy shiver over my neck it’s like someone is watching me - but I know I am just being paranoid. Especially someone like Tuomo. He is way too busy to be sneaking around all day following me. He has a life. He has a business. He has a family.

It’s just ridiculous to think that he is stalking me.

I can’t help but glance around me when I get that strange sensation, it prickles my skin.

I never see him. I never expect to either. I just - I have to check.

As the night of our date gets closer, I think about Tuomo more.

I remember who he is, how he treated me. I remember his father, his brothers, and how terrified I was of them. Tuomo was like this forbidden, mysterious temptation. He isn’t that anymore. He’s very real and very dangerous now. There is nothing mysterious about him and I need to keep my guard up.

One date.

I will play nice.

I will be friendly.

---