Page 27 of More Than a Fling

“I’ll be ready, see you then.”

“Hot damn, I get to see my girl tonight,” he said.

Annie’s heart flew into the stratosphere upon hearing him say, “My girl.” She hastily said goodbye and hung up the phone. Only after disconnecting did she realize she didn’t even know what movie they were going to see, but frankly she didn’t give a damn. For all she cared, they could be going to seeFriday the 13th and she hated horror films. She couldn’t wait to see him again.

Returning to the kitchen, she checked the back door only to find that it was unlocked.What next?Annie was sure she’d secured it when she left the last time. She usually triple-checked herself when it came to that. She must be losing it. Okay, I’m getting the hell out of here, now I’m really creeped out.She hurriedly locked the back door, grabbed her things and headed to the front entrance.

As she reached the door, she saw the doorknob turning clockwise, then counterclockwise, then back again. Someone was trying to get in. Now she was in full freak-out mode. She had secured the deadbolt but must not have turned the lock on the doorknob itself. Panicked, she backed away from the door stumbling, as she tried to override her shaking hands to dial 911.

As she finally steadied her tremors enough to push the buttons on her phone, there was an accompanying knock at the door, followed by a familiar voice, “Hey anybody in there?” It was Bradley.

Relief flooded her nervous system as she quickly unlatched the deadbolt and opened the door. “Bradley, thank God it’s you! You scared the crap out of me. What are you doing here anyway?” she said in a rush.

“On duty and cruising the neighborhood. Where have you been? You haven’t been home for a couple of weeks,” he said. “Are you seeing someone?” he asked.

“Bradley, even if I am it’s none of your business,” she replied.

“Well, are you?”

“I have been out with a guy a couple of times, nothing serious,” she added.

“It must be serious if you aren’t sleeping in your own bed,” he said.

“No, Bradley if you must know I am dog sitting for Darcy while she and Sam are on vacation,” she replied impatiently. “Again, it should be of no concern to you anyway.”

“I wanted to make sure you are safe, living here all alone… It’s my responsibility to protect you. Annie, I know you will eventually come around to seeing that what we had was special. I’ll be patient. You’re worth the wait.”

“I’ve got to go. Please Bradley, move on, you must let go. This relationship is over. I don’t know how else to convince you,” she pleaded. “Maybe you should consider therapy as a way to get the support you need, to help you to get on with your life.”

“Are you trying to tell me I’m nuts?” he said, laughing. “Therapy is for weak people. I am the last person that needs therapy.”

“Listen, I have to go now, the dogs have been cooped up too long, I’ll see you around.”

“When?” he asked.

“I don’t know,” she answered. “I’ll call you sometime,” she said.

“Annie, Annie, Annie, I’m not going to accept that for an answer, you’ll have to better than that,” he said.

“I’ll call you this week, please I have to go now,” she said, becoming more uncomfortable every second.

“I’ll be waiting. I have to get back on the clock anyway, duty calls.” His black-as-night eyes burned with intensity.

It was becoming apparent that Bradley lived in a fantasy world all his own making, and she needed to be extra vigilant. She decided at that moment to stop at the pharmacy on her way home to pick up some pepper spray.

* * *

Gabe arrived promptly at seven and Annie was ready and waiting. He had called to let her know that he was picking her up on his motorcycle, and to dress accordingly. Her green eyes sparkled with anticipation as she opened the door for Gabe who was standing at the threshold. She threw the dogs a treat and closed the door, locking it behind her.

“I hope my jean jacket is enough of a wind barrier,” she said, doubtfully.

“You’ll be fine, if you get cold you can wear my jacket.”

She hiked her leg over the bike as he steadied it for her. Gabe climbed on in front of her and opted to kick start the Harley Sportster rather than use the magic button. It rumbled to life and he carefully backed it around to face the road before they took off.

She wrapped her arms loosely around his leather-clad waist and relaxed her body so that she could move with the bike. She felt so carefree in that moment and so feminine, kind of like Jane with Tarzan, and was surprised to find that she liked the feeling. He was so confident in everything he did and his skill handling the bike was no exception. It was such a turn on. Snuggling her pelvis against his back she relaxed and enjoyed the ride.

* * *

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