Page 16 of Safe With Me

My entire body had tensed up as my blood ran cold, all the bad memories barreling over me so fast I could barely speak, let alone move.

When Ted had started following me, texting me after I’d arrived home with details of what I’d been wearing and who I’d been with, his fixation on me had gone from irritating to terrifying, and my body was taxed and spent from so much constant tension.

One flat tire had brought me back there all over again.

I’d humiliated myself once again in front of this guy, but Mike’s touch and the concern in his crystal-blue eyes when he’d taken my hands had managed to slow my thumping heart enough for it to stop echoing in my ears.

“Mike changed the tire and took me to his friend’s mechanic shop to have the spare replaced, but he eyeballed me the entire time as if I’d lost my mind.”

“You’re used to being on edge,” Ally said in a soft voice. “Like the quiet, that will take a bit to get used to. Did he ask you a lot of questions?”

“Other than if I was okay, no. But I work for his father. Jake knows I needed a job, but I never went into details. If he finds out, he may not want any trouble, and then I’m really screwed.” I rubbed my temple, the panic I was trying not to think about sinking in.

“First of all, you were not the cause of the trouble, and Ted has no idea where you are. For argument’s sake, if he ever found out, your boss’s son being a cop would take care of the bullshit problem you had here of none of them taking you seriously. You’ll be fine, other than denying the simmering attraction.” She leaned closer as she popped her brows.

“There is nosimmering attraction. He’s only twenty-five and my boss’s son. Plus, I’m not ready for any of that yet.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” Ally said. “You’re only thirty-two. I get what you’re saying about him being the boss’s son and the trauma you just went through with Ted making you hesitate. But younger guys are fun. Sweet, attentive, and appreciate women who know what they want.”

I had to laugh at her exaggerated shiver. “Al, that is not me. At least, not now.”

Thoughts of how sweet and attentive Mike had been both times we’d met flashed in my head. He was all about what I needed and making sure that I was okay.

Which was his job as a police officer. I’d do well to take the concern in Mike’s baby blues as nothing other than that.

I didn’t have it in me to entertain anything else.

“And, another plot twist, he lives around the corner from my new apartment. He told me when I had to give my address at the mechanic’s shop.”

“I know that was a triggering thing for you, but this is kind of delicious. Hot young cop, already coming to your rescue twice, in walking distance on long, hot nights of yearning?—”

“Stop it!” I shouted at the screen as Ally collapsed in giggles. “Mike does not want someone like me.”

“Oh my God,” Ally huffed. “I’m a year older than you, and neither of us is ready for the old-age home just yet?—”

“It’s not the age difference. Well, not only. Look at what happened. I can’t even talk to someone without freaking out or looking over my shoulder.”

Mike seemed like a nice guy, but so had Ted. I’d relaxed enough to almost flirt a little with him until a harmless trigger brought my guard right back up.

“Babe,” she started, glaring at me. “Give yourself a break. You’ve been through a lot, and moving is a big adjustment, no matter why you’re there. Forgive yourself for not having perfect social grace for a while. Heisa cop, so maybe he’s into the whole damsel-in-distress thing.”

I burst out laughing until I heard the wimpy chime of my doorbell.

“Like you said, don’t let this all be for nothing. You don’t have to worry about Ted’s next move or who you’ll run into. Try to relax enough to make the most of it.”

I gave her a slow nod as the doorbell rang again.

“I better go. Thanks, Ally. Maybe you can come up a weekend this month and help me decorate.”

“Sure. And listen, I love you. You’ll be fine. Better go see if that’s Officer Hot Stuff.”

“Why would he be here?”

“Maybe he needs to borrow an egg or something, as he cooks breakfast…shirtless. Then invites you over to?—”

“Stop.” I turned my head when I heard a third chime. “I hate to interrupt your active imagination, but let me see who’s actually here. And I love you too.”

I shut my laptop screen and headed to my door, finding my landlord when I peeked through the side window.

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