Page 29 of Safe With Me

We were only friends and I didn’t know if he had a girlfriend, but a sleazy feeling washed over me anyway, recalling thenot-friendly thoughts I’d had about Mike when he was in my bedroom.

“Mike is actually sort of my neighbor. He lives around the corner from me on Grove Street and was the first person I met when I came here.”

Amber’s brows pinched together as she nodded. Why did I say that? If she was seeing Mike, the last thing she needed to know was how I almost fainted on top of her boyfriend and thenclutched on to him for dear life because it had felt too good to let go.

As I scrambled to think of what else to say, a tap on my shoulder made me jump.

“Hey, I didn’t mean to scare you,” Mike said, settling on the stool next to me. The bar lights were dim, but those blue eyes were still striking enough to trap me. He wore a pair of cargo shorts and a black T-shirt that seemed almost as tight as his uniform shirt.

Or maybe I just fixated on his muscles no matter what he wore. That was an issue I was going to have to work harder to get over, especially if he was taken.

“I came in earlier to look for you. Was about to text you to make sure you didn’t chicken out.”

I glared when his lips twitched.

“Sorry for being late, Officer. I went home to change first. I wouldn’t miss this lovely seasonal festival.”

I’d tried on three different dresses before I’d finally pushed myself to leave my apartment. It had taken almost an hour to pick something that made me look good, but not like I was trying too hard. I’d settled on a green sundress I’d named Old Faithful since it always looked great no matter what side of ten pounds I happened to be on when I wore it.

“I see you’ve met Amber,” Mike said, tipping his chin to where she was still standing behind the bar.

“Yeah, we were just getting acquainted.” Amber leaned over the counter to give Mike a friendly kiss hello on the cheek. “I better get over to the other end of the bar before chaos ensues.” She reached out to grab my arm. “It was so nice to meet you. Come back to chat when it’s not so crowded.” She smiled, darting her eyes between us for a quick second before she jogged to the other end of the bar.

“She seems nice,” I said, no clue what else to say and not give away the shame and jealousy that had washed over me.

“She is. Amber and I went to high school together,” Mike explained. “She moved out of Kelly Lakes with her husband a few years ago. She came back after her divorce last year and tends bar for Claudia most nights while she takes classes at the state college part time.”

“Oh, that’s too bad,” I mused. “Good thing she has you.”

“We’ve been friends for a long time. Long enough to live through each other’s painful history.” His lips curved as he held my gaze.

I wished for Ally tonight, who would poke fun at this crowded festival and make me laugh enough to forget my new-girl nerves.

Mike nodded. “We’ve always been close enough friends to make people think we’re together over the years, which gives us a good laugh since she’s like my sister.”

“I’m sure it was hard for her to adjust.”

“She’s okay now, better since she went back to school.” He tipped his chin to where she took orders at the other end of the bar. “It’s tough to move back in with your parents after something like that. When I moved back, I was a kid. Living with my father was expected.”

Knowing they were just friends gave me a little relief that I hadn’t possibly drooled over anyone’s boyfriend. But I needed to stop drooling over Mike, period.

“So, how are you liking your first festival?” Mike asked. “Even though you just got here.”

“It’s interesting,” I told him, letting out a relieved breath at the change in subject. “It’s big for such a little town.”

“Wait until later. The older crowd will fade out once the band comes on.” He nodded to my glass. “Finish your drink, and I’ll take you around and introduce you to some people. Well, you’ve already met one person. Amber doesn’t count.” He smirked ashis gaze drifted over my shoulder. “She’s the bartender, so you would have had to speak to her anyway.”

“Thanks, Mike,” Amber said, giving him a playful eye roll as she leaned in toward me. “I’ve known Mike for most of my life. He’s a good guy, if a little annoying. He’ll be a great tour guide for tonight,” she whispered, patting my arm before she went back to the bar tap.

“Are you sure you want to spend the whole night taking me around?” I took the last gulp, trying to slurp the final drops of alcohol before I attempted to socialize, and slid off the stool. “You worked all day.”

“Of course I don’t mind.” Mike’s smile was wide enough to light up his handsome face. The liquor was working against me, making me notice it more and not less.

“Come with me.” He draped his hand over the small of my back and led me outside. A jolt ran from his palm down to my heels and zinged up my spine. I straightened, stepping quicker to shake it off.

I followed Mike through the sea of more faces I’d never seen before as he approached a tall girl leaning against the brick wall outside.

“Lila, this is my cousin Chloe,” Mike said, looping an arm around her neck. “Nice to see you out of scrubs.”

---