Page 54 of Safe With Me

“Oh, I’m fine,” I said, my reply quick and loud enough to make Amber narrow her eyes at me.

The hot night had nothing to do with the cold sweat coating the back of my neck. The one block to my car seemed like a mile as I dug my keys out of my purse. Cars were parked in front of and behind me, perfect for anyone to hide in between. I hated how my mind immediately went there, and I didn’t know how to make it stop.

“Do you need me to get Claudia?” Amber stepped closer, studying me.

I’d been doing so well. I’d even managed to relax enough to laugh tonight. I’d planned on driving home alone in the dark, but now that I had to do it, all the old memories made me freeze up once again.

My heart thudded in my ears, the night of my slashed tire flashing in my mind and how Ted had seemed to come out of nowhere.

He’s not here. He’s not here.

And he’d lived in my head long enough. I’d had a nice night, and I wanted to go home and enjoy my small victory. Maybe if I jogged to my car with Amber watching, I could get inside and drive away without a full-blown panic attack.

Why was this still so hard? I had no idea but hated that it was.

“Lila!”

I gasped before I registered who had come up behind me.

“Hey, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” Mike put a hand on my shoulder. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah.” I nodded, taking long breaths through my nostrils before I lifted my head. “I was about to head home, and Amber walked me out to get some air.” The words came out in a breathless rush. “I thought you’d still be working now.”

“I got off early and thought I’d see if you were still here.”

“Oh,” I managed, the panic now subsiding as I kept my gaze on Mike. “I’m heading out, but go inside and enjoy.”

“I’ll walk you to your car.” He nodded a hello at Amber and pressed his hand to the small of my back to gently usher me away.

“Good night, Amber. Thanks for the laughs,” I said, pushing a smile across my face when I turned my head.

Her brow was furrowed as she gave me a slow nod. “Have a good night. I guess I’ll see you inside in a minute, Mike.” Her gaze lingered on us for a beat before she headed back inside.

I had no idea what she must’ve been thinking, but I’d worry about that later. When the adrenaline dissipated, I’d figure out how to explain to Amber and anyone else other than Mike why simple things set me off.

“I had a good night. You’d be proud.”

He held my gaze as if he were holding me up, nodding as his sweet smile drew enough air out of my lungs to start breathing again.

“Until I had to walk to my car. When I tried to walk down the dark street, I froze. Again. I wanted to prove I could do it.” I let out a frustrated groan and fell back against my car door. “So much for that.”

“You did. Progress is progress, Delilah.”

I rolled my eyes, fighting a smile.

“Stop that, Mikey.”

His head fell back as a laugh rumbled through his broad chest. “I’m still proud of you. Being aware isn’t a bad thing. We tell everyone that.”

“I guess.” I pressed my hand to my chest, trying to slow my quick breaths. “I think I’m okay now. Go hang out with Amber at the bar, and we’ll talk later.”

He shook his head and put his hands on my shoulders, relief flooding my body from the warmth of his palms against my skin.

“How about as your reward for being brave, you can accept a police escort home?”

“Mike, you don’t have to do that. I can get home.”

“I know you can.” The shy smile playing on his lips killed me. “Let me do this for you. And I can collect that beer and pie for my services this morning.”

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