Page 64 of Safe With Me

I parked in front of her side entrance as she sifted through the bag. “She had all my favorites too. Melanie Moreland, Jessica Peterson, Kathryn Nolan, and the new LJ Evans. I’ve finally almost stopped freaking out over my own shadow enough to enjoy a little romantic suspense.”

She bunched her shoulders, the smile on her face so easy and beautiful I wanted to grab the back of her head and kiss her again right there, telling her exactly what I couldn’t seem to find the words for. And this time, I wouldn’t stop.

“I could build you a bookcase if you wanted me to. Dad’s are better and he’s a little faster, but if you pick out the wood you want, I’d be happy to make one for you.”

“About that.” She shifted toward me. “I actually ordered a bookcase, small coffee table, and cabinet.” She flashed me a wry grin. “I was hoping my usual handyman wouldn’t mind comingby. I mean, you don’t have to put them all together at once. That would take a whole day.”

“I wouldn’t mind,” I said, stretching my arm across the back of her seat. “I could tolerate you for a whole day, I think.”

“Wow, I’m blushing from the compliment.” She moved her hand back and forth, fanning herself. “They just came this morning if you want to take a look.”

“You want me to put them together now?”

A blush stained her cheeks as she rubbed at her neck.

“No. I mean, I’ll just show you what I bought.” She let out a long exhale, wincing at me before draping her hand over her eyes. “Believe it or not, there was a time when my game wasn’t such shit. Would you like to come inside?”

I sank my teeth into my bottom lip to both hold in a laugh and keep my jaw from dropping.

“Don’t sell yourself short. Your game isn’t bad at all.” I inched forward and traced my finger along her jaw, fighting with everything in me not to grab the back of her head and taste those lips again. “I’d love to come inside. Just to see what you’ve bought, of course.”

She sucked in her bottom lip and whispered an “okay” before opening her door, eyes still on mine.

I jumped out and raced to the passenger’s side door, tempted to fist-pump like my sister had done earlier tonight, and held out a hand for her to step out.

“Sorry, just really anxious to see the new furniture.”

“I see,” she said, beaming up at me as she took my hand. “I’m actually a little nerv?—”

Her face fell as she dropped my hand, her widened gaze drifting over my shoulder.

My body stiffened with panic as I grabbed her hand back. “What’s wrong?”

The color drained from her face, exactly like that day she’d discovered the flat tire. She nodded behind me, her jaw quivering as her eyes, dancing with excitement only seconds before, filled with tears.

I turned and found Lila’s car in its usual spot along the curb. The driver’s side window was cracked in spider web shards as if someone had tried to punch it in. My stomach dropped when my eyes fell on the deep, large scratches along the door spelling out “WHORE.”

13

LILA

“Let’s get inside,”Mike whispered in my ear, draping his arm over my rigid shoulders and turning me away from my car. “I’m going to call Jude and figure out what to do. It’s okay, I’ve got you.”

He grabbed my hand and led me to the side entrance. When I kept missing the locks with my shaking hands, Mike gently pulled my keys out of my hand to unlock the door and held it open for me to step inside.

“You know, I was really starting to like it here.” My voice quivered as I sucked in a shaky breath. “Even if I knew it was just a matter of time.”

“Stop talking like you have to leave. You don’t,” Mike said behind me as I swept my gaze over the little apartment I’d settled into.

“This could be anything. Some of the kids around here act like assholes sometimes. We’ve had issues before with vandalism, and it’s always during the summer. I know it’s hard for your mind not to go there, but just stay with me.” He took my face in his hands. “Okay?”

I gave him a weak nod and sat on my couch, running my hand along the soft velvet material as I heard Mike speak toJude. I let my head drop into my hands when I heard him bring up Ted.

Claudia had probably told Jude at least a little about what had happened with Ted when I’d first moved here, but having Jude, Mike, or anyone actually see something happening made me want to melt into the floor and disappear.

I’d gotten too complacent. Too content here to keep my guard up. I’d convinced myself Ted didn’t know I was here and I was fine.

The only fear I’d had over the past few days had been over telling Mike how I felt about him, but how could I do that if I couldn’t stay?

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