Page 40 of Love Under Protection

Levi lets out a nervous laugh. “After the phone call I had with the company this morning, I can imagine.”

I stand and smooth my hands over my knee-length. “I appreciate you meeting with me today anyway. That’s more than any other company has done since this has all went down. It was nice to meet you. I won’t take up any more of your time.”

“Whoa,” Levi immediately stands. “You’re leaving?”

“There’s no sense in staying when you’ve already made up your mind.”

“I think there is a misunderstanding.” He shakes his head. “To put it bluntly...fuck Sawyer Flynn and FlynnPatrick Enterprises. Listen, Raylynn, I’m only vaguely familiar with their company from their interest in buying us out a long time ago. That said, I can tell you that Sawyer Flynn’s reputation is questionable at best. I apologize for upsetting you. I hope you can understand my need to get the full picture. In all honesty, Emmy shared with me a little about why you are in the city now, and so when I called you up last night, I already knew I wanted to meet you and see how I could help. But after one look at your resume, I knew I wanted you on my team. I even went as far as to have an official offer written up...”

Every fiber of my being wants to say yes.

Levi moves over to his desk and picks up an envelope. “How about this? You take this with you. Look it over, think about it. Give yourself a week to get back to me. If you want the job, it’s yours.”

I take the envelope and turn it over in my hands. “I...okay. I’ll review your offer and get back to you.”

“One more thing before you go.”

I nod.

“You should know that King Cosmetics is a family company. Each employee is treated with the utmost respect. What happened to you with your last employer will not happen here. Ever.”

Emotions swim to the surface. “I appreciate that. I’ll be in touch.”

Levi escorts me to the lobby and sees me off.

When I get to the elevators, I tuck the envelope in my handbag and claim my jacket from the receptionist. Once I’m situated, I hustle out of the building and head for home.

The eerie feeling I had on my way here lingers. I must look crazy looking over my shoulder every few minutes. I try to convince myself it’s only in my head, and because I’m not used to the crowded city streets. Still, I feel like someone’s eyes are on me.

The feeling doesn’t go away until I’m back in the comfort and security of the apartment building.

Chapter 23

Harley

“7971 is 10-10,” I radio in to dispatch and shut off my patrol car. They reply, letting me know that I’m confirmed off duty. I’ve got a full twenty-four hours off before I need to be back.

I take the elevator in the underground garage up to the fifth floor and unlock my apartment door, but not before I look over at Jameson and Olivia’s apartment where Raylynn’s staying. I wonder if she’s home and if she’d be up for going out with a friend for a few drinks.

I’m two seconds from knocking on the door when I change my mind and decide to at least change out of my uniform and get a shower first. Then if I’m still feeling social, I’ll send her a text, that way there is no pressure.

One by one, I pop the buttons on my shirt while heading to the bedroom. I take my time hanging up my duty belt and locking up my gun, then I finish stripping down. The hot water from the shower is beating down on me within minutes. I don’t waste any time cleaning up or drying off.

I slip on a pair of boxer briefs and lay back on the bed with my phone in hand to send off a quick text to Raylynn. When I swipe up on the screen to unlock it, I’m surprised to see that I’ve already got a message waiting - from her.

Raylynn:Uhm. Hi, friend. Guess who got a job today! I feel like celebrating. Drinks, if you’re free?

Me:You sure you’re not a mind reader? It’s been a long week, let’s do this. Monterey’s?

Raylynn:Eww. No. Not that place. Coyote Ugly?

Me:This feels like a trap. You want to take me to a place where women dance on the bar?

Raylynn:Don’t be a jerk. I’ve never been, and ya never know, I may jump up there and dance, too.

Ah, fuck no. Damnit.

In what universe does this woman think that sounds like a good idea?‘Let’s just be friends, but let’s go out, and I’ll dance on the bar top.’Fuck that.

---