Page 5 of When Morning Comes Around

Shit! Even if Nina had told her that he was coming, she had no way of knowing who he was. For all she knew, he could be some random stranger about to do who knew what.

He reached for his phone and called Nina again.

“Hey, Dominic. Is everything all right?”

“It is, I reached her. But would you do me a favor and give her a call – let her know that the big dude in the Toyota behind her is here to help?”

“Of course! I should have thought of that. Give me a second. I’ll call her now.”

“Okay, tell her to wave when she knows she’s safe.”

“Will do.”

He waited a minute or two then, growing impatient, he climbed out of his SUV. He didn’t imagine that it would take Nina long to explain the situation.

~ ~ ~

Sadie watched nervously as the big red Toyota Sequoia pulled up behind her. This had to be Nina’s friend. She shuddered. It just had to be. What were the odds that a random serial killer would happen to be driving by at the same time that she was waiting for someone to rescue her? It didn’t seem likely, but with the way her luck had been going lately, she didn’t want to take any chances.

When whoever was driving the Toyota flashed his headlights, a wave of panic hit her, and she ducked down. She knew that it was a pointless move – the driver must have seen her already – but she couldn’t have stopped herself if she wanted to.

She fumbled with the door to make sure that it was locked and let out a squeal when her phone started to ring. She felt a little better when she saw Nina’s name on the display, even though her friend wouldn’t be able to help her if the driver of the Toyota were coming after her.

“Hello?” she answered in a shaky whisper.

“Well, crap; you’re scared, aren’t you? I’m so sorry. I should have explained it better. The man parked behind you is Dominic. He’s there to help you. He’s my friend. I’m so sorry if he scared you.”

Sadie slowly sat up, feeling a mixture of relief and embarrassment. “Please don’t apologize, Nina. It’s hardly your fault that I freaked myself out, is it?”

“It is, and I don’t blame you one bit. I’d be totally freaked out if I were in your position. But you have nothing to worry about, I promise you. Dominic’s a good guy. He said that he probably won’t be able to fix your minivan, but he’s happy to give you a ride to your dad’s place.”

Sadie checked the rearview mirror, but the driver was no longer behind the wheel of the Toyota. She turned cautiously to check the side mirror, and all her breath caught in her chest when she saw him. He was standing beside his vehicle watching her. He was huge! And then it hit her – he was one of the three big men from the grocery store earlier. And not just any one ofthem – he wastheone. The one with the kind eyes. The one who’d smiled at her and made her feel… She swallowed.

“Thanks, Nina. You’re a lifesaver.”

Nina laughed. “I wouldn’t say that – I feel more like a dispatcher. But never mind that, all that matters is that you’re safe, you have a ride to your dad’s, and hopefully you’ll be able to get your minivan fixed. Dominic said to give him a wave to let him know that I’ve told you it’s him. I’ll call you in the morning, okay?”

“Okay, and thanks again.”

“I’m just glad I was able to help but go on, Dominic’s probably wondering what’s taking so long.”

“Oh, you’re right. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Bye.”

She ended the call and slowly opened the driver’s door.

“Are you okay? Did Nina explain?” he called.

She climbed out and turned to face him. “She did, thanks. And I’m fine, as long as you don’t count a case of acute embarrassment.”

He’d started toward her but stopped dead when he met her gaze. It seemed that the tables had turned. Just a few minutes ago, she’d been scared of him. Now, he looked as though he was scared of her. Although no, that couldn’t be right. Why would he…?

“You’re…” His dark eyebrows drew together as he stared at her. “It’s you.”

She nodded slowly. “If you mean,oh crap, is that the crazy woman from the grocery store earlier? Then yes, I’m afraid so – it’s me.”

He gave her a puzzled smile as he approached. “Crazy woman? Why would you say that?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. It just seemed…” She shrugged again. “I think I behaved strangely. There was a moment there when I almost felt as though I knew you – even though I know we’ve never met before.”

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