Page 23 of Rescued by a SEAL

Blowing out a sigh, she took her cell phone from her purse. There were no texts from him, so clearly he’d intended to surprise her.

And he must have known she’d be home late at night after her shift at Anchors.

Alone.

She’d been pleasantly surprised to find him gone this morning—her front door had been locked, there was no note. She was guessing he’d woken up and not even remembered what had happened.

So why they hell was he here again now?

She turned back to the stairs, quietly walking back down the way she’d just come. The rubber sole of her sneaker squeaked on the metal tread, and she froze.

Hell.

She glanced up the empty stairwell but didn’t see anyone. Didn’t hear any movement.

That didn’t mean she wanted to stick around and wait for him to wake up though. She huffed out a frustrated sigh. She couldn’t even get in her car and drive over to Bailey’s apartment since she didn’t have it. Thanks to Eric.

So much for taking a long, hot shower and crashing in her own bed. She’d already spent last night at Bailey’s and was looking forward to relaxing at home tonight.

This entire situation was getting ridiculous.

She quickly texted her best friend. Bailey’s reply came back a moment later.

Bryan is over here, but we can come get you.

Shoot.

If her best friend was on a date, she didn’t want to go crash over there. Or have her drive all the way across town to get her. Maybe she should just call a cab? Stay at a hotel?

Don’t worry, I’ll figure something else out.

Enjoy the night with your new man.

Scrolling through the contact list on her phone, Taylor hovered over Mason’s name. He’d said to call him if Eric showed up, but not even twenty-four hours had gone by. She couldn’t just expect him to come running every time her ex was around. And it’s not like Mason could even tell him to buzz off since Eric was currently passed out drunk.

Again.

What was he going to do? Wait around all night for him to wake up so they could talk man to man? Give her a ride to a hotel?

Blowing out a sigh, she decided to text him anyway. If they had plans for tomorrow, she had to at least let him know she might not be at her own place tonight.

And that her ex might be around tomorrow when Mason came to pick her up.

Goodness.

Why did she always feel like such a hot mess around Mason anyway? First her car trouble, then her ex. He was going to lose interest before they ever even had a date at this rate.

Quickly typing a message before she lost her nerve, she sent him a text.

Are you up?

Mason’s reply buzzed almost instantly.

Getting ready for bed. Did you just home from work?

I’m looking forward to our date tomorrow.

Heat flooded her cheeks, but she tried to tame her excitement. She needed to figure out where to go for the night. How to handle Eric. She’d worry about her date with Mason tomorrow.

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