Page 54 of Jersey

"Maybe he just likes dogs but can't have one because of housing rules," I say, the wave of cold chills running up my spine telling me I'm wrong.

"Or maybe," Nolan says, holding his phone out to me.

I'm sick to my stomach when I look down at the mug shot of the very same man, the description of his past crimes and what landed him on parole, and the sex offender's registry spelled out below.

"Jesus," I mutter. "Have you run everyone else in here as well?"

Nolan shrugs. "I keep my family safe."

"And no one else is trouble?" I ask, glancing around as if I can determine who is a criminal just by looking at them.

I'd never be able to guess correctly. I really gave that other guy the benefit of the doubt.

"Watch out for that kid right there," he says, angling his head toward a kid with heavy freckles on the bridge of his nose and across his cheeks. "He stuck his gum under the edge of the table at the concession stand instead of just throwing it in the trash."

I huff out a laugh, reaching up to cover my mouth because the response was so quick it had left me a little embarrassed.

"It's goodto hear you laugh," he says, his tone growing more serious.

I dart my eyes around, hating the tone of his voice as I look for an escape.

I've spent weeks with Eli, helping with his problems, so it shouldn't surprise me that this man, as observant as he is, has paid attention to how I've been acting.

"You have nothing to worry about," I tell him, wondering if the words are more suspicious than reassuring.

"You've seemed distracted a little lately. Are you sure there isn’t something I should be worried about?"

I stiffen, trying to stand a little taller, but there's no amount of spine straightening that will make me even close to as tall as him.

"I have nothing going on in my life that's going to interfere with my therapy sessions with Eli," I assure him.

"If you're in trouble—"

"I'm fine," I rush out to say, hating the frown that forms on his handsome face.

"You'll come to me if there's any trouble." It's a demand, not a suggestion. "Here."

I look down at his hand, not immediately taking the proffered piece of paper.

"What is it?" I ask before committing.

"It's Jersey's number. He has a little more flexibility in his schedule than I do. If you ever end up in a situation you need help getting out of, give him a call."

I lift my eyes to him before glancing around the room, my body somehow instinctively knowing exactly where the man in question is. He's watching me. Why wouldn't he be a little more discreet when several of his teammates are floating around?

I pull the slip of paper from Nolan's fingers before giving him a tight smile.

It'sweird that these men know everything about their surroundings but may not know just how much time Jersey and I have spent together.

"I'll keep it in mind," I tell him before shoving the paper in my pocket and walking away. I do my best to keep my eyes off Roman, but as the evening continues, I find it impossible. Despite walking all over this indoor dog park, no matter where I am, his eyes are on me when I look in his direction.

When Eli yawns, his hand slowing on Kiva's back, Nolan steps in and insists that it's time to go home. Eli doesn't argue. He simply stands, wrapping his hand tightly with the leash as they walk out.

I follow behind them, sensing when Roman takes up a spot near me but, of course, not touching. He didn't question me earlier when I confessed why I was at the sex club on the cross. Maybe he understands the reasoning of being touched when it's clear I hate it. He simply gave me exactly what I needed and stayed within the unspoken parameters.

Just his proximity threatens to set me on fire, and I sort of hate the way my body responds to him without provocation.

He splits off without a word, standing outside of the SUV as I climb into the back with Eli and Kiva. The only interaction I get with him is a simple dip of his head before he closes the door once I climb inside.

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