Page 31 of Give Me Redemption

“My big brother is hooked on a woman.”

He shakes his head. “Leave it alone. And don’t mess up my place,” he says, walking away from me.

I laugh and look to the women who were just all over me. “All right, girls. Let’s take this party upstairs.”

Chapter Fifteen

Harlow

Sunlight slips in between the blinds in the kitchen. I’ve gone for my morning run, and now I’ve got to go to the grocery store to re-up on supplies, and by that, I mean wine, sunflower seeds, and peanut butter. I’m a woman of simple tastes. I grab my keys and grocery bag before heading out. I look down at my outfit when I hit the sidewalk.

Shit.

What if he’s there again?

I almost run back up but decide against it.

Who cares if he’s there?

The grocery store is only a block from where I live. It’s convenient. I love the city.

Everything is right at your fingertips, no having to jump into your car and go miles and miles for something as simple as a loaf of bread. Plus, I grew up here. Atlanta is my home.

I was raised by two loving parents who became even more doting after my Chloe was taken. There’s no lack of love in my life, and I have to say, sometimes it drives me a little nuts. I think the only thing that helps them sleep at night is the fact I’m trained to use a gun.

I turn the corner and walk across the street, looking out for cars and the idiots who don’t know how to drive them. Heading inside the store, I inhale a little relief when I feel the cool air brush against my skin. I turn to walk through the produce aisle, my feet stop, and my face blanches.

Grocery Store Boy is only a few feet away from me. So, he comes here every Saturday, too, then?

Did he just move here, or have I just never noticed him before? Nah, I would have noticed.

I swallow, contemplating going a different way, but then he turns around and looks right at me.

My heart kicks up, and my back feels hot. His eyes narrow only a tad, and I beg my feet to freaking move. They listen after the third time. I smile a little and walk over to the apples. Picking up a few, I place them into my bag, aware of his eyes on me.

Dammit, why didn’t I change clothes?

I’m usually not the type to care, but for some reason, I really care right now.

I move over to the grapes. I’m a firm believer in being able to pick something up and eat it immediately.

No cooking. No cleanup.

More time to focus on work.

“So, you’re one of those?” I hear. I turn around to see Grocery Store Boy.

I move my eyes to the side, likewhat are you talking about?

“I am?” I ask.

“Bring your own bag,” he says, pointing to my bag.

I look down at it. “Oh yeah. Trying to be a better human one step at a time.” I smile.

“They do come in handy as bathroom trash bags, though.”

I shrug. “My trash can has this inner thing you can take out, dump, and wash if needed.”

---