Page 16 of Rescuing Alix

Kody needed a cold shower to tap down all the testosterone he had moving through his system. Alix felt amazing in his arms and he wanted nothing more than to drag her back to the bedroom and love on her all day but he’d only known her for a few days. Would she think he was rushing her a bit? A lot of his buddies wouldn’t hesitate to sleep with a girl the first night but he wasn’t really a one-night-stand kinda guy anymore. Oh, he had been once or twice but standing in Alix’s house, those memories were starting to make him cringe. He wanted something more; permanent, lasting. He wanted the happy ever after. He wanted Alix.

As if he weren’t already on high alert where she was concerned, he suffered a serious jolt to his chest as he watched her walk toward him, all dressed and fresh from a shower.

“You look beautiful.” He kind of figured compliments made her nervous. Her face flushed every time he said something.

“Thank you, Kody. Did you want to shower?”

“I probably need one but there’s no time, we have to get down to your shop. I called one of my construction buddies earlier and he’ll be there within the hour to fix the back door. I also called another friend about getting you some security in there.”

“Oh, you didn’t have to do that. I’m sure Chloe and I could figure out something.”

“I know and I’m sure you’re both more than capable,” he said as he leaned in and gave her a quick kiss, “but I wanted to. Your safety is important to me and anyway, it’s already arranged.”

She didn’t say another word, only blushed and went for her keys and pocketbook on the counter, heading toward the door. With a locked apartment behind them, they set off toward the sandwich shop and another joyous visit from the fire inspector.

Twenty minutes later they walked into the alley behind the shop.

“It looks so different and less menacing during the daytime, doesn’t it?” Alix had cuddled herself closer and gripped Kody’s hand just in case.

“I know how you feel. Last night shook me up a little too. Hey, there’s my buddy Mark. I’ll introduce you.”

They approached the man wearing a hard hat and a tool belt. Kody introduced Alix and gave him some information about the break-in the night before.

“Whew, sounds like a real piece of work whoever’s doing this. I’ll get it all boarded and secured tight. No one will be breaking it down and I’m pretty sure I can have the replacement door installed tomorrow.”

“Mark, thank you so much. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you getting here so quickly.”

“No worries ma’am, any friend of Kody’s is a friend of mine.”

The rest of their day went quickly, consumed with another not so pleasant meeting with the fire inspector who seemed more gruff and resentful every time they spoke. The security company showed midafternoon and measured the space for cameras and alarms on the doors and windows. Chloe joined the couple for a late afternoon lunch and helped clean up the kitchen in hopes they’d be able to open back up in a few days.

***

They’d stayed around while his friend worked and before they knew it, the sun was going down. At least they didn’t have to go out into the back alley since Mark; the construction friend of Kody’s, had boarded and barred the entry from both the outside, then the inside. It looked sturdy enough to withstand a tornado. The three had parted ways and Chloe left while Kody and Alix locked up the front door.

“Shouldn’t we have some stickers or something on the windows and doors alerting people of the alarm system in place Kody?”

“That’s the usual practice but I was thinking, maybe we’d forget for a day or two, see if any unwanted company shows up again. I’d hate for the stickers to scare them off. I really want to catch those idiots and put them away for good.”

“I never thought about that.”

“So, where to mi ’lady?” Alix was caught off guard, not understanding what he meant and stared at him in confusion.

“Your place or mine? It’s your choice.”

“Oh sorry, I hadn’t even thought that far. I was just getting comfortable having you around. If we stop off at the market before they close, we can go back to my place and I’ll make us dinner.”

“Sounds like a plan, I never could turn down food.” Kody placed his arm around Alix’s shoulders comfortably and before they knew it, the market was in view. Alix glanced over her shoulder quickly.

“Did you see that?” She’d pointed in the direction of the Waterfront Market.

“What? Sorry I wasn’t paying any attention, what did you see?”

“I’m not sure. It looked like a dark figure along the side of the building. I’m getting this awful feeling like we’re being watched.”

“I hate that feeling. Come on, let’s get food and we’ll get back to your place.”

Kody hadn’t acted too concerned, maybe for her benefit but she just couldn’t shake that eerie stalker vibe. Too many weird things had gone on the last few days.

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