Page 35 of Stella
“Goodnight,Detective.”
“Goodnight, Stella.” He drops my key into my palm, then I disappear inside.
I close the door, then turn the lock so it clicks. He’s still there, I know it as I lean my head against the wood. I could be imagining it, but I wonder if he could be doing the same thing. Or maybe I really did just overdo it on the cocktails.
I want him. I know I shouldn’t, but I do. Pulling the collar of his jacket up to my nose, I inhale. It smells like him, and as I push off the door, I smile to myself because I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy him going all alpha with that dude tonight. I did.
I wanted him to know I did. I’m not a little girl. I’m twenty-one, and I might not know much, but I know how I feel, and I can safely say I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. It isn’t just because he’s sexy as fuck — which he is — he has charisma,charm and kindness like nobody I’ve ever met before. Maybe I’m playing with fire, but I’m drawn to him. Like a moth to a flame.
A few moments later, I hear him push off the door, and his heavy footsteps as he walks away. I sigh into the darkened room of the bakery kitchen. He didn’t even try anything, not that Cale would. I trust him. He’s a protector, like my dad, and I respect him for that. I know he would never hurt me.
As I carry my bag of food upstairs, I kick my ridiculous shoes off as I go; they were starting to hurt. I go straight to the bathroom, pee, then take my makeup off. No matter how tired I am, I have to do that before I crawl into bed. I should have a shower, too, but I’m too tired to bother with that, so I pull my clothes off and put my fluffy pajamas on. I heat my food and take it to bed, turning on the TV while I eat. The man got me fries to go with my veggie burger, he’s a keeper.
After a couple of bites, I yawn, curling under the covers as I place my leftovers on the nightstand. I quickly send Anshul a text, letting her know I got home safe.
Me
I’m home. I got a ride with Detective Sexy Ass. He bought me food and gave me his jacket to wear. He’s sweet and his cologne was making me wet
Me
Did you get home okay? Anshul????
Me
Answer me, you shrew!
Me
Do you think my outfit was too showy? I think Detective Callaghan thought so, he kept frowning an awful lot when I was dancing
Me
He’s gotta be big. Everything else about him is big. Sigh. I told him I was a virgin. What is the matter with me? I’m never drinking again. I blame you and Cait for making me drink so much
Me
His buns are ridiculous. Why are you not answering?????????
Detective Callaghan
I’m not Anshul
I stare at the message.
Oh, holy fuck!
HOLY FUCK!
Un-do. Un-do!
I glance up and see that I’m not, in fact, texting Anshul. I’m texting fucking Cale! And he’s put his number in under “Detective Callaghan”.
Me
Oops, sorry
Detective Callaghan
