Page 25 of Unexpected Danger
“We do make a good team, and I do like you.”
“Then what’s the problem? It might be helpful if we were dating. That might cause that Nuss guy to leave you alone if he knows there’s a boyfriend in the picture.”
Londyn doubted that anything would dissuade BJ Nuss if he was bent on getting revenge, like she imagined he was. Revenge on her for something she had no control over.
Dustin was so close that she could see what was probably a chickenpox scar on his left cheek.
“What do you say?”
“I don’t know.”
“Is it because of the guy you still carry a torch for? Jasmine told me how he proposed to you, and you rejected his offer of marriage. Bummer for him.”
A ripple of anger rose through Londyn. Jasmine was supposed to have kept that confidential. “I do regret the way things ended between us.” She thought of how she’d found the three-frame picture collection facedown after Dustin and Jasmine had come over for a movie. Had that been him or Jasmine?
“His loss, my gain.”
Londyn wasn’t sure it was Dustin’s gain. She hadn’t given him the affirmative answer he sought, and she wasn’t even sure Brodie would feel like it was his loss. “I need some time to pray and think about it.”
Dustin released her hands and raised his eyebrows. “Pray about and think about whether or not you want to date?” His expression of disbelief reminded Londyn that Dustin was still very new in his faith. He didn’t understand the need to pray before everything and every decision, whether small or big. The decision to pray constantly, and not just once in a while or before meals. He couldn’t possibly understand how she tried to pray about every choice, whether big or small. That she had turned over every area of her life to the one who gave His life for her.
But she hadn’t prayed the day she left Pronghorn Falls. That decision had no basis on the Lord’s will. She inwardly winced.
“If you like someone and you want to date them, what does God have to do with it?”
“Because I want to be in His will. I need to pray about it, Dustin.” She hoped that would keep him from continuing to question it. Something indiscernible flashed in his eyes, and he narrowed them so faintly, she thought she may have imagined it.
Just as quickly, Dustin’s smile returned. “Thank you again for the great evening.”
“You're welcome.”
Dustin again clasped one of her hands and walked with her to the front door of her apartment.
A neighbor turned her way, and Londyn waved, though the greeting was not returned. Unfortunately, it was a sour neighborhood, and she had not had the opportunity to become acquainted with any of her neighbors except the elderly man on the ground floor next to her apartment.
“Good night, Londyn.”
“Good night, Dustin.”
He brushed a kiss across her lips, veered back, and stared at her expectantly as if waiting for more.
“Good night.” She repeated, pivoting and unlocking the door before stepping inside. She watched as Dustin retreated in the direction of his truck.
She locked the door and mentally listed off the pros and cons when it came to a relationship with Dustin. The cons won.
Londyn finished her work for the day. She had a decent success rate with chatting with clients and was able to work out several reasonable payment plans. She glanced at the clock and dreaded this time of day. Who knew where her stalker would be? Outside waiting for her? Would he call her or send her more texts? Showup again at her apartment? It seemed like his nefarious actions always occurred after work hours. There had been no breaks in the case, and when pressed by the detective, Mr. Nuss continued to deny any involvement. They had nothing to pin on him.
There was no one else she could think of who would seek revenge due to an outstanding bill. But just because someone didn't express their thoughts didn't mean they weren't resentful.
“Hey, there.” Dustin propped himself against her cubicle wall. “Need me to walk you out?”
Londyn would forever be grateful that he cared about her and always appreciated his offers. It did make her feel safer, and she knew he’d come to her defense if her stalker tried anything. But after their date the other night, his unwelcome kiss, and her declining his offer to take their friendship to the next level, Dustin had been standoffish. Now, as he stood beside her desk, a broad grin on his face, she was grateful he wasn’t holding a grudge.
“Sure, thank you. I just need to grab my things, and I'll be ready to go.”
Dustin accompanied her out of the office building, and they walked to the parking garage. It didn't matter how many lights there were; something about the place always gave her the creeps. That was another thing she missed about Pronghorn Falls. The town was so small that it would probably never have a parking garage. If you wanted to park somewhere, you could park in front of the business or park around the block and walk.
They arrived at her car. “Well, here we are. Thank you, Dustin.”
