Page 31 of Willing
“What? Like what you see…” Paul winked at me.
“Come on – let’s get inside. I need to unlock and open the store.”
Paul helped me get all the lights on and set up. Sunday’s were typically slow, the usual college student came in to study, but that was about all.
“So, you can sit out here or use Dylan’s office and computer if you need to do any work.”
“Yeah – actually I need to check a few things on the website for here and Jensen’s shop. You don’t mind? It’ll only take an hour or so, then I can come out here to hang.”
“Nah – it’s good. I need to put up some new inventory anyway. Go ahead,” kissing his lips, “I’ll be out on the floor if you need me.”
I watched as he walked into Dylan’s office, shutting the door behind him. I turned on some music and made my way to the floor to stock shelves. Lost in the work, I didn’t hear the bell over the door chime.
“All alone in here I see.”
Dan’s voice caused me to spin, dropping the books I had been holding, “What the hell are you doing here?”
“I came to see you,” he stepped closer, pinning me against the shelf.
“Get away from me. My boyfriend is in back, you need to leave.”
He ran his fingers along my cheek, twirling a strand of hair, “Awe, now he’s your boyfriend, is he? I can smell the sex all over you.”
He inhaled, his nose right next to my face. I tried to push him away, “Please Dan – just go. I’m sorry I used you… it wasn’t my intent.”
“Fuck you-you knew exactly what you were doing. You’re just like the rest of them. But don’t worry. You can’t be with him every minute. I’ll take you, make you mine – claim you. Then your precious boyfriend will go crazy mad.”
“You’re hurting me. Please, Dan, let go.”
There was movement from the office, Dan released me glancing towards the closed door. He moved towards the exit, “I’ll be watching you.”
I crumpled to the floor, tears running down my face as Paul emerged from the office. He was looking at something in his hand as he spoke.
“Carly – what do you think about these colors for the website update?” glancing up he saw me on the floor, “Fuck… what happened? Are you hurt?” He reached me in record speed.
“No… I’m not hurt,” he scooped me off the floor.
“Shit you’re shaking – Carly talk to me… baby what happened.”
He glanced around the store, on high alert. He inhaled deeply, “Fuck, he was here,” setting me on the stool behind the counter, “Carly – was Dan in here?”
Nodding, unable to find the words. My tears spilling unwantedly down my face. I didn’t even notice Paul had pulled out his cell phone.
“Jensen – get the guys and get to the bookstore. He was here… He fucking did something to Carly. She won’t talk to me,” he stroked my hair as he talked, “yeah bring her – maybe she’ll tell Dylan.”
He disconnected the phone, squeezing me tight against his taut chest. “Baby – please talk to me.”
But I couldn’t find the words, I just cried into his embrace. Unsure how long he stood, holding me against him, the chimes on the door rang again. I jumped, gripping Paul’s shirt with a death hold.
“Shhh… It’s ok baby. It’s just Jensen and Dylan.”
“Carly – honey, it’s me, Dylan.”
Dylan stepped around Paul, brushing my now wet hair from my face. I turned, wrapping my arms around her and cried. She eased me off the stool, leading me towards the office.
“Come on, let’s go back here and talk… Ok?”
All I could do was nod. The fear had paralyzed me, and I didn’t know what to say or do. I sat down in the chair by the desk, my tears slowing.
