Page 32 of I Accidentally Hired a Shadow Walker
“Listen.” I held up my hand to stop him. “About last night. That was a mistake, and it’s never happening again.”
“Is that so?” he stopped. “A mistake? Are you sure about that? I gave you plenty of opportunities toreconsider.”
He held his hands out to his side just as he had the night before, and I immediately remembered what he looked like without his shirt, imagining in full detail the muscles of his arms and chest and the tattoos that covered them.
“I’m not sure what you expect to happen, but whatever it is, get it out of your head.” I pointed to his shoulder. “How’s the cut?”
“See how much you care about me?”
“Only because if it gets worse, I have to report it.”
“Well, ease your worries. The cut is fine. Healing up perfectly.” He pulled at the collar of his shirt, a black t-shirt, so I could see the bandage still in place. “You want to examine it?”
“I’ll take your word for it.”
“I’m surprised you’re leaving this early.” He pointed to the window. “There’s still sunlight.”
“I need to—” I was going to say I had to clear my head but realized it might lead to further conversation I didn’t want to deal with. “Go to the store.”
“The store?” He frowned. “That’s vague.”
“Groceries. I need groceries,” I blurted out, knowing damn well I didn’t need to go to the store. I had just had groceries delivered two days ago.
“Perfect, me too! I’ll tag along.” He offered the company I was clearly trying to avoid.
“Seriously?” I asked. “How do you even know what store I’m going to?”
“What’s the difference? I’m not picky.” He held the door open. “Let’s go.”
With no other option to escape him, I sighed and headed out the door. As he tailed me from the office to the grocery store, I tried to think of anything I needed at the house, but my mind went blank. All I could think of was honey. I needed more honey for my tea.
He parked next to me and followed me into the store, grabbing a basket as we entered. Our trip turned into me playing tagalong as he filled the basket with fruits, vegetables, and other items.
Damn, he actually needed to go grocery shopping!
We had walked the entire store, and all I grabbed were two jars of honey and a pack of gummy bears.
“That’s what you needed?” He raised a brow at me.
“Yep.”
“You were just trying to avoid me, weren’t you?” He snorted.
“No, I needed this stuff!” I held up one of the jars. “How do you expect me to start my days without honey for my tea?”
“Right.” He pushed the cart. “The world would come to a fiery end.”
We checked out, and Raymond paid for my items, insisting there was no need to have two separate charges when I got so little. After a tight smile at the cashier, who looked at us with a confused expression, I followed him out of the store.
“Are you going home now?” he asked as he loaded his groceries into his trunk, holding my bag hostage until he was done.
“Yes,” I said and tried once again to grab the bag so I could flee, but he held on to it.
Raymond closed his trunk, walked the cart to the return slot, and then came back over to me. With my bag still in hand, he opened my door for me.
“Drive safely.”
“Yeah, I will.” I took the bag and slipped into the car, avoiding any physical contact with him.
