Page 16 of Tinsel Time Treasure
“So this asshole just gets to randomly pop up in your life and harass you?”
I blew out a long sigh. “For now.”
He growled low, an uncommon sound from the normally mild-mannered alpha. It told me just how frustrated he was.
He walked over and set his hands on my shoulders. “You look exhausted.”
I licked my lips. “He… kinda showed up at the grocery store last night.”
“What!”
I nodded. “It’s a public place so…”
My fingernails dug into my palms, and I wiped away angry tears with the heel of my palm.
“Can you file for a restraining order?”
I shook my head. “Once again, there’s just not enough to make anything stick. What judge would grant a restraining order for him showing up at a grocery store, or even here? He knows we’ll trespass him, but it’s not an option elsewhere for him to just be banned.”
“Damnit!” Dean snarled.
I gave him a weak smile. “Thanks for being concerned about me though.”
“Of course I’m concerned,” he huffed. “You’re a damn fine employee, but you’re also a human being and nobody deserves this kind of crap.”
“I know, but all I can do for now is just document it all. That’s what the cops said to do: keep a log and call them if it escalates to something they can actually act on. But as long as he keeps things in the public sphere…”
I looked down at the floor.
“Hey,” Dean said softly. “Chin up. You’re a strong man and you’ll get through this.”
“I don’t feel strong right now.”
“Strength isn’t always what we are taught to believe it is. Perseverance, determination, bravery? There’s all strengths of their own, and you have them in spades.”
I huffed a single laugh and looked up at him. “That sounds like a pep talk.”
He smiled and laughed. “Gotta practice for the kids’ softball league. You seemed an apt target for it.”
“Well, it kinda worked.”
“Good.” He paused. “But do you need some time off? Maybe get out of town and let this blow over?”
I shook my head. “It’s only been like a week and a half. I’m hoping his fixation on me fades as fast as it developed.”
“One can hope. But let me know, ok? I’d rather send you on a paid vacation than see something bad happen.”
I smiled. “Thanks.”
He was silent for a minute, which told me that he wasn’t quite done yet, but wasn’t sure how to say what he wanted.
“Spit it out, boss,” I finally said.
He grimaced. “I asked Willow if she might be willing to switch rooms with you.”
I blinked. “Why?”
“Because hers is closer to the office, and me. Right now you’re down by the other door.”
