Page 112 of Mr. Edwards
I’d planned on heading back home after lunch, but I couldn’t do it. I needed to see Carlee again…those tattoos. They’ve been messing with my head all afternoon. They mean something… those tiny little red hearts just confirm she still loves me.I know she does.She got them after she left. Why else would she permanently ink her body with memories of me if she didn’t?
Somewhere along the way, she became spooked. Why? I have no clue. Was it the proposal? I know we had only been together six months, but when you know, you know, right? She seemed just as happy as me at the time. Or is there something else going on in that crazy head of hers? Maybe her past? The way she’s been treated over the years would fuck with anybody’s head. But I’m not them. I’d never treat her that way.
I intend to get to the bottom of it one way or another. Whatever invisible barriers she’s erected to keep me at arm’s length… they’re coming the fuck down. I’m going to crush them.
After I left Timmy and his grandmother, I went back to the gym where my car was parked and spoke withReece. I needed to know where Carlee’s other job was, and what time she was getting off.
He invited me up to their apartment for a coffee, and it gave me a tiny insight into the life Carlee’s led since she left. It’s a nice place… homely, but she belongs with me. Not here.
It was midafternoon when I left him, and I still had hours to kill, so I drove around town for ages, trying to wrap my head around all of this. To be honest, it gave me a damn headache.
It was too early to go to her work since Reece said she wouldn’t be getting off until midnight, and I knew sitting still for too long would make me angstier. I needed the distraction.
After what seemed like an eternity of driving around in damn circles, I finally gave in. I’m currently parked outside the bar where she works, waiting for her to finish her shift. It’s risky showing up like this, but I have to see her. I can’t wait another week. I’m already going out of my mind.
I decided not to go inside. After what happened when I unexpectedly turned up at her work when we first met, I knew it was safer to stay out here. I’ll probably lose my shit if I see anyone flirting with her again, and I don’t want to do anything that’s going to blow my chances with her this time round. I’m already walking on shaky ground as it is.
Sliding my phone from my pocket, I check the time. It’s a few minutes past twelve, she should be out soon.
Adjusting my seat back into the upright position, I scan the parking lot. I’ve been out here for hours. I’m not even sure what I’m going to say to her when she comes out, but I hope she gives me a chance. A sliver of hope at the very least… something to reassure me that I’m not wasting my time by being here. Not that I plan on giving up either way.
My heart rate spikes when the large metal door adjacent to the parking lot suddenly opens. The light streaming from inside the building illuminates Carlee’s small frame as she exits, causing me to release the breath I’m holding. My stomach is tied up in damn knots.
She pauses momentarily, quickly looking from left to right, then slowly moves her gaze around the lot. She appears on edge, and for a moment I contemplate ducking down in my seat so she doesn’t spot me. I doubt she’d even notice me sitting here amongst a sea of other cars. Besides, the tint on my Range Rover is quite dark.
Turning, she tucks her handbag under her arm and hastily starts walking toward the front of the building, glancing back over her shoulder a few times as she goes. It’s like she’s scared someone’s about to step out of the shadows and jump her, which is so unlike the hard-ass I know Carlee to be. It makes me second-guess coming here. Is it me she’s worried about running into?
I’m not even sure where she’s heading. I’ll be pissed if I discover she plans on walking home at this hour. Without giving it much thought, I reach for the door handle. I’m not about to let this opportunity slip through my fingers.
“Carlee,” I call out, just before she rounds the corner and disappears. I notice her body stiffen the moment she hears her name, but she doesn’t look back. I break into a jog as her pace picks up. I catch her in no time. “Hey, wait up.” Reaching out, I gently wrap my hand around her elbow.
The moment I grab her, she swings her body around defensively, ready to attack. I drop my hold and quickly take a step back, raising my hands in front of me.
“Grayson, shit,” she says. “I didn’t realize it was you. You scared the crap out of me.”
My little ninja frightened? That’s new. “Who did you think I was?”
She turns her face away, staring off into the distance, and that’s when I notice she’s shaking. “No one.”
I call bullshit on that. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”
Her eyes dart around briefly before they move back in my direction. “No, but you can’t be here.”
Her words unnerve me. Somethings off. “I wanted to see you… to talk to you.”
“I have nothing to say to you, Grayson.”
“Well, I have plenty to say to you.”
“Can this wait? It’s late and I really should be getting home.”
“Where are you parked?”
She blows out a puff of air, diverting her eyes. “I don’t have a car, I walked.”
Her admission makes my blood pressure rise. “Why don’t you have a car, Carlee?”
“Because I sold my old one, remember… and returned the Mustang.”
