Page 31 of Daddy Vibes (The Anti-Bachelorette 2)

Chapter 12

Angela

My doctor cleared me for all physical activity the next day. Unfortunately, Eric got the call that they were good to start the job up north, so he is going to be gone the whole week. I texted my cousin that I could start back at work. I’ve had enough sitting around, and I’m going crazy, especially since Eric is gone now. Rob said I could come help him out tonight, so after my doctor’s appointment I quickly grabbed something to eat and headed over to the shop.

I walk up to the shop door and pause for a moment before walking in. My heart rate picks up, and I suddenly feel nervous being here. I haven’t been back since the attack. I didn’t think it would bother me, but my body seems to be reacting on its own. It feels like I am just frozen in place for a few moments. I know it’s unlikely they would ever come back, especially with the cops asking around at all the local businesses if they had cameras or if anyone saw the men who walked in. They wouldn’t risk it.

The police called me last week to tell me they didn’t have any updates yet, but are still looking into it. They told me the case would stay open but there are no more leads to go on unless I had any more information to give them. I told them it was probably just a mistake, and that they must’ve thought I was someone else. I don’t know if they believed me or not, but I don’t think I’ll be hearing much more from them. I doubt they will be putting any more resources into looking into an assault.

I suck in a deep breath to try to calm myself down and then open the door. I relax when I see my cousin behind the desk. “Hey.”

He comes up and gives me a hug. “Hey, there she is! How are you feeling? You look a lot better than at the hospital. Sorry I couldn’t visit more. I decided to just cover your shifts instead of hiring someone since you were only going to be gone a few weeks.”

I shrug. “Pretty good. Just a little sore still. I appreciate you covering for me. Like I told you and Eric, I could have come back much sooner. You both we’re just being too overprotective of me.”

He looks me over and frowns. “I never should have left you here alone in the first place.”

I just roll my eyes to emphasize he shouldn’t feel guilty about this. “This wasn’t your fault.”

He just stands up straight and puffs out his chest. “This is my shop. Everything that happens here is my responsibility.”

I just give him a smile, and he continues. “For real Angela, new policy is there always has to be two people here. I also set up a security camera.” He points over to the corner where I see a camera, and I also notice the sign on the window that says “This building is under video surveillance.”

I smile back at him again. “You didn’t have to do all of this for me.”

He just rolls his eyes. “Yes I did, but it wasn’t just for you. I should have had it set up in the first place. We were just lucky Emory’s dad came around huh?” He gives me a smirk like he knows something is going on between us.

I just play it cool. “Yeah, really lucky.”

He rolls his eyes again. “Bullshit. You have something going on with him. That man doesn’t have a single tattoo or piercing on his body.”

I just narrow my eyes at him. “Not that you know of. Maybe he has hidden ones.”

He laughs. “Yeah, you’d love to be the one to give him those hidden ones too. Get into his pants right here in the shop.”

I try to hold back my grin, but it comes through anyway. “Shut up.’’

He walks back over to the counter and starts working on the computer. “Does your dad know?”

I glance over to him. “Know about what?”

He laughs again. “That you’re getting it on with Mr. Livingston.”

I laugh. “Oh my God. Never say getting it on again.” Then my smile drops. “But are you crazy? Of course he doesn’t know. He can never know.”

He just looks seriously at me. “You don’t have to worry about me telling him. Just don’t be out in the open with him unless you are serious about him. I’d rather you not have to deal with your dad on top of everything else that’s happened recently. You deserve to be happy. You don’t need him ruining it.”

“Thanks, and I know. I’ll figure it out.” I hope at least.

Just then the shop door dings and in walks Connor. “Angela! My favorite girl is back!” I roll my eyes and smile at him. “Connor. Your bull does not need to be touched up. The skin probably isn’t even healed yet.”

He laughs and leans on the counter, but then surprisingly his face gets more serious. “I heard what happened. I’m so sorry Ang. I wish I could have been here to beat those motherfuckers.”

I raise my eyebrows in surprise at his sincerity. “Thanks Connor. I appreciate that.”

He just smiles at me. “I know I like to joke, but you know you’re my girl. I’ll always look out for you.”

Rob jumps in. “Not anymore she ain’t. Angie here got herself a man.”

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