Page 95 of Average Joe

Good idea.

I forced my legs to move and turned back toward the door, knocking the keychain to the ground in the process. Profanities spewed from my lips, muffled by the roar of my racing heartbeat.

Bruce growled, and I chanced a glance over my shoulder. The man was closer, almost in my front yard. Still, my bodyguard didn’t advance but stuck to my side.

The cold metal was heaven to my fingertips as I scooped the keys off the porch and worked the lock, my hands shaking something fierce, my heart threatening to explode.

I shoved the door open with my shoulder and slipped inside, Bruce hot on my heels. After engaging all three locks, I flattened my palms and forehead against the door, eyes closed, measuring my breaths until my pulse slowed.

Bam. Bam. Bam.

Three hard knocks hit the door, and I could swear, lightning struck my spine, jump-starting every nerve in my body. A scream tore through me fast and fierce.

“Marley. Hey. It’s me.” Joe’s voice came muffled through the solid wood. “You left your phone. Thought you might need it.”

I ripped the door open and curled myself around his half-naked body, arms around his neck, ankles locked behind his glutes. “You scared the shit outta me.”

“Jesus. Sorry.”

He carried me through the door, then shut and locked it behind us. I couldn’t have let go if I tried. Fear and relief poured out of me in violent trembles. Joe didn’t mock or coddle, only held me close, one hand supporting my butt and the other bracing my back, his fingers digging into my skin, grip tight, silently assuring me,I’ve got you.

Nobody had ever had me.

“What’s going on?” His voice vibrated with worry.

Embarrassed to meet his gaze, I whispered into his neck, “Did you see the man out there?”

“I didn’t see anyone.” He tried to set me down, but I wasn’t moving, not for a million dollars. With a grunt, he turned to look out the window. “Nobody’s there.”

“He was there. Middle of the street. Staring at me.”

“That’s why you screamed when I knocked?” he asked. “Christ, you’re trembling.”

My criminal, my fuck buddy, my neighbor with scary tattoos and impossible muscles, soothed me with kisses and hushes and soft caresses. I savored every pathetic second and soaked up his strength, affection, and touch like a love-starved child.

God, Iwasacting like a child.

And I didn’t care. Somebody had my back. Joe had me, and I’d never felt more cherished.

* * *

Joe parked next to the door, cut the engine, then turned to me. “Thanks for letting me drive you to work.”

“You didn’t give me a choice.” When I’d finally calmed, he’d waited on my couch while I showered and dressed. When I’d told him goodbye and handed him my spare key (because I decided he needed one, just in case), he’d thrown me over his shoulder and carried me to his truck.

“Bothered me seeing you shaken up. I can relax a little, knowing you’re here, locked in, safe and snug. You will lock up, right?”

I jingled my keys in his face. “Always do.”

“Good.” He didn’t look convinced.

“I’ve done this for years and never had a problem,” I assured him. “I might’ve overreacted this morning. You know, considering all that’s been going on.”Fires, shootings, attempted break-ins, I left unsaid.

“Don’t discount your fear like that.” Joe leaned back, crossed his arms. “Listen to your gut. You were creeped out for a reason.”

Truth. Still, I shriveled like a scolded child while my cheeks heated, embarrassed that I’d behaved the way I had.

Joe nodded toward the nearly completed stand across the street. “Find out about your competition yet?”

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