Page 32 of The Air You Breathe

The late morning crowd died down giving me a chance to take a break. I made myself an iced brown sugar and cinnamon coffee and I ate a burrito while I stared outside at the people walking the town. My phone buzzed on the table as I noticed a large man across the street looking at the front of the coffee shop. The hairs on the back of my neck stood straight up. I felt like I had seen him before, but I couldn’t figure out where or why; he was giving me bad vibes.

I looked down at my phone, opening a text from Jane.

Hey, I’m so sorry, but I had an emergency in Dallas. I didn’t have a chance to bring the car back to you but it’s at my house. I left the keys in a flowerpot by the front door, on the right side. I’m so sorry.

I read her text twice feeling like something was seriously wrong.

I hope everything is ok. Let me know if you need anything. Take care and be safe.

Three dots appeared and I waited for her response.

Can you please not let the guys know where I’m at? I just need some space to think.

I was still dissecting her text looking to find a clue in it but it seemed innocent enough. The front door opened, making the bell chime. They guy who was across the street was walking to the counter and I felt frozen with fear. He was giving me the heebie jeebies.

I stood up and gave him a smile that hopefully didn’t look scared. “Hi, how can I help you?”

He studied me for a moment. “I'll take just a black coffee,” he said, glancing over at the pastries.

This man looked dangerous, making my body go into a fight or flight response. Was this the guy who tried to rob the garage?

“I’ll take that muffin,” he said, pointing to a blueberry lemon muffin.

“Great!” I said, a little too loudly. I poured his coffee, grabbed his muffin quickly and hoped he would pay and leave. I set them down on the counter and rang him up. He handed me a credit card, never taking his eyes off of me until the door opened. Dev walked in again.

I was so relieved he was here, that I wanted to cry. They both stared at each other like they knew one another. There was so much animosity coming from the large man that it made me wonder if they knew each other or if Dev felt the same level of danger from him. It almost felt like I was the sacrificial lamb in a den full of predators.

“Here you go, sir,” I said, holding his card out, waiting for him to turn around to me.

“Thanks.” He ripped the card out of my hand, put it back in his wallet all the while never taking his eyes off of Dev. He glanced back at me with an inquisitive expression then glared back at Dev.

“Have a great day,” I said, really hoping he would leave. He grabbed his coffee and muffin and walked towards the door. Both men stared at each other in what felt like a drawn-out fucking pissing contest. Once he left, Dev walked up to me running his gaze along my body like he was checking for something.

“Are you ok?” he asked, looking like he wanted to touch me.

“I’m fine, who the hell was that guy?” I asked, peeking outside, hoping he wasn’t going to come back in.

“His name is Geraldo, and he is trouble.” I looked over at Dev who was looking out the door like a guard dog. My body reacted before my mind could postulate the thought. I walked around the counter into Dev's solid chest. Without any hesitation, he wrapped his arms around me. I was safe.

The tension left my body, leaving me exhausted.

“You’re safe, Darcy.” His voice brought me even more comfort.

“Thank you,” I murmured into his chest. “I’m glad you didn’t leave the area.”

“I was about to get in my car when I saw him walk in here.” He squeezed me a little tighter.

I wanted to ask who he was, but I was also scared of that answer. I had a feeling he lied about why he was outside the shop this morning. I didn’t want to press the issue because if he was here to keep me safe, then who was I to say anything. I squeezed him a little tighter in gratitude.

“Can you help me with something?” I asked, pulling away, but he kept a firm hold on me.

“Anything,” he said, looking down at me.

“Can you give me a ride to Jane’s home? I have to pick up my car from her,” I asked, figuring one more snuggle wouldn’t hurt.

“Of course, let me go home and I can pick you up. What time?” He was a really great hugger.

“I should be done by three,” I said, basking in the safeness of Dev’s arms. I could stay here forever.

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