Page 13 of Heal Me

Reaching my car, I press the unlock button on my key fob. “Nice car,” Gabe comments.

“Thanks.” This shiny new car is Dad’s gift to me for being accepted into med school. He’s always been generous with his money. Not so much with his time or attention, but in his defense, he works long and crazy hours as a trauma surgeon at a busy hospital. Gabe opens the passenger door and places my books and notebook on the floorboard and walks around and opens my door for me. “And thank you for the company,” I tell him, truly grateful for having run into him.

“Of course. May I escort you home?” he asks, and I hesitate. “I can just as easily be picked up in your parking lot as opposed to this one,” he explains.

Aubry seems to like Gabe, but the truth is I don’t know this man. I thought a nice stranger was doing me a favor before, and look how that turned out. But do I really want to find a parking spot back at the apartment this late by myself?

I look Gabe square in the eyes as he waits patiently for my answer. Focusing on his energy, I feel into my body, specifically my solar plexus region and my heart, but I don’t feel any danger. Never again will I be out of touch with my intuition. I suppose in a sick and twisted way I have Brad to thank for that. “Thank you. I wouldn’t mind the company,” I finally answer.

As I slide behind the wheel, Gabe walks around my car to the passenger side and joins me, buckling up. He’s so tall and commanding, it feels as if my entire car is engulfed by his presence. “So you’re helping Aubry and Damion with their ‘case’?” I ask, turning out of the parking lot.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“But you’re a lawyer?” I ask, confused.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“What kind of law do you practice?”

“I have several specialties. Did you just finish class?”

“Nice deflection,” I point out and he smiles. “I just finished study group.”

“Where is the rest of your group?”

“Ah, I decided to stay a little longer than everyone, and time slipped away from me. So how does a lawyer help with demonic possession?”

“Not well, it seems, as they’re still bound together,” he says with a chuckle.

I would press him further, but we quickly reach my apartment, and just as I figured, all the good spots are taken. Driving a few blocks over, I find a parking space. Gabe is quick to my side of the car, opening my door for me. Accidentally brushing against him as I exit the car, my skin erupts in goose bumps. I pray he doesn’t notice my now-peaked nipples as he walks beside me, carrying my things. God, what has gotten into me?

We reach the front door of my apartment, and my stomach growls embarrassingly loud. “Someone’s hungry,” Gabe comments, and my cheeks heat. Great, my stomach just rumbled in front of the sexiest man in the world.

“I know it’s late, but I haven’t eaten dinner yet,” I explain, shaking off the embarrassment. “I made some spaghetti last night I could heat up real quick, if you’d like some while you wait for your ride?” my mouth blurts out before my brain has time to catch up.

“I could definitely eat.”

Apparently I’m no longer in control of my vocal cords, because I hear myself asking in a near whisper, “Are you going to hurt me?”

“I would never hurt you,” he answers, looking at me with an intensity I don’t understand. “But since you don’t trust me just yet, I will take a raincheck on dinner.” He opens my door, guides me inside, and hands me my things. “Good night, Charlotte,” he says, closing the door. “Lock up, please,” he calls from the other side.

I do as I’m told, then take a seat beside Doogie, who’s lying on the couch watching me. “He’s either a true gentleman, a skilled sociopath, or he’s afraid of my cooking.”

My phone buzzes and I grab it.

Aubry: Want to go with me to New Life Spiritual Center this weekend to potentially find a killer?

Me: How can I turn down that offer?

Aubry: Ha, I knew we were destined to be friends. Don’t worry, we’ll be safe. Damion of course will come with us.

Me: Of course, lol.

Aubry: And his friend Gabe, the guy I was telling you about, he’s coming too. He’s half angel, so we’ll be in good supernatural hands.

I’m not laughing out loud anymore.

Chapter 7

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