Page 15 of My Best Friend's Grump Brother

“Oh, then apply more makeup tomorrow so you look less dead. We can’t be having our clients scared when they walk into the firm.” Oh, Lisa, her sweet words were always like music to my ears.

“I’ll make sure to do that,” I pursed my lips together in a thin line.

“Goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” I replied.

I leaned back into my seat when she was gone and loomed at the ceiling. I should go home. It was time, but I couldn’t bring myself out of my chair. I was stuck in this position for some reason, unable to move.

Was it the fear that Marcus was back? Was it the panic that my past was finally coming back? Or was it that looming feeling of doom leering closer?

If I took a step back and looked at it, all those questions had one answer: yes. Ignoring this would not make it go away. I had to face this issue head-on and with a calm and level mind. But that was just the issue. Being levelheaded when it came to him was nearly impossible after all he had put me through.

I was spiraling because my crazy ex was likely on the loose, and I had no idea how he got my new number. I had changed virtually everything about myself. My hair. My city. My life. But he had always been good like that. Marcus had been a detective, so if he wanted to find someone, he always managed to find them. There was no hiding from him. And that only added to my fears. To say I was scared would be an understatement. I was fucking terrified, but I had to keep my wits about me because one thing was for sure, I was no longer the shy little girl he had married all those years ago. I was stronger, much, much stronger.

I stood from my seat and made my way out of the office. I had to call Lucas, the officer who had found me that night, and ask about Marcus. That would be the only way my heart would calm down. Once I knew what was going on, I could take the necessary steps to ensure my safety.

I had just made it to the basement parking garage when I heard the clap of thunder from above me.

Great.

I hated driving in the rain, but at least home was just a ten-minute drive—well, twenty now with the rain.

My heels clicked on the concrete as I approached the car. The air grew cold, and the sinking feeling that I was being watched crept over me.

I am fine. I am fine.

I chanted this to myself to try and calm my anxious heart. I had just been thinking of Marcus, so this would kickstart my internal safety alarm. I thought of it almost like a trauma response to what had happened in the past.

I picked up the pace, trying to hurry to the car, but no matter how fast I went, the car still seemed miles away. My heels clicked quickly against the asphalt of the basement parking, and finally, I reached my humble little Honda in this showroom of sports and luxury cars. I dug for my key in my bag, my palms sweating from the adrenaline coursing through my veins. When I finally felt them in my hand, I pulled them out, but then I caught a reflection in the window, and I jumped two feet in the air, screaming at the top of my lungs. I whirled around, ready to fight for my life and make a run for it, but then I paused.

Standing there with those emerald eyes—at least in this light—was none other than my brooding boss.

“What the hell? You scared the shit out of me, Danny!” I placed my hand over my chest, and sure enough, my pulse was racing at a million miles a minute. The adrenaline levels were still at an all-time high as my body struggled to return to its normal equilibrium.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?! Why are you sneaking up on people in a fucking parking garage, no less,” I didn’t mean for my voice to come out so harsh. “I mean—no, I meant exactly what I said. It’s after hours, and you technically aren’t my boss right now. So, answer my question: why are you being creepy and lurking in the shadows.”

“I was leaving to go to my car.” He tilted his head to the side, examining me for a moment. “I saw you, and it looked like you were mere seconds from collapsing. I was only trying to make sure that you were okay.”

I crossed my arms over my chest and stared at him. “So, I’m suddenly your concern? What happened to don’t speak to me unless it’s absolutely necessary?”

I saw the slight tick in his jaw and knew he was upset or irritated. I had known this man for two years and picked up on his signs.

“Are you alright?” His words were meant to be compassionate, but his tone was cold and biting.

“I’m fine,” I bit back, “I will see you tomorrow, Mr. Sinclair.”

I turned to open my car door, but his hand shot out and grabbed my wrist. I looked over my shoulder at his face, which had been a huge mistake. His eyes were like sirens. They had this silent call that only the deepest parts of your soul could hear. They trapped and pinned you where you stood, so you were utterly helpless.

“About what happened…” his words trailed off.

I lifted my shoulders, completely and utterly confused.

“Greg.”

“Oh, that idiot. What about him? If you are wondering if he tried to talk to me again, he didn’t. He left me alone, and I will ensure I avoid him at all costs.”

“Of course, he won’t bother you again, I fired him.”

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