Page 51 of Erik's Redemption
She was halfway home when a loud popping noise sounded from the engine, and smoke began to billow from under the hood.
What the hell? Her car had been so reliable since it had been fixed by Erik’s mechanic friend all those months ago. But then, that quick fix didn’t stop it from being old as hell.
Slowly, she pulled over to the side of the road and grabbed her phone. For a moment, her finger hovered over Henry’sname, but she hesitated. He’d been feeling no pain when she left the bar. He was probably too drunk to pick her up, and even if he wasn’t, she didn’t want to pull him away from his night.
Brigid had definitely drunk too much, and she didn’t want to call Leo. The man had done enough for her lately.
She worried her bottom lip as she scrolled up to Erik’s name, her pulse picking up speed. Was it terrible if she called him just because she needed something?
She waited one more breath before clicking on his name and closing her eyes. She didn’t have to wait long—he picked up on the second ring.
“Hannah? Are you okay?”
She swallowed, a part of her hating that his immediate instinct was that she wasn’t. But then, he was right. “My Honda broke down, and I was wondering if you were free to pick me up? If you’re not, that’s okay, I’ll—”
“Where are you?”
Her gaze shifted to the dark road. “Halfway down Penley Street.”
There was a small pause, and she could just picture the frustration on his face. Because this was exactly why he’d bought her a new car. “I’ll be there in five minutes.”
A relieved breath rushed from her chest.
“And, Hannah…lock your doors.”
The second the call ended, she double-checked that her doors were still locked before leaning her head back. A sense of calm settled inside her chest. A calm at hearing Erik’s voice. At knowing he was coming and she’d be able to see him. Be close to him.
She was just closing her eyes when high beams behind her car had her squinting. What the hell? She looked in the rearview to see a car was moving slowly toward her, the lights so bright they were blinding.
Why were they driving with their high beams on?
When they finally passed, she tried to push down the unease in her belly. She slowed her breathing and lifted her phone, trying to calm herself by flicking through social media.
It was just three minutes later when another car passed, this time from the other direction, and yet again they were driving slowly with high beams on.
Her breath caught. Was it the same car? Were they watching her? Doing drive-bys to check if she was alone?
They eventually passed, but a nervous shake had started to weave its way through her limbs.
When more lights shone from a distance behind her, the unease gnawed at her skin. But as the car grew closer, she realized the lights weren’t so bright and, instead of passing, they parked behind her.
The nerves continued to eat away at her until the lights turned off and she saw Erik climb out from behind the wheel.
With a long sigh, she scrubbed her hands over her face.It’s fine. You’re fine, Hannah. She grabbed her purse and opened the door just as he reached it.
“Hey,” he said quietly, his hand going to her arm as he helped her out. His gaze ran over her face. “Are you okay?”
She nodded quickly. “Yeah, I just…I’m glad you’re here.”
Concern flickered over his face. “I’m glad you called, Angel.” His thumb caressed her arm. “You got everything you need?”
She nodded as she closed and locked her door. He rested his hand at the small of her back as he guided her toward his car, his eyes constantly looking down the street and around the area. The second she was sitting, and his hand was no longer on her, she wanted to tug it back.
As he slid behind the wheel and pulled onto the road, she craved what they used to have. When he’d set a hand on herthigh like it was the easiest thing in the world. Right now, his knuckles were white on the wheel.
“How are your blood sugars?” he asked.
She tapped her watch, flicking to her Dexcom stream. “Good. I’ll grab a snack when I get home.”
