Page 14 of Irreverent (Salvation Society)

“Um, I guess I’m just going along for the ride.”

But as I head back toward the shops, the creeper follows.Damn it, he just cannot process this message. When I manage to put some distance between us, I know this phone call isn’t going to do it and decide to go with Plan B.

“Give me ten minutes.” I whisper, then add louder. “You’re breaking up…”

I give myself the opportunity to look at my phone while the man in the ball cap is a few paces behind. Then I quickly hang up on him and tap the last phone number entered in my phone, hoping he’s nearby and not busy.

Riker answers right away.

“Oh, there you are. I thought you dropped the call. Could you meet me at the coffee shop instead?”

“Um, okay?” His tone deepens. “Is something going on?”

Creeper is still a few feet back, and I wonder if he’s calling my bluff. For whatever dumb reason. I’m heading straight into town. “Well, you know me…”

“I can be at the coffee shop in about ten minutes. Are you there?”

“No, I’m on a trail by Craine Road. I’m walking back now.”

“So you’re in the middle of nowhere alone?” He doesn’t sound impressed.

“I was...” Then, I get another idea, switching the call over to a video chat. When Riker accepts, I make a show of blowing a kiss to the camera, holding it up so he can definitely see the man behind me.

As I near the road, he diverts across the street rather than following me.

* * *

I stay on the line with Riker until I reach the more populated streets. At least between here and the coffee shop I can stick to the small crowds. “I can see Jekyll Market, and there’s plenty of other people around so, I should be good.”

“I’ll be there in about five minutes.”

I slow down, looking through the store windows, slowing my pace and hoping my heart will follow suit.

Then, I check for traffic and cross the street toward the main entrance of the coffee shop. The smell of roasting beans and coffee warms my nose, but before I can fully grasp peace, I spot the man in the black cap approaching again from the opposite side of the intersection and heading straight for the door.

Bastard.

I slow, and he smiles, pulling the door open and gesturing for me to go ahead.

Shaking my head, I hang back near the corner of the shop. “I’m waiting for my boyfriend.”

“If I were him, I wouldn’t leave you waiting.”

“I don’t mind,” I grate out, having lost my patience.Is he freakin oblivious?

“Hey babe.”

I hear Riker behind me and as soon as I turn, letting my shoulders fall, Riker grabs me by the hips and presses a kiss to my lips.Damn, the man does not bluff subtly.The entire time, his eyes are on the man now behind me though.

I hear the coffee shop door close and turn back to see him skulk up to the counter.

“Thank you,” I breathe.

“Thought you lost him,” Riker whispers, watching the man through the store front windows.

“He came from the other corner as soon as I walked up.”

“Can’t leave you on your own for a minute, can I?” Riker still hasn’t released me and doesn’t relax until the man collects his coffee and heads out the side door, heading toward the beach. “You okay?”

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