He nodded. “The best. I love how secluded it all seems. You still have neighbors, and quick access to the freeway, but it still feels so far away from everything. Not to mention that the fishing is really great there, too. You’d love it.”
Brian talked about some of the large walleye he’d caught and invited me to go fishing with him. I told him that my schedule was crazy but I’d try to see what I could do.
“Good.” He studied my face. “You know, you have the greenest eyes I’ve ever seen. I know that sounds like a line, but it’s not. I am constantly looking into people’s faces and I’ve never seen such a lovely color before.”
His compliment made me smile. “Thank you.”
Brian was about to say something else when Mitch approached our table. He apologized about the delay in getting service and offered us both free meals for the evening. For some reason, Brian didn’t look very appreciative of the offer.
“No, that’s quite all right,” Brian said with a tight smile. “I have no problem paying for dinner. But, thank you.”
“No, I insist. Your entire meal is on me,” Mitch replied. “Order whatever you’d like. Compliments of the House.”
“I guess if you ‘insist’. I mean, it would be silly of me to refuse,” Brian replied, still looking less than thrilled.
“Thank you, Mitch,” I added, smiling up at him. “It’s very generous of you.”
“It’s my pleasure. Enjoy the rest of your evening.” He winked at me and then walked away.
Brian gave me a funny look. “Do you two know each other?”
I explained how I’d met him at the bar.
He let out an irritated sigh. “Well, then. I guess that explains a lot.”
I raised my eyebrow. “Explains what exactly?”
“The way he was leering at you. I guess I can’t blame him. You’re very attractive.”
Leering at me?
Right.
Brian went on. “I also didn’t appreciate him trying to make me look like a fool.”
I stared at him in shock. “How did he do that?”
“By offering us free meals, just because I was a little frustrated with the server. He’s the one who made a big deal out of it.” He waved his hand toward the other tables. “Now everyone here probably thinks I’m a jerk, thanks to Mr. Big Shot.”
If anyone was making Brian look like a jerk, it was Brian. It took everything I had not to say it out loud.
He glanced toward the bar where Mitch was once again helping customers. “Guys like that really piss me off. Like he had to come and save the day to look like the “hero”. He needs to mind his own business is what he needs to do.”
At that point I knew what I needed to do—end the date. Brian’s mood swings and sudden jealousy made me extremely uncomfortable. We hadn’t even ordered dinner yet and things were already bad. This guy was definitely not for me.
I stood up and decided to give it to him straight. “Look, this isn’t working out. We’re obviously not a match.”
His jaw clenched and his face turned red. “You haven’t really given it enough chance.”
“Yes. I have. Sorry, I need to leave.”
Fearing that he was about to freak out, I apologized, turned on my heel, and quickly headed out the front door. Fortunately, he didn’t follow me out.
I arrived at my cabin, twenty minutes later, kicked off my shoes, and poured myself a glass of wine. Oddly, I felt no remorse as to how the date had ended. I’d kind of dreaded going on it in the first place, and now I felt an immense sense of calmness.
I sat down on my sofa and was about to text Marcy, when I decided to tell her about everything in the morning. She was out with Robbie and I didn’t want to ruin their date. Knowing my best friend, she’d feel bad and want to try and cheer me up. They’d probably stop over and I knew it wasn’t fair for either of them.
After drinking my glass of wine, I took a shower and crawled into bed. As I was falling asleep, my thoughts returned to Mitch. I wondered again if he was single.
Maybe Marcy and I should have dinner soon at the restaurant?
The thought of seeing him again made me warm all over. I knew it was probably just the wine, but I couldn’t get his smile out of my head. Or the way his clothes fit—the guy obviously worked out. And it was always possible Brian had noticed something about Mitch I hadn’t…that he was actually interested in me?
Snorting at the ludicrous thought, I turned onto my side and fell asleep.
A couple of hours later, my cell phone went off, jerking me awake from a deep sleep. I grabbed it and noticed a message from Brian.
Brian: You’re definitely missing out on some fun. Maybe this will change your mind?
I didn’t understand what he meant until he accompanied the message with a photo of his erect penis.
“Oh, God,” I groaned, disgusted.
I was about to delete everything, and block him, when I had a better idea. I started typing.
Me: You should get that looked at before it gets any worse.
Smirking, I sent him the message, blocked the creep, and then went back to sleep.
3
Sophia
Marcy sent me a text the next morning, asking how my date went with Brian. I gave her the rundown. When I told her about the “dick pic” and how I’d responded, I could almost hear her erupting with laughter.
Marcy: LMAO! Hopefully he doesn’t take you up on the advice and show up at the hospital you work at.
Me: Let’s hope not. Anyway, no more online dating for me.
Marcy: That was just one bad egg. You can’t give up that easily!
Me: Screw that. Gonna let nature take its course from now on.
Marcy: Better yet, take a break and try again. Seriously, you’ll meet better guys.
Me: We’ll see.
After texting with her, I did some cleaning and then went grocery shopping. While I was looking around in the frozen food aisle, I heard my name called. I turned around and saw Mitch moving toward me with a cartful of frozen pizzas.
I groaned.
It figured.
I looked like crap. Not only did I not have any makeup on, but my hair was in a messy bun, and I wore an old pair of sweats. I also had on a washed-out green hoodie with bleach stains. I was surprised he even recognized me.
I smiled weakly as he approached. He wore a T-shirt, ripped jeans, and a red Twins baseball cap. He looked tired. There were shadows under his eyes and his jaw was getting a little scruffy. It didn’t take away from his good looks, though. If anything, it made him even sexier.
“Hey, long-time-no-see,” I said.
He stopped next to me. “No doubt. How’s it going?”
“Good. Yourself?”
He scratched at the shadow on his chin. “I’m fine. A little beat. Had to do some repairs at the restaurant early this morning, so I’ve been up since the crack of dawn.”
“Oh, no. Everything fixed?”
“Almost. Had to order some parts. Anyway, how’d things go with Brian?”
I could tell by glint in his eyes that he already knew. “Oh, it was wonderful. The guy is definitely quite a catch,” I replied dryly.
Mitch chuckled. “Just think of it this way, you probably saw what he was like on his best behavior. Once he became comfortable with you, it would have really been a nightmare.”
I smiled in amusement. “That’s one way to look at it.”
“So, you took my advice and bolted out the back?”
“I almost did but… decided to be direct and just tell him how I felt. I also didn’t want him sticking around and harassing any more of your employees.”
“Thanks for that.”
“No problem.” I looked at the frozen pizzas. “So, you’re not a fan of pizza, huh?”
He laughed. “What can I say? They’re fast and I’m always on the run. Looks like you’re in the same boat?” He nodded toward my cart and the pile of frozen meals. “Not a lot of time for fancy dinne
rs?”
“More like, not very good at making them.”
“Do you like to cook?”
“Honestly?” I shook my head. “Not really. I’ve found that food always tastes better when someone else prepares it, so why even bother?”
“I should have you over some time when I’m not working. I love to cook but usually don’t bust out the pots and pans when it’s just me at the table.”
So, he was single.
I laughed. “Yeah, I might just take you up on that. Maybe you can share some of your cooking tips.”
“For sure. Let’s exchange numbers.”
“Okay.”
Admittedly, I was so giddy that my hand shook as I typed in his number. I honestly felt like a school girl, he was making me so flustered.
“So, I imagine you put in a lot of hours at the restaurant?” I asked him.
“More than I should. Probably not as much as you do, though.”
“I bet we’re close.” I was currently putting in over fifty hours. I had no life outside of work, however. So, I took extra shifts when I could. I told him that.
“Hopefully, that will change when you meet Mr. Right.”
I chuckled. “Yeah, maybe.”
We chatted for a few more minutes and then his cell phone went off. He checked the screen and frowned. “Shoot, I gotta fly. It was nice seeing you again.”
“You as well.”
He snapped his fingers and pointed at me. “Oh, and by the way… good luck with your next online date.”
I laughed nervously. “Oh, I’m through with that. No more.”
“After the guy last night, I can’t say that I blame you.” He began pushing his cart away. “Have a good night.”
“Thanks, you, too.”
I watched him walk away, admiring his broad shoulders and the way his jeans hugged his butt. The guy was definitely a major hunk. I still doubted he was really into me. Or, if he was, it was just for a one-night stand and nothing beyond that. But… a girl could always dream.
Fanning myself, I grabbed what I needed and headed to the checkout lanes. As I was unloading my cart, I noticed Mitch still in the store, this time talking to a petite, beautiful redhead who made me feel like an ogre. She was very touchy-feely and he appeared to be loving every minute of it.
Sighing, I paid for my things and headed out to my SUV. As I was putting groceries into the trunk, a silver BMW sedan stopped behind my vehicle. I turned to look and saw Brian at the wheel. Alarmed, I instinctively clutched the pepper spray on my keychain and tossed the rest of my groceries into the back.
He rolled down his window. “Hey, I just wanted to apologize for yesterday. I feel like a douchebag.”
Was he talking about the date or the nasty picture?
I quickly shut my trunk and headed toward my car door. “No problem.”
He got out of his Beemer and started moving in my direction. Trying not to panic, I got into my vehicle and locked the door.
Brian knocked on the window.
“What do you want?” I asked angrily.
He gestured for me to roll down the window.
I felt so trapped at that moment. And scared. What did I really know about this guy? The fact that he’d sent me a picture of his crotch had been unnerving enough. Now, here he was, obviously not taking the hint.
“Please,” he begged.
I cracked it, but just an inch.
Brian gave me a sheepish smile. “I just wanted to say that I was hammered when I sent you that pic last night. My pride was hurt and I ended up drinking a few shots at the bar. I’m so ashamed of the way that I acted. I hope you can forgive me.”
“Yes. Fine. I forgive you. Now”—my eye twitched—“could you please move your car? You’re blocking me in and I need to get home.”
“Yes, of course. But first—can I take you out again to make it up to you?”
I stared at him in disbelief. “You’re kidding, right?”
“Listen, I’m not the guy you met last night. That’s really not me. In fact, I talked to your buddy, Mitch, and he’ll even confirm it. He served me at the bar. We’re like this now.” He crossed his fingers. “He’ll tell you what a stand-up guy I am.”
I was surprised Mitch hadn’t mentioned anything. And… why did Brian think Mitch and I were close friends? Had he been in the grocery store too?
Spying on us?
It was an unsettling thought.
“I’m sorry. I just can’t. Now, please, move your car.”
He let out a ragged sigh and stepped away. “Well, I tried.”
I rolled up the window and watched as he got back into his car. Thankfully, he took off, but not before squealing his tires for effect.
Releasing a sigh of relief, I was about to pull out of my spot when I noticed Mitch approaching my window. I rolled it down.
“I just saw Brian by your truck and wanted to make sure that you were okay.”
His concern was comforting. “I’m fine. He did freak me out, though.” I rubbed my forehead. “I seriously can’t believe that creep. It makes me wonder if he followed me here.”
“Does he know where you live?”
“I didn’t think so, but now I’m not so sure.”
Mitch looked toward the street. “Let’s hope it was just a coincidence that he was here.”
“Let’s hope. His practice isn’t too far from this store. Maybe he was just getting groceries?”
“Hopefully. So, what did he want?”
“To apologize and ask me out again.”
He raised his eyebrow. “You told him ‘no’?”
I snorted. “Oh, hell yeah, I told him ‘no’.” I told Mitch about the picture he’d sent to me.
He looked shocked. “You’re kidding? What a dirtbag.”
“I know. He blamed it on being drunk. In fact, he mentioned you serving him shots last night.”
Mitch shrugged. “Just a couple.”
I smirked. “Apparently, he thinks you’re buddies now.”
“Buddies?” He grunted. “He’s definitely delusional. He did all the talking, boasting about what a great guy he was and how any woman would be lucky to go out with him. Especially you. That’s why I didn’t want to say anything. He seems a little obsessed with you and I didn’t want to freak you out.”
“Too late for that. I’m already freaked out by the weirdo. Hopefully, he’s gotten the message now. I don’t know how I could be any more direct.”
He nodded. “Let’s hope he’s given up. Would you like me to follow you home? In case he shows up at your place? I have some spare time.”
The hair stood up on the back of my neck. I hadn’t thought about Brian following me to my cabin. He had a rough idea of where I lived. I glanced over toward the road, half expecting the lunatic to be parked and waiting for me to leave.
“Yeah, would you? I don’t live very far from here. If it’s not too much of a bother.”
“Not at all.” He pointed to a newer black Charger. “That’s my car. I’ll be right behind you the entire time.”
“Thank you. I really appreciate you doing this.”
“Anytime.”
4
Sophia
Mitch followed me to the cabin, helped me bring in the groceries, and then explained that he needed to rush off.
“My cousin needs help fixing her dock. I ran into her at the grocery store and promised I’d swing by this afternoon.”
I thought about the gorgeous redhead at the market, and wondered if it had been her. My earlier twinge of jealousy made me feel foolish. I was almost as bad as Brian. “Oh, no worries.”
“If that asshole bothers you again, I’d call the police. Then call me. If I don’t answer, leave a message.”
I smiled again at his concern. “I will. Thank you.”
“Anytime.”
His eyes scanned the living room and rested on the stone fireplace. “Nice home, by the way.”
I looked around, grateful I’d picked u
p before leaving for the store. There was nothing fancy about it, but the furniture was newer and I’d spent some extra time making the place warm and inviting. Most of the décor was rustic, reminding me of my dad. There was even an oil painting over the fireplace of a father and daughter fishing out of a small boat. I’d found it at a galleria shortly after he died. It had reminded me so much of our tranquil moments together, I couldn’t resist. “Thank you.”
“I bet we could cook up something special together here, too.”
I felt my face flush.
He grinned. “Your kitchen or mine? Either or.”
I laughed nervously, knowing that my mind had gone right to the gutter. “Yeah. Sounds good.”
“Well, stay safe.”
“I will. Thanks again.”
“No problem.”
He left and I locked the door behind him. I watched through the window as he got into his car and drove away, still smelling his cologne. It was sexy, woodsy, and masculine. Like him.
Missing his presence already, I went back into the kitchen and began putting away my groceries.
Mitch. Mitch. Mitch. I would love to cook up something special with you, too, I mused, putting away the cucumbers. The guy had my stomach doing somersaults and I couldn’t wait to see him again.
After having a quick bite to eat, I got onto my elliptical and watched a Netflix documentary while working out. I’d learned long ago that it made the time go faster and exercising much more bearable. As I was finishing up my last five minutes, there was a knock at the door. Surprised, I stopped the machine and headed to the door. I checked the peephole and felt my stomach to sour when I saw who was standing outside on my porch.
Brian.
He was holding a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates.
Alarmed, I backed away from the doorway and grabbed my phone. The guy had me trembling so badly again that I could barely hold it in my hand.
Wicked Love Page 31