by S. J. Maylee
Aidan turned and took hold of her hands. “We need to get out of here.”
Two years ago when she met Reese, she thought she was the luckiest woman alive. He’d swept her off her feet, spoiled her rotten, but then it all changed. He’d made several bad trades and got pulled off his largest real-estate account. Soon after, she never saw the man she’d fallen in love with again.
“Liz?” He tugged on her wrist.
She pulled her gaze from the disaster and focused on him. “Sorry, what did you say?” She rubbed her forehead and wished answers about why this happened or what she should do next would pop into her thoughts.
“We need to get out of here.” His brows were tightly drawn together. “Are you okay?”
“I don’t know.” She lowered her hand and noticed the tremor. “What do I do now?”
“I’d like to get you somewhere safe and then we can figure it out.” He pulled her into the hallway and closed her apartment door.
It was a lot to process. Why would someone do this? She prayed it was random violence, but what were the chances she’d be mugged and have her place broken into in the same month? She wished she could run off with Aidan and not think about it again. He may not feel like a stranger but it’s who he was. It was too much to ask. She sighed. “You could take me back to my friends’ place. I could stay with them tonight.”
He took a step closer. “I know we just met but I won’t feel comfortable leaving you with anyone else tonight. The mugging and now this, I’d much rather stay with you, if it’s okay.” He caressed her cheek. “I need to know you’re safe.”
“Oh … I couldn’t impose.” She clutched her stomach, wishing she could take him up on his offer. “I don’t want to bring whatever this is to your doorstep. I’ll be fine.” She tucked her hair behind her ear and prayed he didn’t see it shake.
“It’s not asking too much.” He took hold of her hands. “You’ll be saving me a night of worry.”
“Really?” She searched his eyes and found his unwavering gaze. “Are you a boy scout or something?”
“A boy scout?” An amused smile lightened his expression.
She took a deep breath. “My friends didn’t scare you away with their interrogation techniques.” She forced a smile. “And you’re not scared away by this either.” Her life felt like it had been turned upside down like the wreckage in her apartment. “I mean, I wish I could walk away from my life and here you are asking to help me with it.”
“You’ll get through this.” He rubbed her shoulders. “I was a boy scout but I can assure you my skills have grown since then.” One of his eyebrows arched.
“That’s a good one.” She nodded and enjoyed a full body smile.
“You set me up for it.”
“True. A team effort, then.”
“I like it.” He caressed her cheek. “How about I show you my place?”
“Okay.” Her heart rate settled.
“Come on. Let’s head out. Stay close, okay?” He held her hand and rubbed the top with this other hand as he backed up to the elevator. “Is there another way out of here besides the front?”
“I believe so. We’ll need to take the elevator to the basement. The parking garage empties into the alleyway behind the building.”
He kept her close to his side when they ventured from her high-rise and walked behind the building next door to hail a cab.
Once she was settled in the car, she pulled her phone from her purse. “I need to call my doorman and tell him about my apartment.”
He slid the privacy panel closed, shutting them off from the driver. “Would he call the police?”
“Of course.”
He rubbed across his chin and stared out the window. “I think it was more than a coincidence we met tonight.”
“What do you mean?” She froze and watched him.
“I have unique resources that may find answers to what’s going on here. The cops are limited in their options.”
“So what, you don’t have that problem?” A chill traveled up her spine. Was he trying to trick her into feeling safe?
“Were they able to help when Reese disappeared?”
“Well, they investigated but couldn’t tell me anything definitive. I got the feeling they had no idea what happened.”
“What exactly did they tell you?”
She cleared her throat and rubbed her neck. “Based on the amount of his blood where they found his phone, they believe he’s dead. Well, murdered. They suspect it was because of gambling debts but, without more evidence, they’re only guessing, and Reese didn’t even gamble.” She shook her head. The sense of helplessness overwhelmed her again. “Not that I know of.”
“Did they test the blood?”
“They did. It matched a sample of hair they found on his brush.”
“Shit.” He pulled out his phone and typed something before putting it away. “I can’t guarantee I can locate the specific man who took Reese from you, but I will find the man responsible.”
“Who the hell are you?” She scooted as far away as she could get.
“It’s a problem I’ve unfortunately had to solve before.” He shifted to face her. “Give me a day, two tops and I’ll make sure harm never comes your way again.”
“Why do you want to help me?” She cocked her head, becoming more curious about him by the minute.
“I don’t like seeing people pay for the troubles of another. It’s why I do what I do.” He scooped up her hand and kissed her knuckles. “I’ve already got my guy looking into it. And if I can’t deliver, I’ll drop you off at the nearest police station.”
“It’s what you do?” She shook her head. “I want to believe you.” She pursed her lips and stared out the window. “I want to believe you can figure this all out. The alternative is too frightening and I can’t go back there.” Fear crawled up her legs, squeezing out all hope that her troubles were over. “I can’t handle this. Not again.” She squeezed her eyes shut.
“Let my team do their thing. We’ll have questions for you tomorrow but for now I want you to know you’re safe with me. You can trust me.”
Going back into hiding wasn’t an option. She couldn’t handle one more second of running from life. A shiver stormed through her. It wasn’t a reason to trust a stranger either, but it was exactly what she wanted to do. She watched him sitting there all confident and calm. Aidan was what she needed.
She placed the call to the doorman but made no mention of her apartment, only the code words to end his security protocol. Feeling safe hadn’t come easy to her in the last year and for whatever reason, she felt safe with Aidan. That’s the feeling she wanted to explore, not all the dread and fear. She wanted the desire and comfort coming off him in waves. A muddled mix of emotions stirred in her belly.
He covered her hand with his. Warmth seeped into her. They rode the rest of the way to his place in silence. He held her hand as they walked up the back staircase to his studio apartment.
It was a large sparse space. Everything appeared black, white, or some shade in-between. The brick walls were painted white and a metal island separated the kitchen from the living area. There didn’t seem to be anything out of place, even the blanket on the couch at the far end of the apartment was neatly folded. Their apartments couldn’t be more different.
“How long have you lived here?” She had to admit the sparse space wasn’t lacking in necessities.
“Off and on for about five years.”
“Off and on?”
“I travel a lot for work.”
“So, what is it you do exactly?” She rubbed her knuckles. “Knowing might calm my nerves.”
“Ah.” He turned around, searched his fridge, and then closed it slowly. “I’m an independent problem solver.”
“That’s pretty cryptic.”
“Well, it’s exactly what I do.” He shifted around to the island. “People hire me to solve their problems.” He tapped his fingers on the metal top.
&n
bsp; “You’re not going to give me details, are you?”
“Are you hungry?”
“You’re not telling me anything else. I get it.” She pinched the bridge of her nose. “Okay. Sure, I could eat. It would help get my mind off my apartment.” She turned around. “Isn’t there a great pub around here?”
“Yes. Mulligan’s is right around the corner. We can take the side street to get there.” He took her hand and pulled her to the door. “You know the place?”
“I’ve been going there for years. Their fish fry is pretty good, but their burgers are really something.”
“I’m a fan of their mac ’n’ cheeseburger on the—”
“Pretzel roll. Yes, it’s fantastic.” She looked at her watch. “They’ll still be open, right?”
“Oh yeah. Their kitchen doesn’t close until two in the morning.”
“Nice. I’ve always gone for lunch. This will be yummy.” She tugged on his hand. “Thanks for helping me.”
“No problem.” He pulled her in close. “I’m not letting you out of my sight.”
“Good, because you may have changed the subject successfully, but I want to hear more about your work. Especially if you’re in the position to help me.”
“We’ll see.” He opened his door and held it for her.
“I’m not letting you off the hook.” She tapped his chest.
He pinched her butt.
“Ouch!” She shook her head and scooted around him, out the door and to the stairwell, keeping her ass far from his reach and a smile plastered on her face. This man had a gift for distraction. Bad luck may be plaguing her life but she was going to take full advantage of this diversion.
He advanced toward her in an unhurried pace, pushing the door to the stairwell open before it closed behind her. “You think your ass will be safe if you walk faster?”
“Maybe.” She stopped at the first landing and spotted him at the top. His devilish grin gave her a fit of giggles. One part of her wanted to run, make him chase after her and the other part, the part that won, wanted to stand her ground and wait for him.
He kept to his unhurried pace. So damn confident. She sucked on her bottom lip. He backed her up to the wall and positioned his feet on either side of hers. His hands landed over her head and he pressed his firm body to her.
She let go of her lip and breathed through her anticipation. Damn, she wanted him to kiss her. Her stomach rumbled, successfully ruining the moment. “I guess I’m hungry.” She ducked under his arms and put some distance between them.
Once she got out the side door, she didn’t know which way to turn. She twisted around to face the building, but couldn’t find her midnight snack accomplice. Goose bumps rose over her arms and down her back. “Aidan?”
Chapter Four
“I’m right here.” He whispered from behind her.
“What the …” She turned and clasped her chest. “I didn’t hear you come out.”
“Sorry.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and stroked her cheek. “I didn’t mean to frighten you.”
“You must have been in my blind spot.” She rubbed her chest and wished her heart rate would slow. “I think I’m still on edge.”
“Understandable. I’ll try to stay within your line of sight.” He took hold of her hand and squeezed. “Come on. Let’s go get some good eats.”
They walked in silence. It was one of the things she already liked about him. He didn’t always need to talk, unlike Reese. That man would talk even if he was the only one listening. Her thoughts filled with how different her life was from a month ago, from a year ago. Her life with Reese was a fairy tale or so she’d believed. She had a feeling the worst of it all was on its way, like life was setting her up for one last big fall.
Aidan tugged on her hand. “You okay?”
“I really need a beer.” She gave him a halfhearted smile and hoped to God trusting him wasn’t just another pipe dream. “What do you usually drink with your burger?”
“You’ll never need to ask me that question again.” His eyebrows rose. “The answer is always beer.”
“Oh really? It’s my preference as well.” Her shoulders scrunched. “Do you like micro and craft beer?”
“I do, but do you know the difference?”
“Ah, pop quiz, huh?” She raised an eyebrow.
“I want to know if you’re all talk.” He opened the front door of the pub. “After you.”
“Thanks.” She walked past him and found a booth on the right side, away from the crowd around the bar. “Prepare to feel bad.”
“Bring it on.” He sat on the bench seat opposite her.
“First of all, a craft-brewery is not always a micro-brewery.”
“True and what makes craft different?”
“Malt.”
“It’s all about the malt, baby.” He winked at her.
“Ugh!” She shook her head and rolled her eyes. “It’s not all about the malt. Don’t tell me you’re a purest. You probably favor Adams, don’t you?”
“I sure do.” He sat back and stretched out. “The best beer, craft beer, has recipes of half malt. The flavor of craft beer is fucking fantastic.”
“Craft is good, but I like all the options in micro-breweries.”
“Good.” He slapped his palms on the table. “Craft isn’t good, it’s incomparable.”
“Unless it’s up against the best of the microbrews.” She cocked her head and smiled, watching him take in her challenge.
“You guys are cute.” The waitress set down two cocktail napkins. “Have you known each other forever?”
“Us?” Liz pointed between Aidan and herself. “No, we just met, actually.”
“Huh, oh well, can I get you something to drink?”
“Aidan will have your most popular micro-brew.” She raised her eyebrows at him.
“And Liz will have your most popular craft brew.” He returned the look.
Liz fought against her schoolgirl giggle.
“I bet fate brought you together. You two look good together. I’m glad you met.” She slipped her pen inside her apron pocket. “I’ll be right back with your beers.” Her ponytail flipped back and forth as she bounced her way to the bar.
Liz felt the heat of a blush kissing her cheeks and, when she checked on Aidan’s reaction, she noticed the tips of his ears were bright red. She scanned her thoughts for any random idea to divert from the waitress’s observation. “Oh … you know what’s really good?” She didn’t wait for him to answer and continued with her detour technique. “Beer aged in whiskey barrels.”
“Yes.” He nodded. “There’s a place on the west side that does it and they also age whiskey in beer barrels.”
“They do?” she grabbed his hands and leaned in. “I didn’t know they did it the other way around.”
“Sounds like I’m going to have to drink you under the table sometime.”
“Yes, you will. Well, I rarely drink enough anymore to get a buzz, but I can do it with coffee.”
“You’re going to drink me under the table in a coffee drinking contest?” He shook his head.
“What a wonderful idea.”
“You’re adorable.”
“Shut up.”
The waitress set down their glasses, each had the perfect amount of froth on top. “Agreed. You two are adorable. Do you want anything to eat tonight?”
“Yes,” they both said in unison.
She just shook her head at them.
“Aidan, do you want to get the mac ’n’ cheeseburger?” Liz asked him.
“Sure, can I have it medium please?”
“No, problem. Honey, what do you want?” the waitress asked Liz.
“I’ll have the double cheeseburger. I’ll go with medium too.”
“Excellent, I’ll get these orders in. It shouldn’t be long. The kitchen isn’t busy anymore.”
After the waitress left their table, Liz asked, “So, did your grandmother live in Buena Park?”
>
“She did. Wish you could have met her. She would have loved you.”
“Aw. Thanks.” She bit her lip. “I can’t say the same about my gran.”
“Hey, I’m a likable guy.”
“She would have eventually liked you.” She chuckled and rubbed his hand. “Her interrogation technique was entertaining.” She reached for her necklace and didn’t find it. “Usually, I wear her locket. Guess I was nervous about tonight. Oh, shit. What if—”
“Whoever tore through your apartment wasn’t looking for keepsakes. I’m sure it’s right where you left it.” He squeezed her hand
“I’m going to be sick with worry until I know for sure.” She sat back, pulled her hands free of his reach, and rubbed them on her thighs. That locket meant everything to her. She closed her eyes and silently chastised herself for forgetting to wear it.
“Hey. Come on. I bet its right where you left it.”
“I can’t believe I forgot.”
“Give me your hand.” He left his palms open on the table. Once she placed her hands in his, he stroked his thumb over her wrist. “Tell me about the necklace.”
“It’s made out of gold and has mini pictures of my grandma and grandpa inside.” She squeezed his hand. “I like to think by wearing it, she gives me her strength.”
“I see that kind of strength in you.”
“I don’t know.” She shrugged.
“One day you’ll see it.” He leaned forward. “My grandmother was a strong woman too. Some say crazy but she could see things others couldn’t.”
“I bet she was a remarkable woman.” She shifted her weight on the bench. “I moved in with my gran in high school after my parents died.”
“You lost them young. I’m sorry.”
“It seems like another life ago.” Her grandma always reminded her to live in the present. She closed her eyes and then let the dark thoughts go. “My gran took me in and never let me feel alone.” She watched Aidan for a moment. He wasn’t letting her feel alone either. “I don’t know what I would have done without her.”
Between their love of burgers, brew, and their grandmothers, Liz figured she could talk to Aidan all night long. When their meals arrived, Aidan passed the ketchup without her asking. It was a small thing, but she stopped and looked at him for a long second when he did.