by JA Hensley
"Yeah, I got to see them in Denver when I was out visiting friends. They're even better live than on their CDs. We'll have to go to a show if they ever make it up this way." I love how that just rolls of his tongue, as if there’s no question that I would go to a concert with him.
"That sounds wonderful. I'll have to check their website and see what their tour schedule looks like." Colin nods and smiles at me.
Silence descends on us but it's not uncomfortable. We sip our coffee quietly, lost in our own thoughts. Colin puts his cup on the table in front of us and takes mine to do the same. He turns and faces me on the couch.
"I've had a wonderful time tonight, and I hope you have, too. I want to see you again, but I have to ask if you are seeing someone. I don't want to seem rude, but I like to know what I'm up against."
I put my hand on his leg and look him in the eye. "I was dating a jerk who turned on me. He's the one who hurt me the other day. We're done and I've told him to leave me alone. As far as I'm concerned, you aren't up against anything and I’m free to date whomever I want." I finish by leaning in and kissing him lightly on the lips. When I pull back his pupils have dilated and I can see the pulse beating in his neck.
"I'm so glad to hear that because I don't think I'll be able to stay away from you." He pulls me across his lap and against his body, trapping me with his arms, and brings his lips forcefully down on mine. I relish in the feeling of being taken like this. I've always wanted a man to just move me where he wanted me, to be a little dominant, and to take control. I allow him to deepen the kiss and I willingly open to allow his tongue to dance with mine. I reach up and wrap my arms around his neck, holding on as much as I can. The longer we kiss, the more I can feel his excitement growing beneath me. I know I don't want to take things that far tonight so I pull back a little to catch my breath and hopefully calm things down a little.
Colin presses his forehead to mine and is breathing heavily. "Becca, I really want this to work. I don't want to rush things. Do you understand?"
"It's like you're reading my mind. I feel the same way. I should probably get going, anyway. We both have class tomorrow and I haven't really slept well this week." I pull back a little more, but Colin keeps me close in his arms.
"I want you to know how much I’ve enjoyed this evening. I want to see you again soon. What time is your first class tomorrow?"
Rational thought is difficult being this close to him, but I manage to remember that my classes start at nine. I tell him and he smiles.
"My first class is also at nine. Why don't we ride together? That way I get to spend a little more time with you and we can conserve gas." He smiles a panty-dropping smile that I'm starting to realize I can't resist.
"Well, as long as we’re doing the Earth a favor, I guess we can ride together." We both laugh at this excuse and I take the opportunity to step back. If I stay that close to him any longer I probably won't ever leave.
"Let me walk you home. You never know what can happen in the twenty feet between our doors." Colin puts his hand on the small of my back and guides me out of his apartment. What is it about a man putting his hands on my back that is a total turn on? All too quickly, we’re at my door and I'm unlocking the double locks we installed on Sunday.
Colin bends down and whispers in my ear, "I'll see you in the morning, beautiful." Before I can turn around and reply he’s walking back to his apartment.
"Good night," I say to his retreating form. I enter my apartment, shut and lock the door, and float to my bed to enjoy more of Colin in my dreams.
Chapter 10-Colin
Spending the evening with Becca was great. I can't remember the last time I had so much fun. She's sweet and kind and I want to spend even more time with her.
I've got to figure out this Ronaldo shit fast before I get in too deep because I can see that happening with this woman.
Once I'm back in my apartment, I check the cameras with my laptop. Everything appears to be functioning just fine. It doesn't look like Ronaldo has made another visit, unfortunately, because we really need to get a feeling for his habits. I call Kevin to check on his progress with surveillance in the warehouse district.
"Hey, man. How's it going on your end?"
"Not much happening here, Colin. Did you get any intel from the girlfriend?"
"No, nothing we can use. They weren't together very long and she doesn't seem to have any knowledge about his activities. I'm keeping an eye on it though.."
"You okay? Sounds like you like this girl or something. You're not letting your dick get in the way of the mission, are you?"
"Fuck off, Kevin. I'm focused on getting the bad guy. You know me better than that."
"It's because I know you so well that I can tell when you're bullshitting me. Just be careful. You don't want to start something you can't stop."
"Whatever. I'll call you tomorrow. I'm going to check out the university again now that classes are in session."
"Sounds good. Talk to you then." He hangs up before I can say anything else.
I spend the next hour re-reading everything I have on this case, starting at the beginning. There's nothing about Rebecca in any of the files, other than her suspected dating relationship with the suspect.
My mind goes back to the conversation I had with her tonight. I know what that shitbag did to her a few days ago, and while it makes my blood boil, I think her strength is amazing. Other women might have forgiven the guy and gone back for more, but not Rebecca. She's trying to make a break and it's admirable. It also means she's willing to spend time with me.
I've got to stop thinking like this. I'm only here for this mission, and once it's over, I have to move on to the next one. I don't have the luxury of getting involved in a relationship, regardless of how wonderful the woman is.
I go to bed and try to sleep but thoughts of her keep me awake. Kevin's right. I've got to get my head out of my ass and focus on the job.
Chapter 11-Rebecca
My alarm sounds at seven but I've been awake for over an hour. I couldn’t get my brain to shut off and enjoy the rest of my night, but I can't pull myself out of bed, either. I keep mulling over everything that's happened in the past week. Realizing my ex is an asshole, almost having sex with Adam at the club, the fight with Ron resulting in the punch to my face, and last night's dinner with Colin. No wonder I can't sleep.
I drag my ass to the bathroom to start getting ready for class. I didn't get much of my reading done so I can only hope that the professors don't call on me. When I look in the mirror, I see that the bruise on my cheek is starting to fade. Thank God! I'm sick of people staring at me. A little foundation should cover it up nicely.
As I'm pulling on my skirt, I remember that Colin offered me a ride today. That really should have been the first thing I thought of this morning. What’s wrong with me? It’s only eight, so I have thirty minutes before I'm supposed to meet him. I make a quick lunch to take with me and once everything is packed in my backpack, I start to question what I'm doing. Should I really be hanging around with Colin so soon after breaking up with Ron? There's no denying that he's hot and sweet and every girl's dream. I don't want him to be a rebound guy, though. I could count Adam as the rebound, I guess. That thought leads me back to the office at the club and how I know I can't do anything casual. A knock at my door pulls me out of my thoughts as I gather my things to head to school.
When we get to Colin's truck, I realize that a skirt probably wasn't the best thing to wear. I have no idea how I'm going to climb up in the cab without showing off my panties. As I stand there trying to figure it out, Colin steps up behind me, turns me around, puts his hands on my waist and lifts me up into the truck. Holy fuck that's hot. I've never had anyone pick me up like that and it’s a major turn on. I look at him and he just smiles and shuts the door. When he gets into the truck, he puts the key in the ignition and then looks at me.
"You looked like you needed a boost. I know this beast is tall and I didn't want
you to feel embarrassed if your skirt moved up too high. I hope you're not upset." He blushes and it’s so cute.
"Not at all. I appreciate the help. I really wasn't sure what I was going to do." I laugh a little and that seems to ease the tension. We ride to the college in silence, listening to some comedy show on the radio all the way there.
Colin drops me off at the Psychology building and asks when I'm done for the day. I tell him I have classes until four, since I have a lab this afternoon. He says that he'll pick me up at then and take me home. I slide out of the truck holding my skirt with both hands to keep it in place. When I turn around to get my bag, Colin is leaning over to hand it to me.
"Have a great day, Becca. I'll see you this afternoon." He gives me a panty-dropping smile and I do my best to return it before I shut the door and head to class.
The day passes relatively quickly. Thankfully, I don't get called on in class and my lab is fairly easy. I'm walking toward the front of the building when Heather catches me.
"How was your day? Are you feeling better? Your face looks almost back to normal." She nudges my shoulder with hers.
"Yes, I'm doing better and my day was fine. How about you? Have you decided on a research topic for Kitchell's class yet?" I'm dreading that project.
"Are you kidding me? It's the first week. I'll think about that in a couple months." She smiles and winks. I know she's lying because she's an overachiever and will probably have it done by midterm.
We're approaching the parking lot and I see Colin leaning against the passenger-side door of his truck. My mouth goes dry and I try not to stumble. Heather grabs my arm and stops me from taking another step.
"Who the fuck is that? Do you know him? It looks like he's staring at us." She has a death grip on my arm and it's starting to hurt. I gently remove her hand and shake it a little bit.
"That's my neighbor, Colin. He gave me a ride this morning, so he's taking me home." I laugh at her behavior. Normally, nothing rattles Heather.
"He gave you a ride, huh? How was the ride, Becca?" She looks me in the eye and smiles knowingly. I automatically blush.
"Not that kind of ride, you whore. A lift to school! Get your filthy mind out of the gutter. Who are you?" I can't keep from laughing at her.
"I'm hot and bothered for your neighbor. Are you going to ride him anytime soon or is he up for grabs?"
I feel a pang of jealousy at that. "Don't even think about it. You stay away from my ride." I bump her with my hip and laugh as I walk toward Colin. I can't wait to see the look on her face when he lifts me up into the truck.
"Hi, Colin," I greet him loudly. "Sorry I'm late. Heather needed to talk." I turn back and see her still standing where I left her. Time to mess with her some.
I walk up to Colin and pull on his shoulders so he bends down so I can give him a kiss on the cheek. He smiles at me, opens the door, and lifts me into the truck. After he closes the door I look at Heather and I'm pretty sure her chin is on the ground. I give her a small wave and big smile as Colin fires up the truck and drives away.
When we arrive back at the apartment complex, I see a car I recognize and groan. Colin looks over at me, concern on his face.
"Is something wrong? You don't look very happy right now."
I can't make eye contact with him. "Nothing I can't handle. Thanks for the ride. I really appreciate it." I open the door and jump down before Colin has turned off the engine. I don't want to deal with the drama if Ron sees me. I turn back and reach for my backpack, but Colin is holding onto it.
"What's up, Becca? You're acting really strange."
"It's not a big deal, Colin. I really need you to let me handle it, okay?" I can feel tears well up and bite my lip to keep them at bay.
"All right, but if you need anything, you know where I am. Have a good night. I'll see you around." He smiles and hands me my bag.
"I will, thanks, Colin. Bye." With that I shut the door and make my way inside the building. Ron is leaning against my door with a scowl on his face. I stop when he sees me, not sure if Colin will be coming in behind me or not.
"Where've you been, Becca? I've been here forever and why the fuck doesn't my key work?" His voice gets louder with each word.
"Your key doesn't work because I changed the locks, asshole. I told you I was done. I can't believe you're here. What the fuck is wrong with you?" Now I'm pissed and I'm not going to let him intimidate me.
He walks toward me, clenching his fists at his sides. I feel my fight or flight instinct kick in and I'm ready to bolt out the door I just came in. He stops just inches from me, close enough for me to feel his breath.
"You and I aren't done, Becca. We'll never be done. You are mine and I won't give you up. I don't know what’s gotten into you, but I'm tired of it. It's time for you to stop acting like a child and let me in." He reaches up and I flinch, but he runs his hand down my arm. "Please, baby. You know we’re made for each other. Don't do this to us."
Ron smiles and brings my hand up and kisses it. I'm trying to figure out how to get him out of here when I hear the door close behind me. Ron looks up and makes a growling sound. I turn around and see Colin walking into the building. I glance back at Ron and he looks like he’s ready to kill Colin. It's like he's changed into a different person right before my eyes.
Colin walks by without a word to either of us, but I see the look on his face. It's a mixture of confusion and anger. When he reaches his apartment door he turns back and finds my eyes. He raises one eyebrow, as if asking me if everything is okay. I smile and nod slightly. He opens his door and goes inside without any further interaction.
"Why don't you let me take you out for dinner tonight?" Ron asks, pulling my attention back to him. "We didn't really get to eat last time."
I shake my head and take my hand back. I step to the side and get my keys out of my purse.
"No, Ron. We're done. I don't want to go to dinner with you and I don't want you in my life. You were a dick to me and then you punched me. As far as I'm concerned, that's enough for me to be done." I walk past him to my door and, unfortunately, he follows.
"We're not done! I'm not giving you up," he whispers menacingly in my ear. His hand grabs my wrist where I'm trying to put my key in the lock. He squeezes so hard I let out a shriek from the pain.
"Let go of me right now. I will not be manhandled by you again." He squeezes my wrist tighter and starts to pull my arm behind me. I do the only thing I can think of and stomp on his foot with my heel. His grip loosens a little and I turn around to face him. I raise my other hand to slap him but he blocks my arm. I've only got one more move and I use it. I bring my right knee up as hard as I can and connect with his scrotum. Thankfully, it’s a direct hit and he immediately drops my arms and bends over, squealing.
"Don't ever fucking touch me again, you piece of shit!" I scream at him. I turn around to put my key in the lock and he pushes me against the door, knocking the wind out of me. My bag hits the floor and my keys slide down the hall away from me. I can't breathe or scream and I only hope that Colin can hear what's going on.
"You are such a little bitch. You think this is going to stop me? Nothing will keep me away. You’ll always belong to me," he growls as he pulls me away from the door. He has one arm around my waist with my arm behind me, my other arm is in his hand, and he’s holding on tight. He picks me up off the ground and starts to carry me away from my apartment. I suck in a little air and scream with everything I have. I'm kicking and trying to connect with any part of his body, but I'm hitting nothing. I try to thrash around and get out of his hold, but he just hangs on. I can see the door to the building and I know he's heading to the parking lot. I keep kicking and moving, closing my eyes to concentrate on making a connection to his knee or something. Suddenly my feet hit the ground and I'm falling forward. When my hands connect with the floor, I crawl as fast as I can away from the man behind me. I hear voices, but I'm too afraid to look back. When I get a few feet away from where I fell, I t
urn around and see Colin on top of Ron, smashing his face into the floor.
"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" Colin screams at Ron, not letting him up. "I asked you a question, asshole."
Ron tries to buck Colin off his back but isn’t successful. "Get off me, fucker.”
"I'll get off when you answer my question. What the fuck are you doing?"
"None of your goddamned business, cocksucker. Now get the fuck off me." Ron's face is beet red and he's spitting when he yells.
Colin looks up at me. "Becca, are you okay? Do you think you can go call the police?"
I just stare at him. I know I need to answer, but I can't find the words. I'm so relieved that he came out when he did that I just start to cry.
"Becca! Becca, I need you to answer me," Colin says calmly. I look up at him and nod, but I can't remember what he asked me to do. "Go inside my place and call 9-1-1, okay?"
My brain finally starts working again and I slowly get up to do what he told me. I push myself against the wall as I scoot past Ron, who is still trying to wiggle out from under Colin's body. The door to Colin's apartment is standing open so I rush in and find his cell phone on the kitchen counter. I dial as I'm walking back out to the hall. Nothing has changed. Colin still has Ron on the ground, but Ron seems to have stopped fighting. Colin is saying something to him, but I can't hear what it is. The dispatcher comes on the line and I give her our address and ask for the police to come. She asks what happened so I give her a very short version and tell her that my neighbor has my attacker on the ground and needs help. She said the police are on their way and I hang up. I just stand there, staring at the two men in front of me. When did my life get so fucked up?
Colin turns his head as far as he can toward me. "Becca, why don't you go sit down on my couch? I'll call you when the police arrive."
I can't leave him out here when I'm the reason he's doing this. I shake my head and look down. "No, I'll wait out here with you. It's my fault you have to deal with this." I slide down the wall and sit on the floor just outside Colin's door.