I had to get control over my own body again before this went any farther. My head snapped back, cutting off the kiss. I took a deep breath and pushed at his hard chest but he didn’t move.
He gave me an intense, possessive gaze. “The things you do to me Olivia. I wanted to do that since I saw you sitting there in that damn booth. Fuck, you’re beautiful.”
He stepped back with a low growl, picked up my keys from the puddle forming on the porch, opened the door and nudged inside.
He leaned against the door frame before I could shut the door. His jacket wasn’t soaked but it was getting there. He had a droplet that slipped off his perfect nose. His gaze hadn’t shifted from that intense stare as he stood filled the door frame getting wetter by the minute. “I’ll see you soon Olivia. Make sure you lock the door as soon as I leave. Your passcode is 2536.”
With that he turned, walked to his car, climbed in the back and then he was gone.
I shut the door, put my back against it, slid down to the carpet and let out a long, surprisingly satisfied sigh.
Chapter Four
I was milling around the kitchen with a full wine glass and a slice of pizza in my mouth by the time my roommate came casually walking down the stairs.
Julia was wearing pink sweatpants with a t-shirt that she typically wore to the gym. Her platinum blonde hair was pulled back in a cute ponytail and she was downing a glass of water. Even without going to the gym, Julia was a knockout.
She could have easily been a model. She had once been offered a contract when she was younger but she decided college was a better choice. She had been graced with a tall figure, great skin, and a beautiful face. She wore black trendy glasses she barely needed from time to time and the effect just made her cuter. The best feature about her though was her attitude and her sharp wit.
Julia had been my best friend since college and if anyone could understand what happened to me today, or my freak out, it would be her. She had been with me through the awkward stages of fitting in as a fresh-faced nerd my first day of college and through the Brandon ordeal.
She had followed me south to Lakefield, Texas after college largely because I had needed some emotional support at the time but the amount of musical festivals per year had kept her interested enough to stay. She was a music fanatic and my residence of choice fed her habit.
The place we lived in had been advertised as an apartment when we rented it but was more like, one of three attached townhomes that would be more aptly named a triplex. Whatever they wanted to call it, we both loved it on sight. The neighborhood was clean, had large sidewalks, trees and a couple of grocery stores. It was twenty minutes, in traffic, from downtown and thirty minutes from the lakes.
The dining room, kitchen and living room were all open design so you could see the small back patio from the front door. The bedrooms and study upstairs were decent in size and we both had a bathroom. That feature by itself, was a major factor after living so long in a dorm.
It was expensive. Very expensive. But totally worth it to me.
I was already having chats with the owner to buy it but that was a slow process due to the amount of money he was making just renting it. He was really stalling the process.
“I see you found the pizza,” Julia said with a laugh. “I thought you were going to be home a couple of hours ago so I went ahead and ordered. Then I got bored and went for a run.”
I set my slice on the island and took a large swallow from my wine glass. The sweetness of it hit my tongue and washed down my last bite. I gave her the crazy, don’t-get-me-started look.
“Yeah. So, I had a really strange day. We’re getting a new owner at work and the bitch crew went into full meltdown. I stopped for a bite to eat, met a totally bossy but gorgeous stalker who stole my phone. My car died. I was kidnapped and driven home by Mr. Bossy. And to top it off he finished my ride by kissing me out on the porch. In the rain.”
I picked up my slice of pizza again, bit into it and then drained my glass of wine.
Julia moved to the counter that had stacks of unread books piled on it. It was part of my reading list from work that I went through in order to help recommend books for customers. Julia grabbed the first pile and started toward the trash. “No more romance or true crime for you.”
“Wait! No, I’m fine and I’m not crazy. Put those down. I haven’t read those yet and the one about that killer in Oregon looks really interesting.”
Julia looked at me skeptically and picked up the book I was referring to. She glanced at the description and made a horrified face. “How do you even sleep at night reading about this crazy stuff? No wonder you’re always checking the attic.”
“There are plenty of reasons to check the attic. There could be a mice infestation, bats, or hornets and that’s all the nature type stuff that could get into an attic.”
Julia gave me a bored look. “Yes, and the conversation we had two months ago about installing an alarm on the attic door had nothing to do with intruders, stalkers or killers. Right. Because bats can figure out how to operate the attic handle. You really need to give this shit a break Liv. It’s making you batty – ha!”
“I’m not kidding, I’m fine and today wasn’t a figment of my imagination. And I’ll have you know that plenty of people use motion detectors. If they didn’t then there wouldn’t be an entire section in the hardware store for ones that beep or make the lights come on or have sounds of barking man-eating dogs.”
“You really need to stop hanging out at the hardware store. And reading these books,” she said while waving around the Oregon killer novel. “Life is a big adventure and it’s not a scary place like these novels would have you believe. You need to just enjoy the ride sometimes and stop looking under the bed for aliens.”
“The statistical chances of aliens existing is actually pretty high.”
Julia rolled her eyes. “Aw, Jesus, here we go. And where did you hear that from?”
“There are scientists in the field of astrobiology that have some amazing breakthroughs in that field of study every day Julia. I read all kinds of things on the internet.”
“Yeah? And they’re the same scientists that get arrested for growing shrooms in the basement of some college somewhere Liv. Why don’t you just start at the beginning of your day today and we’ll see if I need to go buy you a foil hat or actually be concerned. Okay?”
I sighed. “Where to begin?” I gave her the complete day in graphic detail, with the exception of how I felt about being trapped in Aiden’s arms on the porch. That was harder to explain or understand and I needed time to process.
Julia looked at the ceiling and then gave me an exasperated look. “So, what you’re saying is tall, bossy and sexy not only flirted with you but saved you from having to take a bus home by letting you ride in his Bentley and this is a bad thing how?”
“He was VERY bossy and he’s probably just playing some game. They all play games. They play games so much there’s probably a rich guy club, gold level, winner’s tournament game that he plays.”
Julia crossed her arms and looked annoyed. “Really Liv? Not all of them are like Brandon. Some are just guys. And guys flirt. And they like chicks. Some are just normal dudes that work on cars and do normal, dude stuff. And some are nice and some are overbearing kidnappers. And you can still have fun with them doing the dirty tango. Even with the overbearing kidnapper dudes.”
I laughed. “The what? What the hell is the dirty tango?”
Julia giggled. “You know that stuff you read about in romance novels. Except it’s dirtier and with more grinding involved. You can’t fool me Liv. I saw your stack of books over there. It might as well say “reading porn” on a huge sign in front of that pile. I know you too well.”
“Okay, I am curious but that doesn’t mean I want my head all jumbled up with games. I don’t mind being alone if that’s what people do.”
Julia let out a long sigh. “Wow. Here I thought that two years of therapy was actua
lly working this out. You have got to stop comparing every guy to Brandon, Liv. You keep running from every guy that comes along and you really are going to end up alone. They’re not all like that and just because this guy, Aiden, comes on to you and gives you a ride home with a kiss and some suggestive innuendos, that does not mean he’s an asshole. Brandon was an asshole. He’s probably still an asshole.”
I interrupted, “I’m not saying they’re some sort of other species. But Jules, seriously, men like Aiden are unattainable and probably single by choice because there are too many women on a rotating buffet right in front of them. He’s not really that in to me. Why would he be?”
Julia pursed her lips in thought. “Brandon had money. Is this about Aiden having money? Would you date him if he didn’t or is this just another excuse not to get involved when stuff gets out of your comfort zone?”
“Ouch, geez Julia!”
My phone beeped.
I picked it up and saw a message from “Sexy”.
“What the hell?”
Julia came around the counter to look at the screen as I began typing a reply message.
Julia gave me a look. “Not that in to you? You were saying what now, my negative bestie?”
Sexy: Hope you were able to eat and relax. Did you lock the door?
Olivia: Aiden?
Sexy: Who else would you name “sexy” in your phone Olivia?
Olivia: I didn’t name you “sexy” and you’re officially going to be “stalker” now.
I changed some settings under my contacts while waiting for a reply. Julia poured herself a glass of wine and refilled my empty one on the counter.
Stalker: I’d like to see you again. Going to be out of town on business for a few days. Dinner Thursday – be ready.
There was a pause, then another text.
Stalker: Don’t run princess. You have some more payment due.
I thought about that for a minute. Thursday, five days from now. I could ignore him for five days. He would probably give up by then. Maybe.
I decided to take the direct approach.
Olivia: Aiden, thank you for taking me home today but I really don’t think this is a good idea.
Julia, who had been looking over my shoulder, grabbed the phone from me. “What are you doing Olivia?!”
I tried to wrestle it out of her hand but she ran down the hall and up the stairs as the phone beeped again. I ran after her but Julia’s door slammed shut and her lock engaged.
I pounded on her door. “Julia Lynn White! Bring my phone out here. And you better not be encouraging him! You have no idea how crazy controlling he is. You have no idea!”
I knocked against the solid door a few more times without getting a response. The phone beeped again. Then again.
Julia opened the door, sauntered out with a smug little smile on her face and a strut in her step. I gave her a deep frown in response.
“My work here is done.” She casually tossed the phone to me and skipped downstairs whistling.
Oh my gawd.
I opened the messages and noticed Julia had changed the settings again.
Sexy Beast: Olivia that “thank you” sounds like running. That list of kisses you owe me is getting longer.
Olivia: Hey Aiden, it’s Julia the wonderful roommate. Olivia is shy, you need to take the reins. It’s an issue. She thinks you’re hot. Payment - charge double. She needs it.
Sexy Beast: Hi Julia. Sounds like a lucrative plan. Please tell Ms. Shy I’ll be expecting payment or I’ll kidnap her like any experienced stalker would do.
Olivia: Sure. And if I don’t ever hear from her again - do not return to sender.
“FUCK! Julia you are a dead woman!!”
Laughing drifted up from downstairs.
I beat my head against the wall. Why, why, why did I put up with her?
I typed out my last quick message to Aiden for the night. I would call my mother tomorrow and have a talk with her about the true crime section and giving out personal details to strangers.
Stalkers. Killers. Kidnappers. Phone Stealers.
Olivia: It’s Olivia – Okay to Thursday. Killed my roommate. Turning off phone. Must bury body.
I wandered into my room, stripped off my clothes, threw them in the hamper, pulled on a t-shirt and tumbled face first onto the bed. Sleep. I needed sleep.
My phone rang. Sexy Beast Calling.
“Hello?”
“Did you lock the door?”
“Aiden, you have an obsession with my door. I’m pretty sure I did.”
“Olivia, I just want you to be safe.”
“Julia is downstairs and she always locks the door.”
“Walk downstairs right now and lock the door Olivia.”
I got up and started walking downstairs. “Why are you so bossy?”
There was a pause, then Aiden replied, “Why do you run all the time?”
I ignored his question. Reaching the door, I deadbolted it. “I’ve locked the door Aiden. It’s a deadbolt.”
I heard Aiden talking to someone on the other end of the phone. “Yeah, it’s not good. Totally exposed according to Jake.”
“Aiden?”
“Yes princess, sorry I have some things happening here.”
I thought about that for a minute. “Um, is everything okay?”
“Is that concern Olivia?”
“No, of course not. I was—nevermind!”
Aiden chuckled. “God you’re cute when you’re pretending not to like me. So, you think I’m hot?”
“Ug, Aiden. Don’t listen to anything Julia says. She needs medication. And I’m not cute. I’m sleepy and grumpy and need my bed.”
“No, you’re not cute, you’re right. You’re gorgeous even when you’re trying to be grumpy.”
I felt my cheeks burn. The thought that this man might think I was gorgeous felt good. Very good.
“Trying? Ug. You’re seriously annoying and I’m hanging up.”
Aiden laughed. “You think I’m hot. I like it. What are you wearing?”
I hung up.
I passed my curious, seriously disturbed, traitor of a roommate on the couch, walked back upstairs and curled up in my comforter.
He was trouble.
I was simultaneously thrilled at the thought of him and scared to death.
“Shit. Shit. Shit.”
The phone beeped. I rolled one eye open to look at it.
Sexy Beast: Goodnight Olivia. Call me if you need help burying the body. Or for help with that mouth of yours.
I hit the power button. Either he was really good at this stalking thing and already installed microphones in the house or he already knew me way too well. I was nervous about even thinking cuss words now.
After tossing a bit and throwing a blanket over my head, I drifted off to dreams of bossy, blue-eyed Aiden and those lips of his.
Chapter Five
Thursday my alarm went off and I sat up in bed. It was seven in the morning. I stumbled out of the covers and into the bathroom to do my thing. Looking in the mirror I noticed my long, dirty blonde hair had jumbled into multiple tangles from tossing all night long.
I had been catching a ride with Julia for the last five days to work and taking the bus home. I was looking forward to my day off on Friday. Work was nuts and I was feeling worn out.
Despite the fact that he was likely very busy, there were a few texts from Aiden that were semi-flirtatious without going overboard. He did call me sweetheart a couple of times. He mentioned our kiss on the porch once, which had me thinking about the kiss and when I thought about the kiss, I had to admit, I really liked it. A lot.
I had replied back to him, cautiously, but mainly said I was super busy. Which I was, so it technically wasn’t lying. I still thought he was a stalker. Still expressed that to Julia several times and still wasn’t planning on getting involved with him.
We were not going to happen. Not. He was just playing a game. The one where I get to know him and he t
urns out to be someone completely different. The one where I get my heart broken or worse.
All week my dreams had been frustrating and filled with the kisses of a certain man that I wished my subconscious mind had been able to forget. At dinner tonight, I would just tell him that we wouldn’t work.
I liked him but our worlds were very far apart.
Julia may have been right when she said that I was afraid because I was out of my comfort zone. The problem was, where men were concerned I didn’t know where my comfort zone really was.
If I had to define it, then it would be home, friends, family work, books, occasional Danishes, hot coffee and blankets. That was me in a nutshell.
Ok, and my internet research into astrobiology, the existence of aliens and how to not become the victim of a crazed killer. But those really didn’t count. Maybe the hardware store.
That was my exciting life. None of that included men.
Except for the hardware store. There were always men there. Technically that didn’t count either.
I took a quick shower and got dressed. I was wearing a black pencil skirt, heels and a pretty white blouse today because I was scheduled for work on the floor. I did my minimal makeup thing and clear gloss. I wasn’t much for the dressy makeup thing during the day. Turning on my phone, I headed to the kitchen for breakfast.
My phone beeped twice.
I got out my usual toast, grape jelly and started the coffee. Julia wouldn’t be up for another thirty minutes but she liked coffee ready when she did. I leaned over the coffee pot for a minute and inhaled. For some reason, just the smell of coffee had the magical power to wake me up.
Still leaning over the counter, I unlocked my phone and there were two messages. One from Sexy Beast and one from Brandon.
Sexy Beast: Hope you slept well sweetheart. Looking forward to tonight.
That was kind of sweet. Even the most frustrating man on the planet could have his moments.
Brandon: Liv, did you read the email? Need to see you.
Run (Lakefield Book 1) Page 4