“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
