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.