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“Would you mind coming upstairs with me? I know they cleared everything including the upstairs, and I know I’m being a big baby about this, but this whole break-in freaked me out.”
“Come on. I’ll go up with you.”
Her shoulders slumped in relief. “Thanks. It’s silly, I know.”
He put his arm around her and walked toward the back of the shop. “It’s not silly. It’s scary for you to know someone broke in down here. And now you have a nonworking alarm, so I’m sure you feel vulnerable.”
She turned to face him as they were halfway up the stairs. “Thanks for understanding.”
He stepped in front of her. “Let me go in first and clear the area.”
He opened the door and stepped inside her apartment, switched on the light. He knew the cops had been up here already checking things out, but she didn’t feel safe.
She needed to feel safe in her own home. And right now she was hovering at the landing, still on the stairs, afraid to step foot inside.
Not good. It was a small place—kitchen with living area right off it, and one bedroom and one bath. He had everything checked out within a minute and came back to her with his hand held out.
“Come on.”
She slid her hand in his and allowed him to pull her the rest of the way inside. Then he led her around each room, opening closet doors, checking in the shower and the pantry.
“No one’s here. They were never here. They never even made it to the back of your shop.”
She wrapped her arms around herself. “This really freaks me out. Normally I’m fearless.”
He put his hands on her shoulders. “Tonight you have a right to be scared. Tomorrow you can be fearless again.”
She sighed. “You’re right. And I will be.”
Then she raised her gaze to his. “I had such great plans for us tonight. Dammit.”
He swept his knuckles across her cheek. “I think you need some sleep.”
“I think you’re right. God, I’ll never sleep now.”
“Yes, you will. You’re exhausted. Come here.”
He took her hand and led her to the south window. “See the condos there?”
“Yes.”
“That’s where I’m staying. I’m on the third floor. I can see your place from my place, so I’ll keep watch over you tonight. And if you hear any bumps in the night—what’s left of the nig
ht—call me and I’ll come over.” He took her phone and punched in his number.
Her lips lifted. “That helps. But I’m a big girl and I can handle it. Now you go home and get some sleep, too.”
She led him down the back way and to the door. “Thanks for being here.”
“Thanks for coming to dinner with me.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her, reminding her of what they were about to do when some asshole had broken in.
When he pulled away, her face wasn’t pale anymore.
“Good night, Elena.”
She licked her lips. “Night, Jed.”
He walked away and climbed on his bike, figuring he’d done way more than just make contact on his first night.
