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Chapter One
Rachel
I can feel my phone buzzing and chirping in my pocket. The thick puffy coat too hard to get into with these mittens on.
I know who it is anyway, it’s my dad.
Without even looking I know what he’s asking.
Where are you?
Don’t be late!
You haven’t finished packing yet.
I’m sorry…
Blah, blah, blah.
I haven’t even finished totally unpacking from college yet. It’s only been a few months and dad wants us to move upstate now so he can start his new job before spring.
A tree change as well as a career move for him, a European design company has set up base outside of the city and offered dad a permanent job based on his previous work with them part-time from home
A tree change for me too, because I can’t afford anything right now so living with my dad is my only option.
“Not too many positions for English Lit. major’s huh dad?” I ask every chance I get.
But the alternative doesn’t exist for me right now and finding any job this time of year is tough.
But seriously, who the heck moves in February?
Valentine’s Day weekend of all things.
“It’s not like you have a date or anything, honey,” dad said, regretting it straight away.
“Sorry, hun. But I… We need to get settled before starting at the new firm later next week,” he added, groaning aloud with an apology and reminding me the move isn’t all about just pissing me off.
Still stinging from the reminder of my obvious lack of boyfriend or any romantic interest, I bit my tongue, grabbed my jacket, and walked out into the freezing afternoon.
I always go for a walk rather than argue with dad. He’s got enough on his plate without me adding to his problems.
It’s been an hour already, and although I’ve got my boots on I’m starting to notice my feet going numb.
I should turn back, but I’m not ready to face dad yet. Not ready to even be reminded that this weekend, apart from having to move homes I’ll be experiencing my twentieth Valentine’s Day all alone again.
Single.
Unwanted and lonely.
I watch my frosted breath puffing out as I try to orient myself.
The street’s empty and the gray sky only offering the odd flake of white snow that gets whipped away by the chilling breeze.
I stop and turn, feeling it again.
I’ve felt eyes on me for a few blocks now since I left the house, but every time I turn my head I get the sense whoever it is ducks out of sight before I can get a look.
Once I get to the next corner, I lean back against a wall and slowly peek around.
The wind’s changed, blowing a gust of frigid air I hope doesn’t make the look of panic I feel on my face stay forever.
The street’s empty but I do get a blast of the most delicious cologne I’ve ever smelled in my life.
If whoever’s following me has this on, maybe I don’t mind at all.
Maybe I want them to catch up to me, maybe even-
I shiver at the sudden uninvited and erotic thought.
I feel a warmth rush from my chest to my groin, a mental image of a tall dark stranger, handsome of course and older than me.
Experienced.
Maybe nailing me to the brick wall of an alley with his fat cock from behind.
What are you, crazy? He could be an ax-wielding maniac. Who the hell goes wandering around the streets in weather like this?
I look down at my feet, realizing it’s just me and magical smelling guy out and about on a day like today.
Good point, but still. Be careful, Rachel. Get an Uber and get the hell outta here.
And call dad.
Oh, that scent though. It’s like nothing else. So manly. So masculine. Woodsy and amber-sweet with a hint of something I know I want but just can’t put my finger on.
As quickly as it hit me, it’s gone again and I strain to hear something, anything apart from the wind that’s started to moan through the alleys and narrow backstreets.
A sudden noise makes me spin around.
It’s just a soda can, crushed on one side and scraping its way down the street.
Risking what feels like frostbite but is really just my dislike for the cold, I take off my mittens and fish for my phone.
One bar of reception and two percent battery.
Great.
Freaking awesome.
Even if I wanted to call for a ride or help, call my dad. I know it would have to be quicker than I could speak or tell them where I am.
Making the decision to call for an Uber, I hear myself gasp aloud as the phone powers down.
Goodbye!
Two percent my ass.
The phone trembles in my hands and I stuff it back into my pocket. My ears feel hot and I can feel my heart starting to pound.
The shakiness and wobbly knees I get when my anxiety spikes start to take over as my breath gets faster too, puffing plumes of mist like a steam train as I try to get a grip.
