“While I think you should probably stay with Walker here for a bit, if you decide against it, my work number is on the front, and my personal number is on the back. Day or night, you call. Anyone that's important to Walker is important to us.” She passed Rae her business card, and I shot her a quick grin as thanks.
Rae hesitated but then reached to take the card. She said a small “thank you” and her voice shook but smiled slightly. Santana smiled and nodded before walking back down the driveway. In high school, Rae had been one of those people who liked animals more than humans, and I had seen how she would act around other people, when I was not by her side. However, when I was with her, she would typically be a social butterfly. Something about being around each other had given us the confidence or boost we needed. This Rae was not like the one I knew all those years ago. It concerned me that she was so shut down.
“She's really nice.” Rae's voice sounded so small. Gosh, if my crew was not here, I would offer Rae a hug, but if I did that, I would be teased for all eternity. Did I care? No. Rae did not seem in the mood for a hug, though.
“Yeah. She's pretty great. We’ve been through a lot together while on duty.” Rae was listening intently. Interested in what I could mean by that, or jealous? I was so curious. “She chased a suspect for me a while back when I was seconds later than her to a call I was supposed to be going to. I had just finished with a really tough motor vehicle accident and needed a few minutes. She was just running radar down the street, so she attached herself to the call until I could get there to back her or take over. The suspect ended up running and Santana’s foot got stuck in a hole in the grass, causing her to fall and dislocate her shoulder.” I chuckled at my next thought. “To repay her for that, I took a knife to the arm for her about a year later.” I lifted the bottom of my shirt sleeve and showed her the scar I had. “I hear the ladies like scars,” I teased as I winked at her.
So many emotions ran across her face all at once. She seemed to not know if she should be shocked at my story, still scared at what had happened, or if she should be shy and embarrassed because I very obviously flirted with her.
“Don't worry, we're good. Typically, it's just us telling people they can't trespass, running traffic—just normal stuff.” A call started to come out on the radio, and I knew I would probably have to back whoever took the call, but I needed to try and convince Rae about staying with me one more time first.
“However, this possible stalker stuff worries me. I want you safe. Will you please consider staying with me? I have a spare room.”
“I'll...think about it.” She bit the inside of her bottom lip. The nervous energy in her eyes was back. She could tell I had to leave.
Satisfied with that answer, I reached out to touch her arm briefly, attempting to give some comfort. She tensed but just as quickly relaxed.
I told her I would be back after work with cameras and waited for her to walk inside and lock the door. Once she was inside, I went back to my car.
In my car, I let out a long sigh and rubbed a hand over my face. Whoever was scaring my girl did not know what they were getting themselves into.
Chapter 10
Rae
Iwas tired but toonervous to go back to sleep this morning, and now, Caleb would arrive at any moment. I made him food, did laundry, and cleaned the house. The only thing I had not done yet was rest. We were having chicken, rice, and veggies for dinner. I just hoped he liked it.
I jumped when I heard the chime of the doorbell. After checking to make sure it was Caleb, I let him in. We caught up while we ate dinner. He said he really enjoyed it, and to say I was relieved would be an understatement. Watching him across the table from me, talking about his day at work, reminded me of what I had hoped for back when I was in high school. I quickly realized something. It was what I longed for now. Maybe not this exact moment, but one day. Having him around was nice.
Caleb shifted in his chair, making me snap out of the thoughts in my head. “Can I help at all?” I asked.
“While I would say yes typically, you made me dinner and that was already so helpful.”
The smile he gave me made my entire body feel warm. No guy has smiled at me with such sincerity since...
I have to stop thinking of Ethan.
