Page 46 of Tension

He hung up before I could say more.

I glanced back down the hall.

Malisa was still there, still watching.

Her smile was gone now, replaced with something unreadable.

VEL

I spotted Chris walking toward the parking lot, keys in hand.

She waved at the security guard, then some dude stepped in front of her near the exit.

She shifted back a little, clearly uncomfortable.

I didn’t like that.

The second I saw her tense up, I was headed straight to her.

The guy glanced at me like I’d ruined his little moment. He looked familiar, but something about him felt off.

“Hey,” Chris said with a smile that hit me right in the heart. Her eyes lit up when she saw me.

I wasn’t really supposed to be in town yet, but I knew I had time to get here before she got off.

“Hey, beautiful.”

I gave her a once-over, taking her all in since I hadn't seen her in a week, then lifted my gaze to the guy. I recognized him as the guy from the restaurant. I didn't bother hiding the "fuck off" in my stare.

“Well… Ty, I’ll see you later,” Chris said, her voice a little clipped. I took her bag from her shoulder, hooked her arm in mine, and started guiding her toward her car.

“Yeah… uh, see ya,” Ty mumbled, clearly caught off guard. He watched us go, but I made sure he knew not to follow. He was small but had shifty eyes.

“What’s up with that nigga?” I asked.

She sighed. “He’s just one of the many strange people I work with.”

“Many strange people?” I raised a brow, already annoyed that she had to deal with him, let alone more.

“Yeah. He had a little crush or something, but he wasn’t my type and went about it the wrong way. There are a few guys I worked with who are cool, but Ty creeps me out,” she said, glancing up at me sideways like she wanted to see how I’d react.

“What’s your type, Chris?” I asked, stopping with her between our cars.

She tapped a finger against her cheek, pretending to think. “Mmm… I think I’m still figuring that out.”

“Well, figure it out soon,” I said, opening her back door and tossing her bag in.

“So he doesn't pass you by before you realize you found him.” I paused, then opened her driver's door.

“I’m staying at your place tonight. I'll follow you.”

“I thought you weren’t coming until tomorrow so we could go look at places for you,” she said, confused.

“I just felt like I was needed tonight,” I replied. And the truth was, I missed her.

She gave me a look but got into her car without a word.

“I like it when you listen,” I said as I closed the door.