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“Hi Nate, thanks for coming.” It was a short walk to the kitchen where all my bags were.
Nate loomed behind me and I crouched down to scratch Parker’s ear. He just kept eating.
“No problem. But you sounded a little worried over the phone.”
I stood up and tried to smile at him, but I couldn’t shake the crick in my neck from feeling like I was being followed.
“Uh, just a long day.” I sighed deeply. It was true that I had a long day. But not the whole truth.
“Uh huh. Why don’t you settle in and I’ll unpack these for you? Maybe get to know the other man in your life.” He grinned and gestured to Parker. I laughed, realizing exactly what I needed was his joking spirit.
“Okay. Thanks.” I took a deep breath of relief and went in my bedroom to change. The scrubs were comfortable but there was a limit to how long I would wear them.
I wore leggings and a peach colored sweat shirt, then I tried to mousse my hair down and look more presentable. I spritzed some body splash and went out into the living room. I found the groceries packed and him and Parker playing, rolling around on the carpet.
I laughed and sat on the couch to watch. “He likes you,” I announced to myself. Nate grinned and stood up, telling Parker to sit. Then he tossed him one of his snacks and sent him away. Parker always went to the same little corner by the laundry room.
“Really?”
“Yeah. He wouldn’t have played with you if he didn’t.” I took my remote and turned the television on.
“Nice.” He looked around my room.
There really wasn’t much. The couch was large and brown, my rug was fluffy and brown, and I had book cases that didn’t match, but somehow went together. My television was the second most expensive thing to the rent.
“You want to watch a movie?” He shrugged his broad shoulders. I would rather watch him in front of me, dressed in dark wash jeans and a black hoodie.
“Sure. You don’t mind staying?” I asked him gingerly.
“Nope. And you still have to
tell me what’s bothering you.”
He disappeared into the kitchen before I could deny him. In a few minutes, I heard popcorn popping and could smell it too. I surfed through my On-Demand selection and settled on some old action movie. I wasn’t really much for watching a movie, especially not with a view like Nate.
Was it weird I just had sex with his friend, yet I was fawning over him still? I kept thinking about it, but tried to leave my mind free and relaxed.
Minutes later Nate was next to me with a bowl of hot popcorn and two beers. I didn’t even know I had them.
“So, what’s up?” He placed his hand gingerly on my knee and gave me an inquisitive look. Well, it was more sexy than inquisitive.
“I just…it was really nothing.”
I didn’t want to admit that I was paranoid or something.
“Is it because Alex got jumped? I thought you just came from his place.”
I literally froze mid-breath as I looked at him and felt my cheeks flushing. Did he know we had sex? Well, I wasn’t about to ask him.
“No. I was just at the grocery store and I felt like I was being followed. But it was nothing. I was…being silly. I didn’t even want to call you because I didn’t want you to worry.” I blurted.
He chuckled softly and shifted me closer to him. His arm went around my shoulder, ribbed with muscle, and I felt a tingling sensation all over my body. It was different than Alex; I felt naturally happy with him, and with Alex I just felt safe. I mean, I felt safe then too, but more carefree than usual. They each had their own effect on me.
“Rose, I’m glad you called. I want you to always feel safe.” He arched his brow and smiled softly at me.
“Thanks.”
He licked his lips softly, his eyes drifting down my face like he was studying me. Suddenly I was breathing heavier, my body hotter. When I met his deep, bright eyes again, I knew I was in deep shit.
