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“He drove an ancient car, all steel. My T-shirt got caught up with the front bumper. It pulled me back hard. Got cut up pretty badly.”
“I’d say. That scar is huge.” I wrap my arms around his middle. “I’m sorry that happened to you, Garrett.”
“One good thing came out of it…”
“What’s that?”
“Old Mr. Carter lost his license.”
“Why is that good?”
“He was one hundred and two.”
“Oh.” I start to giggle. “That’s probably a good thing, then.”
“The man had no business out driving after dark.”
I giggle. “Or at all.”
“Or at all.”
The car pulls up right then. Garrett opens the back door and glares at the driver. “Get her home safe.”
“Sure thing, man. Of course.” The poor guy sounds so nervous.
Pushing myself up onto my tiptoes, I kiss Garrett’s soft lips. “Night.”
“Night, honey.”
I leave it there because for some reason, those are the last words I want to hear today.
Chapter Nine
I spent the entire ride home thinking about what it felt like to have Garrett’s hands on me. His mouth was like nothing I’ve experienced before. Like the way he touched me was what I’ve been waiting for all my life. I’m self-conscious about my body, you know? Even though I’m comfortable in my own skin, that doesn’t mean I don’t sometimes worry what people, men, will say and do. It’s human nature, I suppose.
Back in my apartment, I’m lonely. I’m alone a lot of the time, but that’s different than being lonely. Most of the time, I like the solitude. Not now. Not tonight. Not after being with Garrett. Pulling off my sweatshirt and bra, I slip on an old tee in its place, kick off my shoes, and slip into bed. Alone.
Like always.
I stare at the ceiling for what feels like forever. I hear cars on the street outside my apartment building and, off in the distance, what sounds like a few gunshots. I stopped worrying about those noises a long time ago. It’s just part of living in a big city, sadly.
I’m not sure what time it is when my phone chimes. Rolling over, I reach for my phone on my nightstand. I read the screen.
Unknown Number: It’s Garrett. If you’re still awake, let me know.
Me: I’m awake.
I quickly change the name to reflect the caller.
Garrett: We need to talk.
That doesn’t sound good.
Me: Okay. Call me?
I don’t have to wait. My phone rings immediately. “Hi,” I say softly.
“Hi, honey.”
