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Laura blasted Steph with way too big of a smile."Jason gave me a little background, that you once dated and now you're working for his uncle.Small world, isn't it?"
"Too small,” Steph said, as if commiserating.“I never expected to see Jason again.Oh, don't get me wrong, he's a very nice man and dedicated doctor, but I thought he’d stay in California."She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.“He seemed to really like it there.Didn't you, Ja?”
"Well, I'm sure it was nice running into each other."Laura glanced at him, then back at her.
"She didn't think so," he answered quickly."Somehow, she blamed me for ruining her life when neither of us had a choice in the matter.But I thought we'd agreed to put all that aside, right Steph?"
Stephanie shrugged and turned her attention to his date."Anyway.It was nice meeting you, Laura.Jason, I'll see you around."
"Did you walk here or take your car?"Jason put a hand on her sleeve, recalling the homeless guy who’d found shelter on her stairwell.
She frowned at his hand until he removed it."Walked.I'd been cooped up all day and wanted some fresh air."
"You can't walk back,” Jason said.“It's dark.Remember your unwanted visitor?"
With an exhale, she said, "Now you're just trying to scare me."
"I would never do such a thing, but I'm not letting you walk home either."Jason got to his feet and dropped enough cash on the table to cover the meal and leave a generous tip.
"It's not your choice, it's mine,” Steph said.“Stop harassing me."
"I'm protecting you," he snapped.He held her gaze and let her see the truth in his eyes.
Steph’s body sagged but she bounced right back."Okay, okay.Normally I would enjoy the walk but it is darker than I thought, and my back is hurting.If Laura doesn't mind, I'll accept."
Jason looked at his date."Okay with you, babe?"He'd never called a woman that in his life, but it just slipped out of his mouth.
"Sure,” Laura said, the word sounding like a purr.“I'm not in any hurry to get home."
Jason helped Laura into her coat.Steph quickly put hers on before he could offer.Once in the parking lot he used his fob to locate his car.The lights came on, and the doors unlocked."This is it," he said with pride.It was only the second new car that he'd ever owned.
"Nice wheels."Stephanie nodded her approval."Excellent choice for the eastern winters."
He assisted Laura into the front seat, while Stephanie chose the spot behind the driver.The drive took five silent minutes.He planned to drop her in the alley so he could check to make sure the homeless guy wasn’t there.
Stephanie had a different idea and tapped his seat from behind."Please pull over here—I can cut across the street.It’s closer to the highway onramp for you."
"I'll drive you around.I don't want you getting mugged."
Laura spoke, "I'm sure she can make it home from here.Right, Steph?"
They both ignored her.
"Jason, I am perfectly safe in Harmony.I've lived here three whole months without being attacked.Not even a werewolf."She peered around his seat."I'm asking for you to let me out."
Her eyes left no room for compromise."Fine."He stopped and unlocked the door.She exited with a cheerful wave for them both.
Laura rolled down the window and told her to be careful—not knowing that Steph was in far greater danger around Jason than without him.
