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CHAPTER EIGHT
Harlow
By the time Celeste is taking over for the afternoon shift, Fleur is feeling better, no thanks to Nico. Of course, cheating is everyone’s first thought, but when Fleur is already struggling to keep it together at work, it’s not the best time to bring that up. I have to admit that I like his straight-talking approach, and maybe it wouldn’t be so bad in a different time and place.
But I shouldn’t be liking anything. His girlfriend should like it. I can’t believe he has a girlfriend. And she’s gorgeous. I bet she’s clever too. A touch to the arm isn’t exactly a sexual gesture, but it was so natural and comfortable, they have to know each other well. Leaving the shop, I’m too preoccupied by my thoughts, and I almost smack into someone walking past.
“Sorry,” I blurt as I look up, and I jump when I realize who is in front of me. The guy from yesterday. “Oh, hi again,” I add. His eyes don’t hold any recognition, which is a slight hit to the ego. But, thinking about it, his eyes don’t hold much emotion at all. Is he high?
“Hi,” he replies, looking me up and down with the most obvious check-out ever. Gross.
“What are you doing here?” I ask.
“I’m meeting someone at the park.” That’s a bit further down the road, past the gym. “Why?” he says. “Do you want me to be here for you?” He doesn’t ask it in a predatory way, but for some reason, he’s not pulling off the charming flirt act today. Maybe it’s because his eyes are so blank, missing the playfulness of before.
“Oh, you’re here,” Fleur says in relief as she opens the door behind me. “You left your keys. New friend?” she asks with a smile.
“No, he was just going.”
His eyes narrow slightly, like he doesn’t like being dismissed. “See you around.”
Oh, god. Was Nico right? Does he expect something now, is that why the act has dropped? I’m sure he didn’t even recognize me when I nearly ran into him. Thankfully, he carries on down the road.
“Is he a creep?” Fleur asks me quietly.
“I don’t think so. He’s the one who told the customer off about my burn.”
“Well, he’s definitely as hot as you said.”
“Yeah, but I think I got the wrong end of the stick about him.” Maybe I was having an off day before. Hearts and vaginas can be so fickle.
“Shame. Here you go.” I smile at her in thanks as she hands me my keys, and I make my way home.
Sawyer messages to say he won’t be home tonight, and I feel inexplicably lonely in our apartment by myself. I contemplate seeing if Fleur wants to go out, but I know she’s probably not feeling it tonight, and really, neither am I. I’d only be trying to fill some empty space with lackluster dick. So, I stay in, cook some good food, and binge-watch a trashy series on Netflix. Great self-careandI don’t need to change my sheets.
***
The next morning, I’m opening my apartment door when the guy from the café comes out of 2b, and I freeze. He really did seem harmless enough back at work the other day, but after yesterday, I’m slightly put off.
“Are you stalking me?” I demand, closing the door behind me so there’s no access. I know I could probably defend myself against him, even with his large frame, but my adrenaline spikes at the thought of needing to.
“I could ask you the same question.” He frowns.
“I live here.”
“Harlow?”
“What the fuck?!”
“Sorry, I don’t want to freak you out.” He holds his hands up in a conciliatory gesture. “I live here.” He points behind him with his thumb to the door he’s just closed.
“Oh, really? Prove it. And I have pepper spray in my bag.” No need to warn him I’m pretty good at self-defense just yet. Although it really would be a shame if I had to hurt him, he issopretty. His lips twist as if he’s trying to stop a smile, and I narrow my eyes at him.
“I’m glad to hear it. But I just came out of my apartment the same way you did. Prove you live there.” I hold my key up, and his matches.
“Fine. And work was a coincidence too?” I say.
“Yep.” He’s looking really quite happy about the coincidence, and as our eye contact continues, I realize they’re nicer today, warmer.
