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Me:Need me to pick anything up on my way?
Darin:I ordered pizza and I have beer. If you want wings, get some.
Me:I’m on it. See ya soon.
I order some wings and since I have some time to kill before they are ready, I pocket my wallet and phone. I’m still bothered by what I witnessed today on campus, so I decide to drive by Irelynn’s apartment to double-check that things are okay.
Besides, Buffalo Wild Wings is only a short distance from her apartment, so I’m not going too far out of my way.
Uneasiness grips me as memories of William and Irelynn flit through my mind. I heard more than what I let on since I was walking on the sidewalk near Booth and their voices carried over to me. And when I saw his hand on her throat, it brought back memories from my past… For a moment, I was paralyzed. Then my adrenaline started flowing and despite not knowing her, I wasn’t going to let her get hurt—or worse—if I could do anything to prevent it.
William is obsessed with her.And that usually ends badly. My aunt died at the hands of an obsessive stalker. Though she filed police reports, they did little to help, and ultimately… I swallow hard, pushing it away.
That’s why I want to be a private investigator. I’ve seen them be far more helpful than law enforcement.
I jump into my Jeep, then send a text to Irelynn, not wanting to freak her out if she happens to look out and see me cruising her parking lot.
Me: I’m going to do a quick drive through your parking lot to make sure things are okay. I’ll be driving my blue Jeep Wrangler. If you see it, don’t freak out. It’s me.
Irelynn: Wow. That’s really sweet of you. Thank you.
Me: You’re welcome.
Backing out of my space, I head toward her apartment, rock music playing, tapping my steering wheel to the beat.
Biting my lip, I question my reasons for checking on her. Is it just because I don’t want what happened to my aunt to happen to her or…?
I shove the thought away, not wanting to think about it.
Turning into her lot, my eyes are peeled for his black Beamer. Driving slowly, my eyes intently scan the area, fliting to the woods in the distance behind her apartment.Hmm… that’s a detriment to her. He could hide out in them.
Grabbing my phone, I send Irelynn a text message.
Me: Everything looks ok. But the woods behind your house… please don’t run alone in them, ok?
Irelynn:Thank you. That’s a relief. And okay, I won’t run alone in the woods. But that really makes me nervous. Do you think he could hide in them?
Me:Possibly, but it may be unlikely. Just keep your doors locked and take precautions, ok?
Irelynn:Absolutely. Hey, can I come out for a second?
Me:Sure.
My brow furrows, wondering why she asked to come out. A few minutes later, Irelynn appears, having changed into short shorts and a different tank top.Shit, she’s fucking hot.I suck in a breath, willing myself to calm down.
When she gets to my door, she’s smiling and holding something in her hands. Her cheeks are flushed as she hands it to me, grazing my fingers.
Jesus. My hand tingles just from the slightest touch from her.A gentle hum that starts at my fingertips, then shoots through my body. My heart gallops inside my chest, my palms become clammy, and my head spins slightly, as though I’m buzzed from drinking alcohol.What the hell is that about?
My eyes drop to the envelope, which looks suspiciously like a card, then back to her face. She blushes harder.
“I had to do something for all you’ve done tonight. Please, just open it.” She shifts from foot to foot, wringing her hands together.
A smile tugs at my lips as I open it, feeling her watchful gaze analyzing me. Reaching inside the envelope, I pull out a card with a bear on it that says, “Thank you beary much.” My chest hitches as my heart squeezes inside my chest.
My smile widens as I look at her. Most would think it’s cheesy, but I’m touched by it. It’s been a long time since anyone has done something so sweet for me.
I open it and read her handwritten note, thanking me again for all I did today. The message is heartfelt and sincere. My brows raise and I turn my attention to her when I get to the part of her message that says, “P.S. Check your phone.”
