Chapter Six

Caroline

 

Just when I thought I’d managed to shake him, I spotted him again in the rearview mirror of the bus. He was following the bus on his motorcycle, about five cars behind. Just long enough to follow without having to pass every time the bus made a stop. I watched as he dutifully slowed and resumed following.

 

Every nerve in my body was on fire with panic. I had no idea what I’d done to make him follow me. He’d only seen me twice; in the bar and in the jewelry store. He had no idea what I was up to.

 

Or does he? I thought with a wave of anxiety. Shit. This could be bad.

 

Of course it was just my fucking luck that this random dude would be the same guy who’d hit on me the other night. When I first saw him, he looked so different that I hadn’t recognized him. I’d almost wanted to blurt out, “What are you doing here?” as though he was up to no good, when in fact it was really me. I winced as the bus got emptier and emptier. Leaning to the side, I saw that he was still following me.

 

My stop was coming up soon. I’d parked in a garage a fair amount of space away from Tinder’s so I could give myself an alibi. But I wouldn’t be able to do that if jerkface kept following me! I wanted to cry and beat my fists against my lap in frustration. It wasn’t fair! I had to do this. I had to. If I didn’t, I’d be homeless.

 

I frowned. My stop came up and I bit my lip; better for him to follow me to my car than catch me looping around to avoid him. My heart was beating in my chest like a scared rabbit. As I climbed off the bus, I kept my gaze fixed straight ahead on the parking garage. It was some rotten luck that my first day “working” for Lucas I got tailed. It made me feel even more hopeless than before. Maybe I should just give in and move into a box.

 

When I turned my head around, the coast was clear. Relief flooded my body like adrenaline. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. It was just a coincidence. That was all. Relax, Caroline, I ordered myself. Everything will be fine now. It was just random chance, and you’re fine. Just don’t go back when he’s working.

 

The parking garage seemed eerily empty for this time of day. I was shocked to remember that everyone else was likely working; it was during the week, after all. Tears came to my eyes. I felt so useless, so terrible. The only thing good was that I didn’t have anyone left to disappoint.

 

In the light of day, my car seemed dingier than ever. It was missing a taillight and one of the side mirrors, and there was a long scrape on the side that was starting to rust. I’d meant to get it fixed when I still had money, but one thing kept happening after another. Eventually, I told myself that I’d do it later, but rent always came first. And now this; I didn’t have two quarters to rub together, much less a few hundred for a complete revamp of my car. My hand was shaking as I unlocked the door. I couldn’t wait to get home and take a long bath. Something. Anything to distract me from how horrible this feeling of panic was.

 

“Wait,” I heard a sharp voice say, and turned around, frightened. It was that guy, the sexy blond with the facial scruff.

 

“Shit,” I muttered under my breath. He came closer and I saw that he was wearing a friendly but cautious smile. “What’s up?” I called out.

 

He kept walking towards me with a casual smile toying at his lips. “I just wanted to chat,” he said. “You know, you didn’t act like you knew me in there. What’s up with that?”

 

I narrowed my eyes. “So now I have to act like we know each other?” I frowned. “I barely know you. We talked for, like, five seconds one night. I don’t really think that qualifies as ‘knowing’ each other.”

 

He laughed, an easy, relaxed sound. “Relax,” he told me. “Seriously, I’m not trying to make you sweat. I just wanted to know why. That’s all.”

 

When he stepped closer, a scent of musk and cologne washed over me. It was like being around a very powerful, very male animal. “Sorry. I’m feeling a little cagey right now.”

 

Carson stared at me with a gaze that could have melted ice. “I get that,” he said carefully. “But I think there’s something else at play here.” He leaned closer and the scent was stronger than before. A thrill of arousal shot through my body, mixing with the fear that I felt. “I think you pretended not to notice me on purpose.”

 

I looked away. “You’re being ridiculous,” I said finally. “I wouldn’t have done that. Like I said, there wasn’t any point.” I tried to get in my car but he stepped around me quickly and blocked my way.

 

Carson shook his head. “You can’t lie,” he said softly. “Don’t you think it’s better if you own up to the truth right now?”

 

“There’s nothing going on,” I said in frustration. “Can you move? I really need to get inside my car. Please. I’m going to be late.”

 

“For what?” Carson looked at me and smirked. “For work?”

 

“Yes,” I said quickly. “For work. I really want to take a nap before I go in, and now I don’t think I’ll have time.”

 

Carson chuckled. He shook his head. “That’s just it,” he said slowly, drawing his gaze up my body. Despite the panic I felt, I shivered with desire. “I don’t think you will be late.”

 

My mouth went dry. “What? Why not?” I narrowed my eyes. “Some of us like to be on time, you know.”

 

He stared at me. “Caroline, you’re not gonna be late, because you’re not going in.”

 

“Of course I am,” I told him loudly. “I work there.”

 

Carson laughed. It was a short, humorless sound. “Caroline, cut the shit,” he said in a tired voice. “We both know that you don’t. You were laid off on Friday night.”

 

I blinked. My throat felt tight and tears came to my eyes. I opened my mouth to speak and no words came out. “I don’t know what to say,” I said softly. “Why are you doing this?”

 

Carson raked his veiny hands through his thick hair. “Because I think you’re keeping something from me,” he growled. “And I don’t like being lied to, Caroline. Not at all.”

 

“I’m not lying,” I whined.

 

Carson shook his head. He made a fist and slammed it against the side of my car. “You are. And I’m going to get to the bottom of this.”

 

Before I could say anything, he stalked off, brushing against me with his body. Under his clothes, he felt rock-solid. As I watched him walk away, part of me was relieved, but part of me found myself wishing that he would come back. I swallowed hard and realized that my heart was pounding in my chest. I didn’t know what he wanted with me. But the longer he looked at me, the more he stared, I found myself captivated.

 

He was gorgeous. Muscular, tan, roguish. That smile he had was one of the most charming things I’d ever seen. And even though he’d terrified me, I couldn’t help but secretly wish to see him again. It had been so long since I’d been with someone for longer than one night; but when I closed my eyes and thought of Carson, I realized that we’d have a lot to keep us busy. Much more than one night’s worth. Weeks of nights, maybe. I blushed scarlet red as I imagined him taking me from behind, painfully raw, making me scream and blush and cry out as he penetrated me harder. Arousal flooded my body and I felt my panties start to get wet. The silk dress started to feel more sensual than before. I shook my head to rid myself of the raunchy images. No, there was no way that was going to happen. Not a snowball’s chance in hell.

 

Carson, what are you doing to me?