CHAPTER TEN 

CASSIE

It felt like I cried for days. I even took a week off from work. 

But I wasn't heartbroken, just lost. 

Five years of my life that I spent building and working toward a certain goal just disappeared. Except for Mark's texts and his driving by Beth's place, it was like those years never existed.

I might as well had just graduated college again, flung out into the real world without a partner, without a safety net. 

I had to spend money I didn't have on finding a new place. Deposits, furniture, groceries and other new bills, all expenses I couldn't share with my other half anymore. Because my new household consisted of me, myself, and I. 

Beth said I was welcome to stay for as long as I needed to, but it could still only be a temporary situation. She had her man and her two spoiled, but adorable dogs taking up the household. We were great roommates back in college and I yearned for the days we could live together again. But she found her family and made her home. I had to start again from square one. 

And anyway, I didn't want to give Mark any more excuses to stalk her house. 

At least I have Rylan to fly in like a superhero.

I smiled at the memory of being wrapped up in his arms on the porch. That was completely unexpected of him and now I wondered what he wanted out of this whole situation. 

I couldn't stop thinking of how strong and protective he felt, how good he smelled and how I felt so safe even with Mark watching from the street. 

With my whole world turned upside down, his corded muscles, steely eyes, and charming smile were more welcome distractions than ever before. If he wanted to come to my rescue and steal me away from all the bullshit in my life, who was I to stop him? 

But what was he getting out of this?

Did he feel sorry for me? Or just wanted to keep me as a client that badly? 

A stab of panic shot through me. I'd need to cancel my training sessions, among other expenses if I was going to make it on my own. I'd probably need to get a second job too. 

With a heavy sigh, I flopped back down on the futon in Beth's guest room. Just going out into the world felt like too great of a task at that point.

And the worst part? I had to go back to Mark's place to get the rest of my things. I left and called Beth that night with only the clothes on my back and my purse. There was no way I could afford a whole new wardrobe, although that sounded much better than going back to that place. 

I only knew for sure that I couldn't go back there alone. 

And I would need a U-Haul truck for bigger things like my beanbag chair and bookshelf. 

Just more expenses piling up. All because I wasted my time hoping someone would love me as much as I loved him. 

My eyes drifted to the windowsill where the empty plastic cup stood. It held the delicious smoothie that Rylan brought me and I couldn't bring myself to throw it away. No one had ever done anything so small, sweet, and thoughtful for me before. 

I closed my eyes and imagined his hands on me again, but closer to my skin this time. They traced across my curves and explored me sensually, thoroughly.

A smile came to my lips. I had much more important matters to worry about but craving touch and affection never went away. After everything that happened in the past twenty-four hours, it only grew stronger. 

I couldn't begin to know what would happen tomorrow or the next day, but maybe new beginnings weren't so bad. 

Before I could change my mind, I grabbed my phone and dialed Rylan's number. It rang two, three, four times. I chewed my lip as I listened to it agonizingly. 

"Hello?"

"Hi!" I said way too loudly. "It's Cassie." 

"I know." I could hear the smile in his voice and absolutely melted. "How are you, Cassie? Seen Mark around the house any more?" 

"No, no. Thank God," I answered. My heart fluttered in my chest and my brain seemed to do the same. His voice made me completely forget the reason I called. 

"Glad to hear it. I got a buddy in the police so don't hesitate to call if you see him. I already gave him a heads up and they're keeping an eye out."

"Thank you," I breathed. "I can't even begin to tell you how much I appreciate everything you're doing." 

"My pleasure. None of this is fair to you, sweetheart. Just doing what I can for someone I care about." 

If my heart wasn't already melted, it became a hot, sappy puddle at that point. How could Mark and this guy even exist in the same universe? 

"You're awfully sweet," I said, unable to keep the grin off my face. "So much that I feel bad asking for a favor." 

"Anything, sweetheart," he said quickly. "Just name it." 

"Well." I bit my lip. "I need to get my stuff from Mark's place. I kind of just took off without anything." 

"I'll be there. Just tell me when." 

"Are you serious?" My jaw literally dropped. I didn't even ask the question and he jumped on it already. 

"Totally. You need to be safe. That's the most important thing. And I'm not afraid to flex a little muscle." 

"You're a lifesaver," I gushed. "I don't know how to repay you for this." 

"Well, I'm a simple guy. I'll accept a beautiful hike in the hills with you and then treat you to dinner." 

"Stop," I giggled. "You're too much." 

"You are," he shot back playfully. "Just say yes." 

My grin stretched from ear to ear. I couldn't remember the last time I felt this joyous and giddy. And dare I say, even attractive and sexy. 

"Yes," I replied. "I would love to." 

"Then we have ourselves a deal."

"Seriously, Rylan." I rolled over onto my belly. "I can't thank you enough for this."

"Don't mention it," he answered. "Oh hey, Cassie?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you moving any furniture or big stuff out? I can bring my truck if you'd like." 

I sighed with relief and gratitude. 

"That would be amazing."