Chapter Two

 

I pulled up in front of my house, ignoring the fact that Marlene was working in her yard. She hadn’t spoken to me since that night over a week ago, and honestly, I was grateful. I knew if she had come over, for anything at all, I’d have ended up back in jail for smacking her smug face, this time for real.

The box I pulled out of my backseat was almost too large to get my arms around, but I managed. I’d just catered my first large party, a birthday party for a regular client. He wanted to not only show off his personal chef—me—but he wanted his friends to start eating healthier.

I’d handed my new business cards out to the guests, hoping to gain more business, and from the reaction of most, I figured I’d get at least a few calls. I didn’t need Greg, or his gym. I was doing just fine on my own.

I slapped my hip against the back door, slamming it shut as a cop car turned the corner.

My heart raced as I narrowed my eyes, hoping to see Carter inside. He’d been making rounds, pretty regularly since that night. Even though it had been over a week without another incident, he was diligently doing his duty to keep me safe.

I lifted my arm and waved once I noticed it was indeed Carter. The police cruiser pulled up beside my car, and he rolled down his window.

“You don’t have to spend so much time checking on me,” I said, secretly excited that I got to see him almost every night after work.

“It’s my job. And I feel bad that I almost tossed you in jail,” he smiled.

“You should!” I teased.

“What’s all that?” he asked, motioning to the large box in my hands.

“I had a large party to cater tonight. It’s just my equipment,” I explained, hoisting it higher on my hip so it wouldn’t slip from my fingers.

“Here, let me,” he said, opening his car door and shutting off the engine.

He took the large box, his dark, dreamy eyes lingering on mine, and then followed me to my front door.

I fumbled with my key, nervous that he was so close behind me. My body was tingling with excitement, something that seemed to happen every time he was near.

“So, has he bothered you anymore?” Carter asked as I opened the front door.

I held open the storm door, letting him inside. “You can set that anywhere. No. He’s called a few times, but he hasn’t been back over,” I replied.

“He’s not supposed to have any contact with you whatsoever. Has he threatened you in any way?” he asked, his voice growing stern.

“No. He called to yell about the restraining order, and a couple other times to ask about something work-related,” I sighed.

“If you have the phone calls still logged on your phone, I can pick him up,” Carter suggested.

“No. He’s stopped. I think he’ll leave me alone from here on out,” I assured him.

“I hope so. But better safe than sorry,” he said, setting the box on the kitchen table.

His eyes were always so flirty when they looked into mine, and his actions clearly showed some level of interest. I wasn’t sure if it was simply job-related, if he was just that kind, or if he had a romantic interest in me.

“I blocked his number,” I added with a smile.

His lips curled into a wide smile. “That’s smart. So, you work for a catering company?” he asked, obviously looking for a reason to delay his departure.

“No. I’m a personal chef and trainer. I create healthy meals, teach clients how to prepare simple meals for themselves, and offer workout routines that are customized to their lifestyle,” I said proudly.

“Wow. That’s impressive,” he said, looking around my house as he continued to linger.

“Why don’t you let me cook you dinner?” I asked.

“I couldn’t ask you to go to that kind of trouble,” he said.

“You didn’t ask. I offered,” I insisted.

He stared at me, his eyes smiling, and his demeanor somewhat nervous for a moment. “I could take you out to dinner, or even order take-out,” he offered.

“Nonsense. This is my passion. I’d love to feed you,” I said.

“Well, since you put it that way, how could I resist?” he smiled. “My next night off isn’t until Saturday,” he added quickly.

I gripped my phone, browsed through my calendar, and agreed that it was a date. Was it? A date?

“I better let you get relaxed and settled in. From the looks of that box, you had a long night,” he said with a chuckle.

It had been a long night, and I had been dreaming of putting my feet up and relaxing before he’d even pulled up. But now, I felt like I could stand there in my living room talking to him, staring at him, forever.

“Yes. You have to get back to keeping the streets safe,” I smiled.

“Not much goes on around here, but yes, I do need to get back on patrol,” he agreed, walking towards my front door.

I followed him out, feeling a strange awkwardness as he turned to say goodbye. My instincts were to wrap my arms around him, tiptoe and kiss those magnificent lips. He extended his hand instead, so I shook it softly. I knew my cheeks were blushing bright red, but there wasn’t a damn thing I could do to stop them.

“See you Saturday around seven?” he asked as his hand released from mine.

“Yes. Seven is perfect,” I agreed.

“Oh,” he turned once again before making it to his car.

He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small white card. “This has my personal number on the back,” he said. “Call me if you need anything. Anything at all,” he said, flashing a grin.

My cheeks hurt from spreading into such a wide smile, and burnt from the blushing. Had I just made a date with Officer Reynolds?

I shut my door, leaning against it to catch my breath and calm my pounding heart.

My phone blasted my ringtone from inside my tote. I pushed through the folders until I found it, quickly sliding my thumb across the screen to answer it.

“How was your night? Was it a good gig?” Carrie’s voice sounded from the other end of my phone.

How was my night? My night was absolutely amazing!

“You won’t believe what just happened,” I blurted out, ignoring her interest in my first big catering night.

“What?” she asked.

“Officer Hottie just left here,” I squealed.

“Oh, no! Was Greg back there again?” she asked.

“No,” I replied.

“Why was he there?” she asked with a curious tone.

I could barely contain my excitement. I felt as though I’d burst as I tightened my grip on the phone. “He was just checking on me. But, he helped carry my stuff inside,” I gushed.

“Oh my God, Naomi. What did you do?” Carrie said with a chuckle.

I laughed at her insinuation. “Not that!”

“Well, why on earth are you so giddy?” she questioned.

“We made a date for Saturday night. I’m going to make him dinner,” I said proudly.

“Oh wow. I’m so jealous. Maybe I should get arrested to find a good guy,” she giggled.

A good guy. That’s what Carter was: a good guy. I could see it in his eyes, hear it in his voice, and feel it in his actions.

“I’m nervous,” I admitted.

“Why?” she asked.

“It’s just weird. Isn’t it? Is it weird?” I stammered.

Carrie giggled on the other end of my phone. “You need to relax. He is gorgeous, he dedicates his life to protecting others, and he’s been there every day since Greg attacked you, so he obviously likes you,” she assured me.

That was all true. But, I was still nervous as hell.