The next morning, as I leave my apartment to head to the studio, I run into Jamie and Gus in front of our building. My heart rate kicks into high gear and I feel almost giddy with excitement at seeing Jamie again. Gus is watering the lamp post like a good boy.

“Good morning,” I say, stopping.

“Good morning.” Jamie turns to face me, seeming almost bashful this morning. “We’re just taking care of morning business.”

“I see that.” I reach down to scratch Gus’s head, and he pushes his wet nose into the palm of my hand. “Hey, boy.”

“Off to work?” Jamie says.

“Yes. I have a meeting with a big client this morning to discuss a series of paintings for the Children’s Hospital.”

His brow rises. “Impressive. Do you mind if Gus and I walk with you to your shop? We were just heading out for some exercise.”

I grin like a fool, and I’m relieved he can’t see my stupid reaction. I’m sure I’m blushing like an idiot – something I seem to do a lot around him. “I don’t mind. I’d love the company.”

He offers me his arm, and I link my elbow with his. I suspect he doesn’t need me to guide him, as he has Gus, so why the close contact? Is he just being gallant? Whatever his reason, I’m thrilled for a chance to walk arm-in-arm with him.

The sidewalks are pretty crowded this time of morning as folks head to work or out for breakfast. Fortunately, the crowd makes way for Jamie, most people giving him and Gus a wide berth. I’m not surprised, though, to see quite a few women checking him out with furtive glances.

As we walk side-by-side, I can’t help sneaking peeks at him myself. He’s sexy as hell in faded blue jeans and a pair of well-worn hiking boots. The fit of his leather jacket emphasizes the breadth of his shoulders. The morning sun brings out hints of red in his auburn hair.

I picture him as one of the cool kids I remember from high school. He’s like one of those drool-worthy boys who roamed the school hallways completely unaware of their own appeal, as legions of besotted girls mooned over them in secret agony.

“So, tell me about your ex-husband,” Jamie says, taking me by surprise.

“My ex?” His question seems an odd one. “Why do you want to know about him?”

He shrugs. “I’m just curious.”

I don’t believe that for a second. “What do you want to know?”

“Does he have any military experience? Any martial arts training? Or weapons training? Does he own a firearm?”

These aren’t random questions. He’s assessing how much of a threat Todd is. And that makes me wonder just what Jamie’s background is. I mean, I know he’s former military, but I’m not sure how much he knows about weapons and martial arts.

“No, to all of those questions,” I finally say. “Well, I think he does have his grandfather’s old hunting rifle in his closet, but I don’t think it’s functional. He’s never shot it, at least to my knowledge. Why are you asking?”

“So I’ll know what I’m dealing with when he shows up again.”

He says when, not if.  My heart stutters painfully. “Jamie, you can’t confront Todd. Please, promise me you won’t.”

He gives me a half smile, his lips curving just slightly, but says nothing.

“I’m serious!” I say.

Again, that half-smile, as if he’s trying to placate me, but has no intention of making any such promise.

He squeezes my arm. “Don’t worry.”

My heart kicks painfully in my chest. The thought of Todd setting his sights on Jamie scares me to death. Jamie’s such a nice guy, and with his disability, he wouldn’t stand a chance against Todd. I don’t want to be responsible for Jamie getting bullied, or even worse.

As we pass the tattoo parlor where Chloe works, I glance through the front windows and catch sight of her standing behind the sales counter, talking to a customer. I wave, and she waves back eagerly. When she sees Jamie, her eyes widen and she mouths something at me that I can’t quite make out. When I shrug, she gives me a call me! sign with her fingers.

My shop’s not far. When I turn my attention forward, I’m caught completely off guard by the sight of Todd waiting outside my studio door. He’s leaning against the building with his arms crossed over his chest in a seemingly casual pose. But his hard gaze is locked on Jamie. Oh, shit.

It’s time for some damage control. I release Jamie’s arm. “Well, this is me. Thanks for the escort. I’ll see you later, okay?”

Jamie signals for Gus to stop. “We’re at your shop?”

“Yes. Enjoy the rest of your walk. I’ll see you later.” I can only hope he takes the hint and keeps on walking.

I head toward the door of my shop, hoping to distract Todd. But Todd has his own agenda. He brushes right past me, almost knocking me over as he stalks over to Jamie.

“Todd, don’t!” I say, chasing after him. But I might as well be talking to a brick wall.

“Hey, buddy, remember me?” Todd says, in a deceptively friendly tone. He stops in front of Jamie, his hands propped onto his hips as he glares at Jamie.

When Gus starts growling at Todd, Jamie lays his hand on the dog’s head and gives him a reassuring pat. “Hush, boy.”  Then, to Todd, he says, “Of course I do.”

“You’re the asshole who wouldn’t let me in the building to see Molly last night.”

“Why didn’t you buzz her apartment? She could have let you in if she’d wanted to.”

Todd scowls at Jamie. “Look, prick, Molly and I are none of your fucking business.”

I grab hold of Todd’s coat sleeve. “Todd, that’s enough. Leave him alone.”

My heart’s pounding, and I’m desperate to get Todd away from Jamie.

Jamie takes a step forward, literally going toe-to-toe with Todd. He’s an intimidating sight as he towers a few inches over Todd. “Molly’s my friend, and that makes it my business.”

At that moment, Chloe joins us on the sidewalk, her keen gaze bouncing from one of us to the other, until if finally lights on me. “Hi, Molly,” she says, breathless and shivering from the cold. “Is everything okay?”

Todd frowns at Chloe, then at me. Then he shakes his head and walks away.

I watch as Todd jogs across the busy street and gets into his car and drives off. “He’s gone,” I tell Jamie, releasing a pent-up breath. “I’m so sorry about that.”

Jamie turns to me, surprised. “Molly, I can handle Todd.”

“Don’t underestimate him, Jamie. He’s used to getting his own way. He doesn’t take kindly to being thwarted.”

“Don’t underestimate me, Molly,” Jamie says, his expression tightening. “You have no idea what I’m capable of. Don’t let my blindness fool you.”