Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4

TYSHAWN

Our date was amazing. We spent most of the time talking and laughing. There's something about being with Leo that I like. After a while, the nerves stopped bubbling up inside me and I simply enjoyed his company.

It's late by the time we leave. I work in the morning, but I refused to ask Leo to take me home early. I was having too good a time.

When we pull up to my apartment building, I lean back against the headrest and look at him. Now the jitters have returned, and they're threatening to render me mute. Which is a feat, since my nerves usually make me babble like a loon.

"I had fun tonight, Leo. Thank you for asking me out."

"Thank you for saying yes," he says, turning his big body to look at me. Seriously, how could a man be this big without making me feel overwhelmed? He takes up a lot of space but doesn't intimidate me. God, he's fucking perfect. "I'm sorry I kept you out so late."

Cheekily, I ask, "Are you really?"

"Not at all."

We both chuckle, which helps relax me for the first time since we got in the car to head home.

"Come on. I'll walk you to your door," he says.

Leo hops out and rounds the hood before opening my door. I grab the hand he holds out for me, giddiness threatening to take over my body. It's a near thing that I don't lace our fingers together like a weirdo.

We walk up the flight of stairs, and I turn around when we're in front of my door. "This is me." I thumb toward my door unnecessarily. "I had a great time tonight. Shit, I already said that. But it's true. It was fun. This is the best date I've been on. Not because you took me to a fancy restaurant, but because of our talking and stuff. We had a?—"

"Tyshawn," Leo mutters, stepping into me.

"Hmm." I snap my mouth shut, glad he cut my rambling off before I could really get going. My body weaves closer to him of its own volition.

"Be quiet for a second."

Before I can take offense to him hushing me, Leo plants his lips on mine, soft and gentle. A needy whimper drifts up my throat, and Leo opens me with his tongue, taking the sound for his own. My head swims as he kisses me slowly and thoroughly. All my nerves flee as I follow his lead, letting him take my mouth how he wants.

A strong arm wraps around my waist, and I gasp at how good it feels to have it there. I'm not used to a man holding me so tightly but with so much care. My dick takes notice and lengthens behind my zipper. There's no way Leo doesn't feel it. I would be embarrassed if his own dick wasn't a hard rod in his pants, pressing against my belly.

Leo doesn't try to crowd me. He lets me come to him, and I do, greedily. Pushing up to my tiptoes, I lean into Leo and wrap my arms around his neck. He groans, sliding his hands down to rest just over my ass. I want him to go lower, to grab my ass in those big hands. The scent of his cologne encircles me like a hug, burrowing deep into my senses. God, I wish we were in my bed, Leo over me as he kisses me until my toes curl. I definitely need to invite him in so we can finish what he started.

Everything happens so fast, I wouldn't have believed it happened if I wasn't there.

As if from far away, a throat clears, and my name is called. Then I'm left stumbling forward, my lips and body feeling cold without the heat of Leo's body.

"What the fuck?" Sam croaks. Shaking my head to clear it from the lust haze, I zero in on Leo with his hand around Sam's throat, a purely evil look on his face.

"Who are you?" Leo roars, almost picking Sam off his feet.

Moving between them, I place a hand on Leo's chest and try to get him to remove his from my roommate. "It's Sam! Leo, it's my roommate, Sam!"

As if a light clicks in his head, Leo drops his hand and steps back, putting his hands behind his back. "Sorry. I didn't know."

"Of course you didn't, you fucking maniac," Sam rasps, rubbing his injury and giving Leo a dark look. "You just go around choking people?"

To his credit, Leo looks a little chastened. "No. I didn't know who you were, and you were behind me. My self-defense training kicked in."

My mind goes back to dinner where Leo said his grandfather taught him self-defense while he lived in Russia. That's some training. I don't think I could have reacted that fast.

Sam stands up straight, still eyeing Leo. "You okay?" he asks me.

"I'm fine." He has angry red marks around his neck. "Fuck, you're going to need ice."

Sam shakes his head. "It's okay. I'm not fragile."

Sighing, I turn to Leo. "This is Sam, my roommate. Sam, this is Leo."

Neither man reaches for the other. They just stare, Leo with a hint of amusement and Sam with a look that's a cross between apprehension and anger.

I'm not sure how long we stand like this, both men staring at each other and me in the middle. Finally, Leo smirks and gazes at me. "I'd better go. I'll call you later, kotenok."

Like Sam isn't even there, Leo grabs me by the waist and brings me close to him, nuzzling into my neck. I'm helpless to do anything but hug him back. "Okay," I whisper.

With one last kiss on my cheek, Leo breezes out, his amazing smelling cologne lingering in the small hallway.

Cautiously, I peer over at Sam, who doesn't look as upset anymore. "What the fuck was that?" he asks.

"I'm sorry. He told me his grandfather taught him how to defend himself. In fucking Russia. Imagine the kind of shit he needed that training from. They have like bears and elk and shit. Maybe he had to defend himself against animals? No, that's stupid. People. Dangerous people. Maybe his neighborhood wasn't safe, or something. That would make more sense than Leo choking Bambi out."

Sam's lips twitch as he steps around me and pushes into the apartment, moving aside so I can walk in. "Definitely not choking Bambi like that. I get him knowing self-defense and why he might need it. But fuck, he's strong. I didn't think he'd let me breathe." After he hangs up his jacket and takes off his shoes, Sam pulls me to the couch. "I wouldn't be your friend if I didn't warn you to be careful. I don't want him to turn on you like that someday."

I hear what Sam is saying, but Leo wouldn't hurt me. He's so careful with me. I doubt he'd ever raise a hand to me. But I won't be stupid.

"Thanks for looking out for me." I tilt his chin up, eyeing the ring around his throat. It doesn't look so bad now, but it still might bruise. "Ice," I mutter, pointing a finger at him.

"Yeah, yeah. How was your date?"

The grin spreading across my face is answer enough, but I tell him about it anyway. I start with how Leo complimented me when he came upstairs and how he opened the car door for me.

I end the conversation with, "He was giving me a kiss goodnight when …"

"When I snuck up behind your Russian lover and scared him," Sam finishes with a laugh.

He winces when I playfully slap him on the arm. "Yeah, that," I mutter, sitting back on the couch. "Maybe I shouldn't see him anymore. I had a good time, but what if you're right? What if he tries to attack me too?"

Sam cants his body toward me, pulling one leg under him. "That's true. But I didn't announce myself and was almost on top of you two when I called your name. If you say he has training for self-defense, I might have just startled him. Be careful, but don't write him off. I would expect the same thing from a solider. That kind of training is engrained. Keep your eyes open, but I don't think you have to worry about him. He looked at me like he wanted to murder me, but when he looked at you —" Sam's eyes land on me, almost studying me to see what Leo saw "—he looked like he'd kill anyone that tried to touch you."

I scoff at the absurdity, but my chest glows with happiness. I've never had anyone look at me or treat me the way Leo did. It's definitely something I could get used to. "If you say so." Standing, I stretch my hands above my head and glance down at him. "I'm off to bed. Get some ice."

"Goodnight, Ty," Sam says with an eye roll.

Blowing him a kiss, I march to my room, fall on the bed, and stare at the ceiling. I had the best time tonight. Sure, the experience is marred by the violent outburst from Leo, but as Sam said, he was startled. I don't know what kind of self-defense training his grandfather taught him, but with military personnel, they're instructed to react at the drop of a hat. Maybe Leo's grandfather was in the military in Russia?

Rolling onto my side, my thoughts continue to play back the events of tonight, and the goofy smile won't leave my face. It was fucking perfect. I felt cherished the entire evening. When I looked at Leo while I was rambling whatever popped into my head, helpless to stop myself, he didn't give me fake indulgent looks so he could get in my pants. He really appeared like he enjoyed listening to me. That's never happened to me before.

Usually, men will pretend they don't care at the beginning of the night, but by the end, they're wishing I'd shut the fuck up so I could suck their dicks. Leo didn't seem to have a motive.

My phone pings on my nightstand, and I scoop it up, swiping my thumb over the screen. The smile jumps to my face when Leo's name pops up.

Leo: I had a great time tonight. I wish you hadn't seen me like that. I'm sorry.

My heart melts. I believe him. But as Sam said, I'm not going to be stupid. I'm going to keep my eyes open.

Me: Is that normal?

Leo: No. Only when someone sneaks up on me. You have no reason to trust me, but I'd never hurt you. You'd always be safe with me.

I do trust him. I hope that doesn't make me a fool.

Me: Okay. Good night, Leo.

Leo: Good night, Ty. I wish I could have kissed you more.

Smiling, I put my phone on my chest. I was thinking the same thing.

Over the next few days, Leo and I text back and forth, but we don't see each other again. He asks, but I make excuses for why I can't see him. I'm putting off meeting up as a test on if he'll flip out or stop pretending to be interested in me. I want to make sure he's not putting up a front about having a temper. Usually for men that have violent outbursts, they don't like being brushed off. Eventually, they'll show their true colors.

Not Leo. He's doesn't push when I tell him I have to work late or I have plans with Sam or that I want to stay in. He says okay, and we continue to converse about meaningless things. This might not be the best method to gauge his temper, but it's all I got.

While at work the next week, my real estate agent sends me an email for vacant buildings and restaurants. Only one of them fits my price range for the business loan I was pre-approved for.

Scooping up my office phone, I give him a call.

"Roger Mormont speaking," he answers in a cheery voice.

"Hey, Roger. It's Tyshawn."

"Tyshawn! Hey!" he says excitedly like we're old friends. "Did you get a chance to look over the listings?"

"I did." I scroll down the buildings, looking at photos and wishing I could afford some of them. Unfortunately, most of the money from my mother's life insurance went to funeral costs and paying off the bills she accumulated from surgeries to prolong her life after her accident. There wasn't enough for me to put down on a space. I've been working my ass off to have money for a down payment, but it won't be enough for any buildings but the most run down one. The renovations alone would bankrupt me.

Even though it will be a costly venture, opening my bakery will be worth it. Better to try than to live my life with regrets. If it doesn't succeed, at least I can say I tried and put myself out there for desserts I think everyone should taste.

"Great!" he exclaims loudly enough that I have to pull the phone from my ear. "What do you think? Any places catch you eye?"

Sighing, I shake my head, though he can't see me. "Yes, the space off Fairmont. I know that's not the best neighborhood, so I'm wondering about security."

One thing I like about Roger is he doesn't try to bullshit me. He's in it for the money, but his reputation means more to him. "Yeah, I can't tell you about that after dark. During the day, it's safe enough, a few robberies here and there, but at night … I'm not sure."

My shoulders sag as I rub my forehead, staving off a headache. "Can I check it out anyway?"

"Sure. Let's set something up for next week and?—"

"What about today?"

"I have clients all day, but I can give you the code to the key box, and you can have a look around. I trust you not to damage anything."

We exchange a few more pleasantries and make an appointment to check out a few more properties before we hang up. I spin around in my chair, wondering if I'm on the right path.

The job I have now is cushy, but it's not the job I want. Baking is in my blood. I'd rather do what I love, not just what pays me. I like working here, but I want to love going to work every day. When I'm baking, I'm the happiest I've ever been. Not even the thought of my mother's death dampens my mood. In fact, it makes me smile, knowing I'm doing what brought us closer.

Turning back in my chair, I click on the building on Fairmont and scroll through the pictures. It's run-down for sure, but it has good bones. It looks sturdy and roomy but quaint.

I haven't been down Fairmont in a while, but the last time I went, it looked like a place where you have to know the right people to be safe. Businesses there have survived and thrived, so I'm not too worried.

Reaching into my desk drawer, I pull out my phone and bring up the text thread between me and Sam.

Me: My realtor sent me a listing for a place on Fairmont. Want to go with me to take a peek?

Sam: When?

Me: After I get off work. That sound be around five. No one in the office but me.

Sam: Sounds good. I'll meet you there so I can go to Beth's house right after.

Me: Thanks!

Sam: Welcome.

I smile, excited to discuss possible renovations with Sam.

Jinxing myself fucking sucks.

Instead of getting off at five like I usually would, I don't stumble out of the building until eight. My boss needed some files so he could type up his notes and had me do some research on his current case. That took longer than either of us thought.

Thankfully, he loves paying overtime and compensates me fairly, but it was a shitty day for him to ask. He rarely does, so I didn't mind telling him yes.

When I get into my car and start the engine, I call Sam on my Bluetooth, hoping he's still up for meeting me. Fairmont isn't a war zone, so we should be fine going down there after dark.

Sam answers after the second ring. "I tried to wait around, but Beth and I had plans. I'm at her place. I texted you."

I groan, pulling my phone out and seeing the string of messages from Sam. "Sorry," I mutter. "My phone was on silent so I could concentrate."

"We can go tomorrow. Beth said she wants to see the space too, so we can make a day of it."

A sigh leaves my lips, but I can't complain. I like Beth, and her opinions are always welcome. "Maybe. I'll let you know."

I hang up and head home, sad I can't see the space tonight. I'm not sure why I'm so eager. Roger has sent me plenty of options—some within my budget and some not—that look miles better than this place on Fairmont. But for some reason, this space is calling to me. It's strange, but from my superstitious family, I've learned to listen to signs.

Tomorrow will be fine. I can wait until then.

Turns out, I can't wait until tomorrow. I toss and turn in my bed, wondering why there's this nudge urging me to get up and go see that property now !

Whatever it is, I listen. But I won't be foolish.

After I get dressed, I shoot off a quick message to Leo, to see what he's up to. It's 11:27, so he's probably asleep, but it's worth a try. Sam will just talk me out of going this late, so I don't even consider texting him.

Unfortunately, I don't hear back from Leo. Still, that doesn't stop me from sliding on my shoes and pulling on a jacket once I have my keys in hand. I grab the knife my father gave me before I moved away, sliding it into the pocket of the leather jacket I threw on.

The drive is longer than I'd like, but I still don't turn back. If anything, the longer I'm driving, the more the anticipation of discovering builds. Discovering what? No fucking clue.

I can't pinpoint or name the feeling telling me to go to this rundown space, but I know I would be foolish not to listen to it. Something is there that's meant for me to see, and I'm not going to miss it just because it's late.

I'm way down the road on Fairmont, farther than I've ever driven. Even though there are businesses lining the streets when I turned onto Fairmont, the farther I drive, the sparser the buildings become and the more rundown they appear. I check my GPS, making sure I'm following the directions. To be extra sure I'm on the right track, I look out of the window, checking the building numbers. I'm looking for is 459 and I'm only at 437. I still have a ways to go.

Finally, I pull up to my destination, checking the storefront out, loving the old feel of it. It looks like a building that's pulled out of the 1950s and placed in the middle of the twenty-first century. I can't see through the boarded-up windows, but the outside has an old diner look to it.

There aren't many buildings nearby, and none of them appear to be operational. It doesn't bode well for a successful business, that's for sure. I should just turn around and go home, cutting my losses. But something is telling me not to leave.

I get out of my car, make my way to the front of the building, and try the code Roger gave me on the keypad. It doesn't open. I try it a few more times and nothing.

Growling in frustration, I pull my knife out and walk around the building, hoping there's a back entrance I can slide through. I'm sure Roger won't have an issue with me going through this way.

When I round the corner, I find there is a door at the rear of the building that's beside a large blue dumpster. With giddy excitement, I stride to the door, hoping it's unlocked.

A triumphant eek! leaves my lips when the door opens. I clap my hand over my mouth, looking around to make sure no one is following me. Then I wonder if someone lives in here. It's vacant, so there could be a squatter.

My skin tingles with awareness, my brain finally telling me to pause for a moment. Pulling out my phone, I check to see if there's a text from Leo. Nothing. He's probably asleep, and I'm here, in a bad part of town on my own.

Should I leave? I try to convince my legs to go back to my car, but they don't move. I'm rooted to the spot, indecision warring. I desperately want to see the space, but I don't want to be reckless. Well, more reckless than coming to a known bad part of town because of a feeling.

Flicking the knife open, I turn on the flashlight on my phone and pan it around the space I can see. There's a long hallway with three doors on the left and two on the right. They're all shut up tight as far as I can see, so at least I don't have to worry about anyone creepy jumping out at me when I walk past a doorway.

Looking back at the alley, I drag in a deep breath and step inside.