10. Lila

10

LILA

Me: So, where do you think I went wrong?

I watched the three texting dots stop and start then stop again after I sent Mike a photo of the disaster in my living room.

Mike : I really don't know how to answer since I don't know what that is .

Me: It's a side table. Jerk. Or it will be once I figure out how to put the damn thing together. I thought I was doing okay, but I messed up somewhere.

Mike: I bet you could get away with only three legs. Make it like a conversation piece.

Me: I didn't ask you so you can make fun of me. I need to learn how to put my own shit together.

Mike: And I think that's very adorable, but maybe start a little smaller next time.

"Ugh," I groaned and threw my phone. It was seven thirty on a Saturday morning, and I was trapped in the middle of my living room, surrounded by pieces of wood in assorted sizes, along with screws and bolts that I had no idea what to do with. Mike was the only one I knew who would be up at this hour and be able to figure out what I was doing wrong.

When I'd ordered this side table online, it had said that it was easy to put together with very little assembly required. I'd gotten halfway through the instructions before they stopped making sense, and now, I just wanted to cry and throw it all into the garbage.

I pushed off the floor, in search of my broom to sweep up all the parts and stuff them into a big garbage bag until I figured out what the hell to do with it, when there was a knock on my door.

I gingerly stepped over everything, trying not to cut my bare feet. I found Mike in his police uniform when I looked through the peephole.

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm saving you from yourself. Excuse me." He nudged me aside to push past me.

"I said I wanted to do this myself. I can't have you put everything together like you're my personal handyman."

"I don't understand why that's a problem. I told you I'd put together anything you wanted, and you only have to pay me in beer and dessert."

"Yeah, but I can't depend on you. I mean—" I cringed when hurt flitted across Mike's face. "I need to learn to do things myself. You have a busy life protecting the peace. You shouldn't have to worry about me."

"But I do." He squeezed my hand, my skin tingling from the graze of his thumb back and forth across my wrist. "I can protect the peace and put your furniture together without breaking too much of a sweat."

I didn't know how to do anything domestic, other than cook a few simple meals. It hadn't bothered me so much back in Philly, probably because I'd had other things and people to occupy my time.

But I wanted this place to be different. Maybe if I learned how to make my apartment feel homey, it would feel more like a home.

I wanted Kelly Lakes to be home. Because if it wasn't, then what was the point?

"Mike, this can wait. You have to go to work."

"I was up early anyway," he said, dropping down onto the floor and setting his toolbox down before grabbing the pamphlet of instructions. "I have some time. I don't have to clock in until nine, and I'll have most of it together in the next fifteen minutes so you don't have to stay in a mess all day, and you could enjoy… What is this supposed to be again?"

He arched a brow at me, a smirk tipping the corner of his mouth.

The mouth I couldn't stop thinking about.

"A side table," I told him, glowering back at him when he snickered. "It's supposed to go over there." I pointed to the empty space next to the front door.

He flipped over the instruction manual to peek at the picture. "Oh, it's cute."

"Cute," I repeated, crossing my arms as I padded over to Mike.

"Cute, just like your attempt to do it yourself." He winked as he plucked off one of the legs and began to reattach it.

I fell into one of my dining room chairs as Mike disassembled and reassembled what I had tried to put together.

"I should've known I was in over my head."

"I'm only teasing you. I like that you tried and that you're fixing this place up. I'm sure Kathy will be pleased too, once you show her."

"I planned to show you both so you could be proud."

"I am proud," he said. "And like I said, it's nice to see you settling in."

That smile and how it melted my insides was exactly why I needed to learn how to put my own furniture together. The more time Mike was here, just the two of us, the more I'd forget why it was a bad idea to grab his face and plant a thank-you right on his lips.

"What time are you working until tonight?"

"It depends on if they ask me for overtime. Do you have any plans today, besides home improvement?"

"I actually have plans tonight . I'm meeting Claudia for dinner, and then I'm going to hang out at the bar with her after."

"Wow," he said, swiveling his head toward me. "I am impressed."

"Well, I should be out on a Saturday night, right? It's embarrassing when your landladies have more of a social life than you do."

"Oh, don't go by Terry and Kathy." Mike shook his head. "They have more of a social life than all of us."

The thought of being out at night by myself was still a little daunting, but it was time. I couldn't be a recluse the rest of my life and only go out alone during daylight hours.

Being inside all the time wasn't good for what was left of my mental health. I had more time to ponder things, more temptation to open my social media accounts to see what Ted was up to, possibly tipping him off as to where I was in the process.

Extra time alone made me do crazy things like buy furniture I didn't need just to prove a point.

"Where are you going to dinner tonight?" Mike asked.

"Salma's, the burger place. We get takeout from there sometimes at the office. I'll head back to the bar with her after for a couple of hours."

"Get the fried mushrooms. That's been my favorite there since I was a kid."

"It must be weird to grow up with the same few restaurants all the time. Do you ever want anything different?"

"Sure. There are a few places my friends and I go to a couple of towns over, but honestly, when you work all day, the places in town are convenient and close. A matter of laziness, maybe." He stood and lifted the completed side table off the floor.

"You're kind of a show-off."

Mike laughed and shook his head.

"This is similar to the side table that's in my apartment. You probably didn't notice it since it's covered with my sister's plushie collection. Another attempt of hers to move in."

"I love that. Both that she wants to live with you and that you tolerate a mountain of stuffed toys in your apartment."

"She'll be ten soon. I only have so much time before she realizes that I'm not as cool as she thought I was."

"I disagree. I think you're very cool. A show-off, but cool."

A shy smile ghosted his mouth. "Well, thanks." He carried the end table over to the door and set it down. "Here is where you wanted it, right?"

It was hard enough to think around Mike without him in those damn uniform pants. I forced my eyes upward and nodded.

"So, how are you feeling about tonight? All kidding aside, that's a big step."

"I've been out at night before with someone, but I need to do this. As far as I know, Ted doesn't know I'm here. My brother doesn't know I'm here. And my parents still don't have my address. It's supposed to be a nice summer night, and I'll try to put the nerves aside and make the most of it."

"That's not what I asked," Mike said, inching over to me. "It's okay to feel a little nervous after what you've been through. You go out when you think you're ready."

"Then I'll never go out," I said. "Again, I need to do this. It's time."

"It's time when you think it's time. Don't rush because you're trying to catch up to some kind of timeline. You have nothing to prove. Do what you're comfortable with."

"I don't know when I'll be comfortable getting into my car and going home at night by myself, but it's something I need to make myself do. I won't be out late, not that the bar is open late anyway. I think Claudia said that on late nights she closes at eleven." I snickered, remembering heading home from the bar on my old block at two in the morning.

"The bar stays open late on New Year's. Some of us are stationed outside that night, but other than that, the town has an earlier bedtime than you're probably used to in Philly."

"Kelly Lakes gets unruly on New Year's?"

"You'd be surprised." He glanced back at the table. "You actually didn't do such a bad job. You only missed one step, which screwed up the rest of it. It was a good effort."

"Thanks. I tried."

"I like that you're trying," he whispered, his gaze traveling to my mouth for a second before he cleared his throat. "If you're nervous tonight when you leave, text me. I can see what time I get off and come meet you."

"I can't ask you to do that."

"You can ask me to do a lot of things. Stop thinking that you're all by yourself. I'm here for whatever you need." He smiled and squeezed my shoulder, sending a jolt down my arm.

"Thank you," I said, clearing my throat when I noted my froggy whisper. "Sorry for disrupting your morning."

"You didn't disrupt anything. Like I said, I was up early and just kind of lingering around. Putting stuff together clears my head."

"I guess you're welcome, then."

His throaty chuckle ran right through me, as usual.

"Have a good time tonight. And, listen," he said, turning to me before he stepped out the door. "I'm proud of you."

"Proud of me for what? Making a mess in my apartment?"

"No. I'm proud of you for getting yourself out there again. I know it's scary, but we've all got your back. I promise."

Those crystal-blue eyes could've made me believe anything.

That I'd be safe.

That I could belong here.

That I was as beautiful as he made me feel when he looked at me like that.

"Well, thanks. I appreciate that. Have a good day at work. Stay safe."

"Thank you," he said, holding my gaze as I held the door open for him to leave.

I pressed my hand to my chest, the thump of my heart tapping against my palm. I wasn't sure if it was the nerves over a night out or the hots I had for my neighbor. Both had me a little on edge.

Despite the trepidation I'd been working so hard to shake, my plans for tonight felt like a baby step back toward a normal life.

Something I hadn't known I'd wanted so badly until it had been taken away.

Claudia liked to joke that she was a Kelly Lakes import, but she knew everyone, everywhere. When I pulled into the parking lot of Salma's, she was outside laughing with a cluster of people. She greeted everyone waiting in line to be seated and had a long conversation with our waitress after we got a table.

"You could run for mayor here," I told her as I scanned the menu.

"I know the mayor. She's nice, but I don't want her job. I'm good with mine." She patted my hand and went back to perusing the laminated specials for the night.

"Of course you know her." I shook my head. "No one would guess that you weren't born here."

"I'd also been coming back and forth for a while before I moved here, to visit Peyton. I got a kick out of it because it was so different from Brooklyn. Almost like a vacation."

"It's different from anywhere I've been, that's for sure."

"But it's more than just a cute small town. There's a strong sense of community here. Not to say that I didn't love my neighbors and friends in Brooklyn, but big cities are different. You're expected to function on your own, whereas here," she said, jerking her chin to the packed restaurant around us. "Everyone rushes to help. Whether you want them to or not."

"It is a nice little town." I nodded. "Not that I've seen much of it other than to and from the office and my walks in the evenings when I get out of work."

I didn't know if I was going to continue those walks alone in the fall when it would be dark by the time I'd arrive home. But again, tonight was about baby steps. I would take my days one at a time and do my best not to assume what I would or wouldn't be ready for in the future.

"I'm so sorry we couldn't do this earlier. I've been struggling to keep a schedule at the bar. Thank God for Amber, who's willing to take any shift, any time."

"Do you have that trouble with the staff usually?" I asked Claudia.

"Not usually. I have college kids who work in the bar during the summers, and it takes a little bit of time to work out everybody's schedule. Amber works most nights and Cece is my manager, but everyone else is like a game of Tetris, seeing where and when they fit the best."

She reached over to squeeze my arm. "I wish I could have made time to take you out to dinner earlier, but I promise I'll be more available for the rest of the summer."

"I appreciate it, but no need to be sorry. I've been okay. Kathy and Terry have been very nice."

"I told you," she said, tossing the menu on the table. "Aren't they adorable?"

"Yes, they really are. They're always trying to feed me. Kathy was upset that I hadn't unpacked for the first couple of weeks and asked Mike to hang pictures for me so I'd feel more at home."

"Oh, that's sweet," Claudia said, shooting me an odd look as she leaned back in her chair.

"What was that for?" I asked, pursing my lips.

"What was what?" Claudia said, feigning innocence as she pressed her hand to her chest.

"That was a loaded oh . You look like there's something you want to ask me."

"I just meant that it's sweet that you and Mike became friends. I saw you together the night of the festival, and I was glad to see you guys having a good time."

"That reminds me. I still haven't told you what happened later that night, after I saw you."

"Oh," Claudia said, her eyes growing wide as she scooted closer to the table.

"No, not that. Calm down. I never said why I left early. I'm guessing you know who Jared is."

"I do." She nodded, her lips pulling down. "Did he bother you?"

"I told him I wasn't interested, and he wouldn't take no for an answer. I freaked out and started screaming at him. Mike followed me home because I was so shaken up." I shook my head, pressing my palms into my eyes. "Made an idiot of myself once again."

Claudia's smile faded as she leaned in.

"I'm sorry, honey. If you're embarrassed, don't be. Most women yell at him to stop bothering them, so there's no need to dwell on it like I'm sure you're doing."

"I hated that I flipped out in front of Mike again, but I'm glad I did. I even told him about what happened with Ted. It felt good to have someone around here know what happened and why I came here, besides you."

"I'm glad you told him. And I think you need to give yourself a break. What happened to you is going to take more than a minute to shake off."

"But I can't let little things I should be able to handle bother me so much. Keeping myself isolated is not going to do me any good, and that's exactly what Ted wanted. I won't let him win."

"Yes!" Claudia said, slapping her hands against the table. "I am so glad to hear this. I'm proud of you."

"Mike said the same thing this morning. It's a little pathetic when people are proud of you for leaving the house by yourself after dark." I smiled until her brows shot up to her hairline.

"This morning, huh?"

"It's…not what you're probably thinking. He stopped by before work to put together a side table. It's a long story," I said, darting my eyes everywhere but to Claudia's.

"I saw something between the two of you right away?—"

"I'm going to stop you right there. We're friends, and like I told you, there can't be anything more than that between us."

"But that doesn't change the fact that there is. Mike is a good guy. I know you're a little hesitant because he's younger than you, but really, it doesn't matter."

"It's not that. Or only that?—"

"Are you ladies ready to order?" our waitress chirped as she came up to our table, saving me from having to answer for a few extra moments.

"Yes, I think so. I'll take the cheeseburger with fried mushrooms. Medium. And a Diet Coke."

"I will have the same. The fried mushrooms here are amazing." Claudia handed back her menu with a big smile.

"So, what's making you hesitate? Is it because you work for Jake?"

"Of course. I mean, he didn't come out and say I couldn't date his son, but it's not exactly appropriate—or wise, considering how much I need this job."

"You're both adults, and Jake gets that. As long as you stayed professional at your job, I don't think he would mind if you dated his son and, for argument's sake, it didn't work out."

I exhaled and let my chin drop to my chest.

"He's twenty-five. Beautiful. Sweet." I pinched the edge of my paper napkin between my fingers. "He's got so much to offer."

"And you don't? That's not true."

"Well, it is at the moment. It took a lot for me to come out tonight alone. It's a good step in the right direction, but I still have so many hang-ups to work through and I have no clue how long that will take. Mike doesn't want me or my baggage."

"Then you haven't caught the way he looks at you."

I didn't reply as the waitress set down our drink orders or admit that, yes, I did notice. And I was sure I looked back at him the same way.

When Mike was around, he calmed me as much as he made my heart race.

Ted had always crowded me, even at the beginning when all he'd wanted to do was spend every spare second of time he had with me. But with Mike, I never minded if he stayed close, and I looked forward to every minute I got to see him.

Even if I'd only known him for a short time, the thought of losing Mike when he'd always be close by would hurt.

It was easier to make sure he wasn't all the way mine, but very difficult to explain.

Claudia dropped it for the most part after dinner, but even when she'd gone into the local gossip and who might be at the bar tonight, I'd let Mike's name slip a couple of times. She'd bite back a smile but didn't press.

"I shouldn't be too busy tonight, so you can linger by the bar," she told me as we stepped inside The Pour House. "Which you don't have to. If you want to mingle, feel free."

"I think I need to work up to mingling, but I'll see where the night takes me."

"You do what you feel comfortable with. Either way, I'm glad you're here tonight, but you should not feel nervous at all. It's up to you how social you want to be, but as far as seeing Jared or any other tools—" she stopped before she headed to the back, grabbing me by the arm, "—this is my place, and no one will bother you or they'll have to leave. Just keep that in mind."

I tapped the top of her hand and nodded.

"I will. And that helps."

The crowd was lighter than I'd expected for a Saturday night. Taking one of the seats in the middle of the bar, I set my purse down on the counter and glanced around. I recognized a couple of faces, customers who had come into the office to speak to Jake about a job and possibly others I sort of recognized from the festival.

Claudia would never let me leave too early, so I had to find a way to occupy my time. I didn't know anyone here well enough to seek them out and make conversation, so until I had my bearings, I'd play mysterious new girl at the bar while waiting for Claudia to have a free minute to chat.

"Oh hey," a familiar squeaky voice said. "Glad to see you back when it's not so crazy here for once."

Amber smiled as she set a napkin in front of me.

"Yes, Claudia has been asking me to come by, so I'm glad I made it back tonight."

"Mike said that you were stopping by. I usually meet him for lunch when he works on Saturdays. He sounded glad you would be here tonight too." Her chuckle reminded me of a wind chime.

"Mike is good like that," I blurted out, trying to shake off the weird and sudden discomfort at Mike having a standing lunch date with another woman.

Another woman didn't apply. I was another woman he spent time with and spoke to. And he'd said that Amber was a longtime friend from school, although I still couldn't believe this woman was halfway into her twenties.

"Yes, Mike was always like that. Looked out for everyone and had that quiet way of observing everything. I was the only one not surprised when he decided to become a cop."

"Mike told me you went to high school together."

"Even before that." She waved a hand. "But before I treat you to his embarrassing history, what can I get you?"

"Embarrassing, huh? This sounds promising. Just a hard cider is fine."

My phone buzzed as Amber headed over to the tap.

Mike: How's it going?

Me: Aren't you supposed to be out on patrol, looking for bad guys?

Mike: The bad guys are mostly inside tonight. It's too hot for them, I guess.

Me: I guess so. It's going okay. Dinner was good. Amber says she has good stories to tell about you.

Mike: Happy she's entertaining you. Just remember, it's all lies.

"Funny joke?" Amber asked, cocking a brow as she set a frosty glass in front of me. "Something on the screen is making you smile big."

Shit. The last thing I needed was for a good friend of Mike's to think I had a crush on him.

Especially when it was true.

"No, Mike texted to see how it was going. He says whatever you're about to tell me is all lies."

She snickered. "Of course he did. He's trying to shield you from his past."

"His past?" My brows jumped before I could help it.

"Nothing juicy like you're thinking." She shook her head and leaned against the counter. "I know Mike from when he first lived here. He was in my prekindergarten class. My mother has a picture of us at a Christmas concert, singing side by side."

"I don't suppose you could show me sometime, because that has to be too damn adorable."

"Oh, I'll find it," she said, popping her brows. "He wore a red velvet bow tie that matched my dress. My mother said it looked like we were prom dates."

"That's really cute. Must be nice to have a good friend from so young."

I'd met Ally in my junior year of college. All my elementary and high school friends had moved out of Philly, and I'd only kept in touch with them on Facebook.

And now, not at all. I guessed a chunk of my history was also gone, thanks to my escape from my crazy ex.

"He didn't remember me when he moved back, but I knew Mike right away. He has an unforgettable face."

I nodded, picturing those gorgeous blue eyes on a little boy.

"How's it going?" Claudia asked, breathless as she came over to us. "Amber's taking care of you?"

"She is." I held up my glass.

"I was just telling her how I've known Mike since we were four years old," Amber said with a sly smile.

"I'm hoping she has good stories I can bother him with later."

"If you want them all, plan on being here until closing time." Amber laughed.

"Don't embarrass Mike in front of Lila." Claudia gave Amber a playful swat on her arm. "I'm sure he only wants her to know the good stuff."

She shifted to leave when someone called her name across the room, throwing me a sneaky glance over her shoulder as she made her way to them.

"She's right," Amber said as she wiped down the bar. "I'm sure Mike would kill me if I told you anything really embarrassing."

"I hope that doesn't mean you're going to hold back now. It's nice that you've known each other that long."

"When I moved back after my divorce, starting all the way over, he was a lifesaver. Especially when all my old friends were too paired up to deal with my relationship grief."

"I'm sorry to hear that. And I get what you mean. I have an ex back in Philly who screwed up my friends and some family in the same way. I came to Kelly Lakes pretty much on my own, other than Claudia."

"I came back to Kelly Lakes solo and still am." Her pink-glossed lips turned down in a frown. "Sucks either way."

"So both of us came here for sort of the same reason," I said, taking a long sip from my glass.

"Did your ex leave you for your coworker too?" she asked, huffing out a laugh.

"No." I pressed a hand to my chest. "And that's awful. I'm so sorry."

She lifted a shoulder. "Happens, right?"

"It does. I was the one who broke up with him. And he wouldn't accept it until I had to move out of state to get away from him and the mess he'd made of my life."

I wasn't sure he'd accepted it, but I didn't know Amber well enough to go into the whole past, and possibly current, stalking story.

"Shit." Amber's eyes grew wide. She reached under the bar and pulled out two shot glasses. "You like Patrón?"

"Sure," I said, eyeing her as she filled both glasses.

"On me. To being displaced and single. May we embrace the new beginnings."

"I will drink to that." I clinked my glass with hers and downed the shot in one gulp. Warmth spread through my chest as the liquor left a burning trail down my throat.

I had an odd sense of envy toward Amber. An ex had led her back to Kelly Lakes too, but she was sure he'd stay gone.

Rejection sucked, but it was a hell of a lot better to deal with than fear.

After a couple of hours of chatting with Amber between customers and listening to stories of Mike that were more cute than embarrassing enough to tease him about, I was ready to call it a night.

"Want me to walk you to your car?" Claudia asked after I hugged her goodbye.

"No, I'm good. Part of the whole venturing out at night experience. I parked close."

"Text me when you get home." She pointed at me as she headed to the back room.

"I can walk you out," Amber said. "It's my break time anyway. Some air would be nice."

"I don't know if this air counts as nice," I joked as I held the front door open for her. "I thought fall was coming early a couple of weeks ago, but now we're back to the heat."

The humidity was still as stifling after the sun went down, and the street was unnervingly quiet.

"Yeah, the air conditioning is nicer than this." Amber examined my face. "Are you okay? You seem nervous."

"Oh, I'm fine," I said, my reply quick and loud enough to make Amber narrow her eyes at me.

The hot night had nothing to do with the cold sweat coating the back of my neck. The one block to my car seemed like a mile as I dug my keys out of my purse. Cars were parked in front of and behind me, perfect for anyone to hide in between. I hated how my mind immediately went there, and I didn't know how to make it stop.

"Do you need me to get Claudia?" Amber stepped closer, studying me.

I'd been doing so well. I'd even managed to relax enough to laugh tonight. I'd planned on driving home alone in the dark, but now that I had to do it, all the old memories made me freeze up once again.

My heart thudded in my ears, the night of my slashed tire flashing in my mind and how Ted had seemed to come out of nowhere.

He's not here. He's not here.

And he'd lived in my head long enough. I'd had a nice night, and I wanted to go home and enjoy my small victory. Maybe if I jogged to my car with Amber watching, I could get inside and drive away without a full-blown panic attack.

Why was this still so hard? I had no idea but hated that it was.

"Lila!"

I gasped before I registered who had come up behind me.

"Hey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you." Mike put a hand on my shoulder. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah." I nodded, taking long breaths through my nostrils before I lifted my head. "I was about to head home, and Amber walked me out to get some air." The words came out in a breathless rush. "I thought you'd still be working now."

"I got off early and thought I'd see if you were still here."

"Oh," I managed, the panic now subsiding as I kept my gaze on Mike. "I'm heading out, but go inside and enjoy."

"I'll walk you to your car." He nodded a hello at Amber and pressed his hand to the small of my back to gently usher me away.

"Good night, Amber. Thanks for the laughs," I said, pushing a smile across my face when I turned my head.

Her brow was furrowed as she gave me a slow nod. "Have a good night. I guess I'll see you inside in a minute, Mike." Her gaze lingered on us for a beat before she headed back inside.

I had no idea what she must've been thinking, but I'd worry about that later. When the adrenaline dissipated, I'd figure out how to explain to Amber and anyone else other than Mike why simple things set me off.

"I had a good night. You'd be proud."

He held my gaze as if he were holding me up, nodding as his sweet smile drew enough air out of my lungs to start breathing again.

"Until I had to walk to my car. When I tried to walk down the dark street, I froze. Again. I wanted to prove I could do it." I let out a frustrated groan and fell back against my car door. "So much for that."

"You did. Progress is progress, Delilah."

I rolled my eyes, fighting a smile.

"Stop that, Mikey."

His head fell back as a laugh rumbled through his broad chest. "I'm still proud of you. Being aware isn't a bad thing. We tell everyone that."

"I guess." I pressed my hand to my chest, trying to slow my quick breaths. "I think I'm okay now. Go hang out with Amber at the bar, and we'll talk later."

He shook his head and put his hands on my shoulders, relief flooding my body from the warmth of his palms against my skin.

"How about as your reward for being brave, you can accept a police escort home?"

"Mike, you don't have to do that. I can get home."

"I know you can." The shy smile playing on his lips killed me. "Let me do this for you. And I can collect that beer and pie for my services this morning."

He stuffed his hands into his pockets, treating me to the bulge in his glorious biceps as he leaned closer. He'd come all the way here to see me home because he knew I'd be afraid.

"Did you ask to get off early, or was that a lucky accident?"

He sent me a crooked grin.

"I went in right after I left your apartment so I could clock out an hour early and catch you here. Not that I didn't believe you could get yourself home and be fine. I just wanted to remind you that you're not alone." He grabbed my hand as his eyes blazed into mine with more than just concern. "And that I'm good for more than just furniture."

"That you are," I whispered, my voice cracking before I buried my head into his chest and cinched my arms around his waist. He stilled for a second, most likely as shocked as I was at the contact, before he hugged me back, his strong arms tightening around me as he pulled me close enough to feel his heartbeat against mine.

The same man who made butterflies flutter in my stomach was the one who'd allowed me to breathe. I'd only known him a short time, yet he knew me better than anyone else. I felt the relief from him too as he leaned into me.

I inhaled what felt like my first deep breath in months.

"Do you have the cruiser or just your truck?" I asked as I pulled back. "Maybe you could turn on the sirens as you follow me, and we could see what story the locals would conjure up."

"No, I returned the cruiser to the station. Just my boring truck. But let's put a pin in that."

His husky chuckle went right to my knees, already melting from being this close to him.

"That sounds like fun."

He cupped my cheek, drifting his thumb back and forth as he inched closer. I waited for him to pull back, to clear his throat and reset the moment like one of us usually did at this point.

Instead, his grip tightened as he came even closer, exhaling with a groan before he pressed his lips to mine.

My eyes shot open, both in shock and the best kind of surprise, before I let them close and kissed him back. I roped my arms around his neck as he walked me backward against my car door, sifting my fingers through the hair on the back of his neck as he slanted his mouth over mine.

My lips parted on a moan as we kept going, slow and sensual as his tongue tasted and explored, both of us whimpering in sweet relief as he wove his hand into my hair.

"Fuck, Lila," he murmured against my mouth, sliding his hands down my hips, his erection hot and heavy against my core.

Whatever had been simmering between us exploded onto the street, and instead of pulling back, I was more than ready to let it consume me.

A car horn made us break apart, yanking us back to the present where we were still pretending to be good friends without an inferno of attraction between us.

"Lila, shit," Mike said, running his hand through his hair. I could still feel the silky strands between my fingers.

"It's okay. I was right there with you."

He dropped his hand and covered his eyes.

"The last thing I wanted was to push you."

"You didn't." I grabbed his arm, my shaking hands now having nothing to do with a potential stalker waiting by my car and everything to do with the lust simmering in my belly and pooling between my legs.

"I'd apologize, but…" He trailed off, his eyes still burning as they held mine. "I'm honestly not sorry I kissed you."

"Neither am I," I managed to squeak out. "What's a kiss between friends, right?" A nervous laugh bubbled out of my chest.

"Right," he said, his hooded eyes locked with mine. "Incredible or not." He cupped my cheek, the corner of his mouth, still wet from our kiss, tipped up.

"Ready for that escort now?" Mike motioned to where his truck was parked across the street.

"Sure," I said, both relieved and disappointed he didn't pull me in for another kiss. "I guess I'll wait until you make a U-turn?"

"That works," he said, grinning at me as he jogged across the street.

I was still scared, but not of Ted or what else lingered in the night. The heat smoldering in Mike's gaze was dangerous, not because he was watching me. He saw me in a way no one else had and was there with what I needed without my having to explain or ask.

It was a heady feeling that traveled through me, lighting me up from the inside, even more potent now that I finally knew what Mike tasted like.

I wanted more of that. I wanted more of Mike.

What I felt for him was big enough to scare me more than what could be lurking in the dark.