“Has your secret admirer made himself known finally?” Tara leans against her locker, pursing her lips. In the month we’ve been working together, I’ve learned that I like her loud personality but that it comes with nosiness.
I’ve been on my own for three years, since I turned eighteen, but she’s my first real friend. Now that I’m learning to live independently from male figures in my life, it’s nice to have another woman I can share with.
“He’s not my secret admirer.” I can protest all I want, but what else do I call someone who leaves things on my doorstep?
Sometimes it’s breakfast or a late dinner after my shift. Other times it’s flowers or small practical gifts. I suspect it’s one of my neighbors and while I wish I knew who is paying me so much attention, I won’t complain about it.
Things were shitty for a long time, and getting spoiled by someone is something I’ll enjoy while it lasts. My life is finally taking a turn for the better. After the dreadful night at the shelter six months ago, Bruce was connected to several other crimes and won’t be out for a long time.
Since last month, when I not only found a job at this diner with no experience and also got approved for a small rental place, I’ve finally been able to breathe freely.
My luck is really turning around and I will make the best out of it. Definitely staying away from anything and anyone connected to my former life.
“But aren’t you wondering?” She puts on her apron.
“Yes. And no. There is a thrill in the secrecy.” I smile.
“What if he’s some crazy stalker and the romance turns into a nightmare? You should have cameras installed.” She combs her hair into a tight ponytail on top of her head.
“Yes, because I have money for a security system.” I laugh and push the swing door open with my hip.
As much as I want to bask in the small gestures of kindness, Tara’s words take unwelcome root in my mind. All day I worry about my stalker. Shit. I hadn’t thought of him as a stalker until now. I’m so naïve. Stupid, really.
I accepted all the gifts with no hesitation. As sad as it may be, those were the first gifts I’ve ever gotten. Now he’s going to come back and collect his reward.
My imagination goes wild, wrecking my concentration.
“Sasha, what’s wrong with you today?” Larry shakes his head after I drop a glass. The third one today. “You’ve been doing so well. Don’t make me regret hiring you.” He walks to the cash register at the end of the counter, cussing under his breath.
While he gave me a chance, Larry hasn’t given me any beginner treatment. He’s a demanding boss and not always fair, but I need this job.
What I don’t need is an admirer who is now living in my head rent-free as a stalker. Snap out of it, Sasha. I won’t accept his gifts anymore. Will that upset him? Come to think of it, no gifts appear on my days off. Does he know my schedule? Oh my God, is he watching me? He really is a stalker.
For the rest of my shift, I take extra care with everything because I don’t want to upset Larry, but I assess every customer, as if I can identify this creep by some magic.
“You’re distracted today.” Tara grabs a tray from me before the glasses on it topple down. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s your stalker talk. Jesus, Tara, what if he waits for me instead of one of his gifts?” I turn to load the dishwasher.
“Don’t enter your building without mace in your hand.” She shrugs and leaves to take care of a family in the booth by the door. Jesus. I have to find a new place.
“Number five wants their bill,” she tells me before she grabs the coffee pot.
I force myself to focus on work and somehow I reasonably—without major accidents—survive the rest of my shift. Half an hour before closing, the door opens with a chime.
Tara gasps. “Now that’s a fine specimen.” She adjusts her bra, lifting her boobs. “Please sit in my section, handsome,” she whispers.
I snort and catch Larry glaring at the newcomer. That animosity is unexpected, so I turn to assess the problem. And immediately forget all about it when my eyes land on the man.
He’s handsome, all right—tall with dark hair, longer on top, playfully falling above his eyes. His shoulders are broad. Well, his whole body looks like he’s been spending a lot of time in the gym. I didn’t know jeans and a black button-down could make my ovaries work overtime. Jesus.
Then our eyes meet and recognition hits me. Those dark eyes reflected calm amid chaos and those sensuous lips whispered words of consolation to me after Bruce’s attacks.
On more than one occasion, I’ve imagined what would happen if I ran into him again.
His smile caresses my entire body and I’m disappointed he sits down in Tara’s section. Lucky bitch. While she’s taking his order, a.k.a. flirting with him shamelessly, I force myself to look anywhere but him. Does he remember me as much as I do him?
I should go thank him again for his help that night, but the influx of emotion makes me struggle to control myself.
I need to pull myself together.
Tara returns with a sour face. “He asked for you.” She rolls her eyes but winks at me.
I try to walk to his table like a normally functioning adult.
“Hi,” I croak.
His gaze roams around my face, pausing at my lips before returning to meet my eyes, spreading heat all over my skin. I must look like a freaking tomato.
“Hi.” There is an undertone of secret in his voice. “Funny to run into you. Have you been staying out of trouble?”
On the day I start fretting about my stalker, my hero shows up. I really don’t know how I deserve all the luck I’ve been having.
I chuckle. “Yes. I wanted to thank you again, but Vanessa disappeared somewhere after that night. I saw on the news the man she dated died. Poor girl, but she never returned to the shelter and I had no way to get in touch with her,” I babble. Jesus. But he keeps smiling and studying me with kind eyes. Or maybe devouring me with that sexy look is a better description. “To find out how to find you and properly thank you. You saved my life.”