Page 22 of Once I Find You

“Just…leave it on the counter.”

I smile and walk over to the counter, setting it down on an empty spot. When I turn back around, he immediately turns his head to look away. Was he staring at my ass?

“Look. I don’t know what to do here. I can’t afford to get involved with anyone, and as you know what I do is dangerous,” he says, though he looks conflicted. That means I’m definitely getting through to him, right?

“I don’t mind,” I say sweetly, clasping my hands together.

“Okay, but I do. You should be…I don’t know. Aren’t you supposed to be in college?”

“Well, I’ve been working since I was sixteen. I skipped college to follow my dream. I mean, maybe one day I’d like to take professional classes for baking.” That would be amazing. Too bad they’re expensive.

“Sixteen?” he asks.

“Well…I had to drop out of high school and get my GED online. I kind of ended up on my own so I had to work full-time.”

“Why would you be on your own? Because of him?”

I feel a bit embarrassed. I guess I didn’t think about the fact I’d have to tell my messy life story to the man I’m trying to impress. “Uh, yeah. I mean, I had to separate from my family. I moved in with my aunt on my father’s side but it was only while I waited to get accepted for a housing program. I had to work full-time so I could make enough to be approved.”

He’s quiet. Crap. He’s totally not interested in my backstory. I misunderstood and overshared again. Why would I expect him to care about that?

“And now?”

“Huh?” I ask, not sure what he means.

“Where are you now?”

“Oh…now? I’m in a studio apartment in downtown Ashford. I aged out of the low-income housing program when I turned eighteen, so I had to find something else.”

“Downtown Ashford? Where?” Why is he so curious?

“It’s on the same block as Heritage Park.”

“Heritage Park? You live there alone?”

I nod once, a bit confused. He’s probably thinking about how it’s in a poorer area…and maybe I should’ve lied? No, no. It’s okay, he’d find out eventually anyway.

He sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. “At least tell me you don’t walk far from your car to get inside.”

“I…take the bus,” I admit quietly. This can’t be going any worse. Great first impressions you’ve made so far, Layla.

“The fucking bus? Are you kidding me?”

I shake my head, my eyes staying locked on his.

“You took a bus last night?” When I nod, he looks pissed. “Do you know how fucking unsafe that is?”

“I can’t really afford to Uber everywhere, though. I got a discounted bus pass from the program.” I try to defend myself, but I know he still isn’t happy.

He runs his hand down his bearded face as he turns to the side, and I take his moment of silence to enjoy him while he doesn’t watch me. It’s exciting finally seeing him fully unmasked like this. He has well-kept brown hair, dark green eyes, and a kind face despite his constant sour expression. His arms are covered in tattoos, and I bet they spread everywhere. I wonder how hard that chest is…

He passes me and rounds a corner, and I hear keys jingle. When he comes back, he stops right in front of me, and I feel my whole body stiffen. Surprisingly, not in the bad way. The very, very good way.

“I’m taking you home, and you’re going to stay there, and not even think about coming back here again, or any-fucking-where else you shouldn’t be.”

“But—”

“Did you hear what I just said, little girl?” he says it like he’s angry…but why do I kinda like it?