Page 11 of Roughing
“You can’t work there.” The minute the words escaped my mouth, I knew I’d made a grave error. Michella’s eyes narrowed, and she looked ready to rip me a new one.
“Where I work is none of your business.”
“Bad area and you have a stalker.”
She shrugged and poured herself another glass of wine.
“It’s not safe.” I spoke of the one thing we’d both been avoiding, but it had to be said. She might not consider this any of my business, but I felt an odd responsibility toward her safety. I’d screwed up once with fatal consequences, and I wouldn’t allow Michella to be hurt if I had anything to do with it.
Michella met my gaze and dropped all pretenses. Fear clouded her brown eyes and hurt my heart. I itched to grab her hand and hold it, but the gesture wouldn’t be welcome.
She looked to the ceiling and closed her eyes for a moment. I took advantage and studied her face. Worry etched small lines into her flawless skin. If only I could wrap her in my arms and promise no one would ever hurt her again, but that was a promise I wouldn’t be able to keep. Ask my sister.
She opened her eyes, blinked a few times, and met my gaze. “You don’t think he could’ve found me, do you?”
“I no longer underestimate that asshole. It’s highly likely.”
“But I was hired today. How would he have figured that out so soon?”
“I don’t know, but it worries me. Can you alert your boss so you’re not left there alone, especially after dark?”
She snorted and shook her head. “Have you met my boss?”
“No.”
“She’s a ballbuster, and I don’t dare show any weakness. She’d love a reason to send me packing.”
“Why?” This was concerning. If her boss wouldn’t keep her safe, then who would? I couldn’t be her protector twenty-four seven. I had hockey and away games, including a weeklong road trip starting tomorrow.
“Yes. She’s pissed she was forced to hire me. I need to prove myself and not be a helpless female.”
“I would never consider you helpless.” Michella was one of the strongest women I knew. She might be a little directionless and overspend on clothes, but she was strong. We all had our idiosyncrasies. I know I had more than my share.
“Yet you interfere with my life every chance you get, riding in on your hockey stick to save the day. I never asked you to be my knight or even my friend. You’re not responsible for me, so let it go. I’ll take care of myself.”
Her harsh words stung more than they should’ve. “At least carry a weapon of some kind. Pepper spray or something.”
“I plan on it.”
Her declaration didn’t make me feel any better. The waiter delivered our salads, and we ceased conversation while we dug in. I hadn’t realized how starved I was until I cleaned my plate and wished I had more. Michella finished soon after, and our waiter whisked away our plates.
“Even the salads here are amazing,” Michella said.
“Yeah, they are.” I had to agree with her. I felt her eyes on me and met her direct gaze, bracing myself.
“What’s up with your suspension?” I’d expected this question sooner rather than later, and the more time that’d passed, the more I’d hoped to dodge it.
“I’m on the team. I leave on the five-game road trip tomorrow.”
Her face showed no expression, and I wasn’t able to decipher what she was thinking. “I’m happy for you,” she finally said, not sounding happy in the least, not sounding like anything.
“Thanks.” I glanced toward our waiter, wishing the main course was delivered so we could end this night. I should’ve never asked her to dinner. Stupid move on my part.
“Are you glad?”
“Glad? Fuck if I know.”
One perfectly sculpted eyebrow crept upward, but that was her only show of emotion. “You do want to play hockey, don’t you?”
