“Hey Aron. What’s up? We’re all at Taylor’s for supper right now. And by all, I meanall. Standing room only.” He laughs. It sounds like a circus in the background.
I smile. The Bells family is huge and growing fast. I can’t keep track of all my cousin’s kids. “Hey dude. Quick one for you. You remember my best friend, Kade? His sister is in town, staying with him because her ex is harassing her. Kade says this guy is mixed up in all kinds of bad shit. She’s come to Darlinton from Newhope.”
“Newhope? Wow, that sleepy little place? Her ex must stick out like a sore thumb. How can I help?” There’s the sound of a door opening and closing as Alfie moves to a quieter spot.
“He’s threatening her and her family, according to Kade. Won’t let up. Could you have a nose around and see if you come up with anything? I know it’s sort of out of your jurisdiction.” I look up again at the brightly lit window, hoping to catch another glance of Olivia.
“Sure. I have a few connections over there. Text me any details you have and I’ll get back to you if I turn something up. In the meantime I’ll give the Darlinton police department a heads up. What’s her name?”
“Olivia. Olivia Brook; Kade’s her big brother. The guy is called Adrian, I can see if Kade knows his last name, or get the info from Olivia. Thanks, I really appreciate it.” I watch as Kade’s huge dog, Snoop, comes to sit and look out the window, looking like a small bear. At least she’s got that beast protecting her until Kade gets home.
I should drive back home, but knowing Olivia’s potentially at risk makes me feel antsy. I should be distancing myself from this situation for so many reasons; she’s Kade’s little sister, my employee and ten years younger than me. But the memory of her soft curves against me earlier has my dick stiffening in my pants and I want to be near her again.
I sit in my car, lights off, looking up at the window. I’m going to wait until Kade gets back, then find out what he knows about this Adrian guy and text it to Alfie. I’m not risking Olivia’s safety.
I’m looking out for her now.
ChapterFive
OLIVIA
My cell screen lights up.
It’s two in the morning. I wince as I pick up the phone.
I know where you are.
I stare at the screen. My heart starts beating faster, but I try to stay logical. Adrian doesn’t know where I am. He’s playing mind games, his favorite thing to do. He wants me to text him back and let slip something that will help him out. Some little nugget of information that will let him torment me even more.
I’m not falling for it.
The danger is out in the open now. Kade knows, Aron knows. The whole town must know by now. The thought of Aron makes my cheeks flush. What was I thinking? In what possible world was it okay to kiss my boss, in the workplace? And not just that, but my brother’s best friend?
But, it felt so good. And he did respond, although I did practically throw myself at him.
In the morning I feel like staying in bed, but I’m doing the 11-4pm shift while Juni’s at college. I help Kade with the twins’ breakfast, trying not to get baby food in my hair so I don’t have to wash it again.
“You okay, sis? You’re quiet this morning. That shitty ex bothering you?” Kade looks concerned.
“No, I’m fine.” I created this mess, I need to fix it. Dragging Kade further into my problems isn’t the right thing to do. And Adrian’s mind games are just that, games.
“How’s it going at Langstones? Is Aron being mean to you?” My brother grins.
There’s a lot I could say but it would involve embarrassing myself and maybe Kade getting mad at Aron, so I don’t. “He’s great. They’re all great. I’m going to get ready.”
As I get changed for work, my phone lights up again. I need to block Adrian’s number, but somehow I can’t. It’s like if I know what he’s trying to mindgame me with, then I have the advantage. Maybe it’s the wrong thing to do, but I feel like not knowing would be even worse.
Ignoring me isn’t going to go well for you, Olivia.
I throw my phone in my bag. I’m not going to keep checking it. That way Adrian won’t be able to get into my head.
It’s weird at the gym. Aron nods at me, like we were polite acquaintances. To be fair, I flush bright red and start typing on the laptop when he comes in, so I don’t really give him the chance to make conversation. Ivar and Juni exchange glances before she leaves, so it must be really obvious that something awkward is going on.
This is so embarrassing. I’ve only been in Darlinton for a couple of days and I’m already making a scene. I keep my head down and get on with my work. Aron comes to get his schedule but every time I make sure I’m talking to a client or on the phone. I’m trying to be more professional to make up for yesterday’s fiasco with that amazing, stupid kiss. When Juni comes back to take over, I grab my coat and hightail it out of there; I need some time on my own to think.
When I get back to the apartment I’m expecting Sally to be there with the kids and my brother to be getting ready for his night shift. Except nobody is home except Snoop, who greets me with an excitedly wagging tail. As I put some more food in his dish, I grab my phone from my bag.
Shit. I have three missed calls and lots of texts. Kade says Owen’s had an accident at school and they think he might have broken his arm. Sally’s at the hospital and Kade’s taken the twins to Sally’s Mom’s house, then he’s going there too. He’s asked me to look after Snoop and he’ll keep me updated.
