CHAPTERSIX
MERRY
I knewthat Ava and Marcus had been discussing me in the hallway and my stomach sank when she came back into the office with a bright smile on her face, chattering away about the house.
Marcus followed her a few moments later, but I couldn't read his expression. He didn't look happy, nor did he look angry. He was just...there.
I tried to study him in a covert fashion, but he caught me staring and attempted a smile. I said "attempted" because it didn't reach his eyes.
He wasn't pleased that he was playing tour guide.
I waited until Ava stopped speaking before I spoke up. "If you'll give me the key and address, I can drive myself over there."
To my surprise, it was Marcus who replied, "I'm not sure that would be a good idea. What if the man is waiting at your car? Or follows you to the house?"
I didn't answer.
"I'm happy to take you."
I glanced up at him and my face must have betrayed my thoughts because he sighed.
"I am," he insisted.
"I promise you that he has no problem taking you to see the rental," Ava stated.
My cheeks flushed because I'd completely forgotten she was in the room. I'd been so focused on Marcus that nothing else existed.
I looked down at the coffee cup in my lap. "Okay. Thank you."
I hated that I was being so passive, but I really didn't want to go alone. I was already worried that Marcel was waiting at my car. That he'd pop out from around a corner between The Magic Bean and the hotel and cart me away before I could so much as scream.
"I, um, need to go by my hotel and change first, if that's okay," I said, glancing up at Marcus.
His stern expression softened and he nodded. "Of course."
I didn't mention that while I was there, I intended to grab my vampire-strength Taser and pepper spray.
Ava took a ring of keys out of her desk drawer and took one off, holding it out to Marcus. "You remember the alarm code, right?"
He nodded.
"There's an alarm?" I asked, my trepidation fading just a bit.
Ava smiled. "All my rental properties are equipped with them now."
Okay, so that was a good thing. Another check mark in the pro column.
I put the cup on top of the empty plate that had held one of the most delicious scones I'd ever eaten and got to my feet.
"Are you ready to go?" I asked Marcus.
"Whenever you are."
Ava came over to me and took my hands. "I'm sorry you had such a scare this morning, but I'm so glad that I got to meet you." She paused. "And that you're going to stay in one of my rentals. I hope you love the house as much as I do."
I squeezed her hands before releasing them. "I'm glad I met you, too. It sounds like a lovely place, so I'm sure I'll love it."
I waved goodbye to Calum, Harrison, and the tall, serene woman who'd brought me coffee and the scone. As Marcus and I emerged from the shop, I caught myself trying to look everywhere at once.
