Page 43 of Rogue Wave

“Bye, Dad.” I turned without saying anything else or acknowledging Samson at all and made my way to the employee’s only door several feet away. I scanned my badge and went through, not looking back at all.

I couldn’t. Because if I did, it would just make me cry to see my father’s face, knowing that the only reason he’d inserted himself back into my life all these years later wasn’t because he cared, but because he needed money and had no problem using and exploiting me to get it.

I needed to break away from him as fast as I could.

I also needed a stiff drink.

Maybe three.

12

“A group of starfish are called a galaxy.”

—It’s science

Hank

My moment of reckoning had come. It dawned on me—hard—that I not only wanted her in my life, but I needed her.

Writing her tickets just so she had an excuse to come see me—even if it was just to lay into me—had become my kryptonite. Walking Shadow at the beach when I had already seen Hazel walk in that direction became an addiction.

I knew deep down that I was already drawn to her and had been fighting it for nearly two months.

That had changed today.

My reaction to her on the phone was not normal, and I knew it. The ache in my chest and constriction in my throat told me this was more than just concern for about a victim. The level of panic I’d felt when I’d thought someone was hurting her was borderline insane.

Yes, at the time the call dropped, I didn’t know the details of the situation and had every right to be worried. But once I arrived on the scene and understood what happened, my intensity hadn’t waned.

Never in my life had I ever wanted to hurt an animal, period. My anger was sky-high toward an octopus for making me feel that level of fear.

I knew I was a goner for her. I had suspected it for a few weeks, but the incident just now solidified it.

The moment I had seen her, I’d wanted to pull her into me and kiss the living hell out of her, hold her, and make sure she was okay.

I’d thought about kissing her, especially after seeing the edge of lust and want in her eyes, but had told myself to pause and rein it in.

However, once I’d plucked the piece of shrimp from her hair and had seen the disappointment on her face, I’d started to regret my decision. Then she’d bitten her lip, and my control had snapped. Her eyes had widened with sharp, hot recognition, and I’d had to taste her.

She’d tasted even better than I’d imagined—lips soft, plump, and with something sweet from whatever lip balm she was wearing. My body needed more, but not in a public place like her work.

Later, I’d told myself. Later.

I knew I likely had my work cut out for me because she thought I hated her, but I’d figure something out. Because keeping her at arm’s length wasn’t working. It only made the pull to her stronger.

I called Dougie to let him know I was going to be late.

“Hey, man. I had to stop by Hazel’s work, so I’m running late. I called in a pizza, though, so I’ll see you in twenty.”

“All good,” Dougie replied. “Did that asshole ex stop by her work or something?”

I sighed and then gave him the whole story of the perceived attack and the dropped call, most of which he laughed through.

“She’s without a phone now and likely won’t be able to get one until tomorrow when the stores open back up,” I told him, knowing he’d intervene.

“I’ll take care of it,” he replied. “I’ll have something for her when she gets home from work tonight.”

“Cool. I’ll see you in fifteen.”