Chapter 17

I stared up at him, shocked at this news, and, because I was a loser, titillated at the prospect of going with him wherever that would be. A major component of my daydreams the last year and a half centered around where he lived and spent his time and the idea of finally discovering the truth behind that, damn and blast, I had to admit was a discovery I really wanted to make.

Then I got smart and stated, "Dad will take care of my window tomorrow and I'm staying with him and Meredith tonight, that's why they're here."

He completely ignored me.

"You're comin' with me."

Seriously! This guy!

"No, I'm not."

"Yeah, Sam, you are."

"I don't know you other than knowing you and what I'm learning I do not like. I had a break-in tonight and it freaked me out in a serious way. It scared the hell out of me. I know my Dad and Meredith. I want to be with them tonight. I want to be someplace I know with people I know where I feel safe. I want to go home."

He studied me again then his thumb did another sweep, this time against my neck and, being a loser, it felt nice.

"I can see you need that so I'll let you do it," he said softly.

"Well, thanks," I replied not softly.

He grinned.

I glared.

He kept grinning as I kept glaring then he murmured, "Yeah, totally fuckin' missed out."

Then his head dropped and since I had no place to go, I couldn't avoid his lips brushing mine lightly in a way that made them tingle.

His head came up and he whispered, "Be smart, baby, my boys'll secure your house and you can come home tomorrow.

Yeah?"

Then his thumb swept my neck again, I liked it again but before I could answer, he let me go and he was gone.

I stood with my back against the wall, staring in the space he'd been in, wondering how he could vanish into thin air right before my eyes and then I realized I was breathing heavily.

Then I shook it off, telling myself I didn't actually care it was fascinating he could evaporate. Telling myself the fact that he had "boys", he flew Black Hawks, he had a "base", part of what he did was security and his nickname was Hawk was not fascinating either.

And also telling myself he could do what he wanted, I was going to do what I wanted and he couldn't make me do what he wanted.

Ef that!

Then I set about packing a bag to go home with Dad and Meredith.

When I was in my bathroom getting my stuff, I grabbed my lotion and bath gel and stopped dead.

It hadn't registered with me until then, when I stood in my bathroom and stared at the plastic bottles in my hands.

My scent, the one I always used, was sweet pea.