Page 81 of It Never Was

"What?" His voice echoes through the voice and my stomach clenches, "There is someone following you?"

"I don't hear them anymore, so maybe it was just in my head."

"Well, I'm glad you called, just wish I could be there to keep you safe. How far are you from your car?" The tone changes and he is softer in his concern.

"I just got to the main street," I whisper, "shouldn't be too long now."

"Okay, good. Keep me on the phone."

"Are you sure? I don't want to keep you up or bother." I squeeze my bag handle firmer now. I don't want to be an inconvenience, more than I already was.

"Ryen. You could never bother me. I would stay on the phone with you all day everyday if it meant I just got to hear your voice."

My heart palpitates and I grin into the night sky, taking long blinks as my heart absorbs the words and the sincerity in them. I never thought I would believe someone when they said these types of sweet things to me. Not until Parker.

All I could do was give a rose cheeked 'okay' as I walked the rest of the way to the shop, Parker telling me about his day with Gabe and how he beat him at Call of Duty so badly he said he didn't want to play him anymore.

The shop came into sight and my car glistened in the moonlight even with her worn out paint. I peer over my shoulder with a quick glance to see if the figure is still there but there is no person in sight. I unlock my car, jump inside as fast as possible with my tired limbs and I lock the doors immediately.

"You in your car?" Parker asks through the phone I am holding between my shoulder and ear trying to start the car and toss my bag in the passenger seat.

"Yeah. In the car, the doors are locked, and the engine is now warming up." I say bouncing in my seat trying to warm my ass in the cold fabric seats.

"That's my girl."

The praise beams through me and I can't contain the smile that breaks over my face. I let out a nervous giggle.

"Are you blushing Ryen McKenny?"

Does this man have cameras on me, or does he just read my mind?

"Maybe." The whimper twined in my single word made a groan float into my ear from Parker, which greeted me with heat that flowed through me mentally and physically.

"God, I wish I could see the pink on your cheeks."

"Parker." I'm not even trying to hide the weakness he causes me to feel anymore.

"Yes?"

"Will you come over?" I rushed them out, shutting my eyes tight and cursing myself for asking this of him so late at night. My head leaned back against the headrest. My eyes still shut. The seconds stretch out longer as silence rings in my ears. I hold my breath waiting for his response.

"You want me to come to you Ryen? I can come for you?" My eyes shoot open and my jaw drops. I try to gather my thoughts to see if he meant it to sound the way it sounded. And knowing Parker he always does things intentionally.

"Yes."

"I'll be there. But I'm not getting off the phone. Deal?" His words are just as rushed as mine now.

"Deal." Is all I can say as I put my car in reverse and drive home.

I've never been so excited to go home before.

49

Ryen

Parker was a man of his word.

He didn't get off the phone with me until not only I was home, but we were both in the safety of my room.

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