Page 24 of Secret Admirer

“I understand Ma’am. That’s not where I was going with my question. Mr. Rivers has lived out on the streets and some of the people he may have come into contact with aren’t the savoriest of characters. Is it possible someone might have followed you home?”

Turning to face the officers, Bodhi blocks me from their view—or so I can’t see them, I can’t tell. “I don’t think anyone could have followed us. Coco’s property is too far away for anyone without the means of transportation to follow. As you can see it’s been an emotional day for Coco. If you could please check the house to see if you can find anything it would be very much appreciated. I think it will go a long way in helping her sleep tonight.”

Officer Superman steps around until he can see me. “If that’s okay with you?”

Straightening to my full height, I square my shoulders. “I’m perfectly safe with Bodhi.”

“Yes, Ma’am, I’m sure you are.”

The moment they leave the room, I slide down to the floor and look up to Bodhi. “Is that typical for you?”

His brows furrow. “Is what typical?”

“The police treating you like they did.”

“Oh,” he tilts his head from side to side. “That was nothing.” He smiles down at me and extends his hand out. “Why don’t we go back and sit where the fire is?”

Taking his hand, I stand, and we walk silently back to the couch where I wrap myself in a blanket. “Does it really not bother you that they treat you differently because you don’t have a permanent address?”

He shifts on the couch to look at me better. “Is it fair? No, but I appreciate them looking out for you. They only want to make sure you’re safe, and that’s all that matters.” The sincerity ringing from his words lessens a little bit of the tension from the day.

I pull my legs up underneath myself. “Funny because I feel the safest when I’m with you. You’d never hurt me, would you?”

“Not on my life,” he answers immediately. “I’d rather hurt myself than you.”

“Do you think they’ll find anything?”

“In all honesty, no, I don’t think they will. For one, it will be hard to find any evidence in the dark and second, if every time your lights have come on it was someone out there, I think they know what they’re doing.” He grimaces. “I’m sorry that wasn’t what you wanted to hear.”

“It wasn’t what I wanted to hear, but it was the truth so thank you. You could have easily lied to me.”

“I won’t lie to you, Coco. I’ll answer any question you have for me…or at least I’ll try to.” Again, I know he’s telling me the truth and butterflies take flight in my stomach.

Officer Two walks into the living room and stops in front of us. “Ma’am, we looked around the house but didn’t see anything. I’m sorry. We’ll bag up the cat and it will be put into evidence. Do you have someplace else to stay tonight? A relative or friend’s house, perhaps?”

“I could stay with my friend, Trixie, but I don’t want whoever did this to run me out of my house.” I know it’s not the smartest decision, but for now, I want to stay in my home.

“I highly suggest you stay elsewhere, but I can’t force you. If you have any problems whatsoever, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Here’s my card with your report number on it.”

After taking his card, I lock up for what feels like the millionth time that night and enable the alarm. For now, I’m keeping the shades drawn and my house on lockdown. Back on the couch with another blanket in tow, I yawn. I’m dead tired and I’ve never been more afraid to fall asleep in my life. I don’t know what I’ll see once I close my eyes.

“Bodhi?” I call his name hesitantly.

He looks up from situating the blanket over him. “Yeah?”

“I know this might seem strange, but can you hold me? I’m scared of falling asleep and you make me feel as if you’d do anything to protect me.”

“Iwoulddo anything to protect you, Coco, and if you need me to hold you, I will.” He pats the spot beside him on the couch and I eagerly slide in next to him. Wrapping his arm around my shoulders, I lay my head on his chest and place my hand on his taut abs.

At first, his body is rigid, but as the seconds pass, Bodhi slowly starts to relax. I’m actually surprised he agreed. He’s warm and hard, and smells of the vanilla body wash from upstairs and something uniquely him. The rest of the tension from the night slowly drains away with each second I’m wrapped in his arms.

“Goodnight, Bodhi, and thank you for everything.” I yawn and snuggle deeper into his hard chest.

Tightening his arm around me, he pulls me closer. “Goodnight, Coco.”

12

Bodhi

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