Page 29 of Secret Admirer

I’m going to have to call Trixie and let her know, or maybe I’ll wait since she’ll want to know all about Bodhi and why he’s been here. As much as I love her, I don’t want her to ruin what’s barely started and scare Bodhi away.

After scooping the eggs onto the bread, I sit down on one of the bar stools and wait for Bodhi to take his first bite. Knowing I’m watching, he overeagerly takes a big bite and chews with exaggeration. I’m about to ask him if he likes it when my phone rings in the living room. Running to answer my phone before whoever it is hangs up, I’m surprised when I see an unknown number on the caller ID.

Hesitantly I answer hoping it’s not a telemarketer. “Hello?”

“Miss Beckett, it’s Officer Walker. How are you today?” His deep voice rumbles.

“I’m fine. I stayed home and rested. How are you?” I ask wondering if they got a lead and that’s why he’s calling.

“I’m good. Thank you for asking. I wanted to let you know that we went by your ex-boyfriend, Dwayne’s house this morning and he has an alibi. If you think of anyone else, who might want to see you harmed or has a grievance with you, please don’t hesitate to call me or if you see anyone outside your property again.”

“Do you think whoever it was will come back?” I ask as I walk back into the kitchen. Bodhi’s head shoots up at my question.

“If you’re right and someone has been setting off your security lights then, yes, I do believe they’ll be back. I suggest you stay at a friend’s house or have someone stay with you. You know the saying better safe than sorry.”

“Thank you, Officer, for calling and updating me.” Now I’m definitely going to ask Bodhi if he’ll stay with me tonight.

“It’s no problem, ma’am. Have a great rest of your day.”

“I will. Thank you again, Officer.” I take a shaky breath at the thought that whoever it was will be back. I hate feeling unsafe in my own home and the thought of Bodhi not being here makes my heart rate pick up.

Shakily, I sit down beside Bodhi and stare down at my lunch. How has my life turned into this? Why did someone attack me? Why is someone coming to my house night after night? Is it a neighbor coming onto my property? It couldn’t be with how far the closest one lives. Maybe Bodhi was right and I should have cameras installed all around the property instead of only at the front door.

“Is everything okay?” Bodhi tilts his head to the side as he scrutinizes me with worried eyes.

“I don’t know. That was one of the officers from last night and he said my ex has an alibi for yesterday. I guess that’s good. I didn’t think it was him, but then again, I have no idea who it could be.” I shrug and lay my head on the counter. “I don’t have enemies. I pissed off some society people when I decided that I wasn’t going to spend all my life organizing charities, but this seems a little too far, don’t you agree?”

“I think so, but I’ve never lived that lifestyle. Maybe one of them is crazy and you’re their target. I’m sorry I’m no help.”

“Please,” I make an exasperated sound at him, “you’ve been a big help. I don’t know what I would have done without you here last night. Probably curled up in a corner and cried.”

“I doubt that. You handled yourself pretty well given the circumstances. I mean what are the odds you’d be attacked and have someone leave a dead animal on your doorstep all in one night?”

“A million to one,” I answer bitterly. Who knows what the odds are, but it does seem crazy that two things I never thought would happen to me, happened on the same night. “I’ve wanted to ask you something all day, but I haven’t had the nerve to ask and I’m going to have to take you to work soon so...I was wondering…”

Sitting back, Bodhi gives me his full attention. His eyes on mine instead of my breasts. Another thing I like about Bodhi. “Wondering what?”

“After work will you come back and stay with me another night?”

14

Bodhi

“Yourfriendisoutside waiting for you,” Lucille smiles at me with a glint in her eye.

She was all over me when I showed up earlier and saw Coco dropping me off. It didn’t matter how many times I told her that we’re only friends and I’m helping her out with a difficult situation. Lucille is convinced there’s more going on.

“I saw the way you looked at her and the way your face lit up when I told you she was waiting for you. You can’t fool me, boy.” She cackles.

“There’s no harm in looking but trust me she doesn’t feel the same way I do.” And she never will.

Putting her hands up in surrender, she backs away. “I don’t want to argue, but I think you’re wrong.” I go to deny her claim, but Lucille puts up her hand. “Since you don’t have eyes in the back of your head, you didn’t see the way she was looking at you when you walked away.”

I’m typically not arrogant but yeah, I know I look good. I’ve maintained my body, and I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror this afternoon when I showered. I almost forgot what I looked like it had been so long since I last shaved, but staring back at me was a baby-faced young man I hadn’t seen in the last four years. Now I look human instead of like a yeti with my new haircut.

“Like I said there’s no harm in looking, but she’ll never be interested in me that way.” Only in my fantasies.

Lucille’s brows pull together, and her head tilts to the side. “Why do you say that?”

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