Page 6 of Secret Admirer

He clears his throat, looking down. “Most people treat me as if I’m lower than the dirt beneath their shoes.”

“Well, I’m not most people. Most people I find to be assholes.”

His lips twitch and that’s all I can ask for.

For now.

“Are you going to take your sandwich? I got you a ham and Swiss Panini. It’s not much.” I shrug and immediately feel like an asshole. It’s not much to me, but for him, it could be his only meal for the day.

“Why don’t you eat it?” he asks, eyes transfixed on the bag. I bet he can smell the gooey goodness of the cheese melted all over the ham. It’s got my mouth watering and wishing I had ordered one for myself.

“I’m on a diet.” The lie falls from my lips so easily. I’ll say anything to get him to take it from me.

He looks me up and down and I feel the blush slowly rise from my chest up to the tips of my ears. I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m the color of a tomato.

“You don’t need to diet,” he growls.

Unsure what to say, I stand gaping at him. How can I convince him he needs this sandwich much more than I do without threatening his pride?

Thrusting the bag into his chest, I hightail it back into the salon without looking back. Okay, I could have handled that better, but I knew without a shadow of a doubt there was no way I was going to convince him to take the sandwich.

“Oh my God, have you seen the man outside?” I whisper-yell as I hand Trixie her drink.

* * *

I blink and I’m in my new house. The movers have already placed most of my things where they’re supposed to be thanks to Trixie. I was supposed to meet them bright and early this morning, but I had a flat tire. More like a couple of sabotaged tires. Someone slashed both tires on the driver’s side and scraped something up and down the side of my car. It looks like Freddy Krueger paid me a visit. I’m lucky it wasn’t all four of my tires, but why me? No one else in my apartment complex had their cars attacked. Since I was running late, Trixie jumped out of bed and came to my rescue directing the movers until I got here. I don’t have nearly enough to fill the house, but I don’t mind. Slowly I’ll start to add pieces and make what was supposed to be my parents’ house into my own.

It’s bittersweet being here. I love the house, but I’d much rather my parents be alive and me visiting them. Instead, I’ll have to settle for accepting the house as the gift it is and making a life for myself.

Now, as I look around, I don’t know where to start. There’s plenty to do, but all I want to do is plop myself down on my comfy couch and stare out at the desert and the city below. One entire side of the house is all windows and sliding doors looking out onto miles of beautiful sweeping views. Mountains line one side of the house helping shield it from when the wind picks up and can also be seen on the other side of town.

Trixie sashays up to me and plunks down on the couch, putting her arm around my waist. She’s been side eying me ever since I walked into the house but hasn’t said a word to me. I mentally count down in my head.

3…2…1…

Frowning she pulls away. “How bad is the damage?”

“To my car?” When she nods, I shrug. “It isn’t good. Two tires were ruined, and the driver’s side is ruined. Maybe a werewolf was on the loose last night and attacked my car instead of some unsuspecting victim.”

From the moment I saw my car, I’ve been wracking my brain trying to figure out who would want to do something like this to me. I keep to myself, and not once have I ever had a complaint from one of my clients or neighbors.

Trixie’s tinkling laughter fills the house making me smile. “Yes, I’m sure that’s what happened. Why on Earth would someone do that to your car?” Her eyes narrow as her lips purse. “Does anyone else in the complex have the same car as you? Maybe it was a case of mistaken identity.”

Or maybe it’s the person whose eyes I feel on me every time I leave my apartment.

“Have you seen or felt anyone around lately? You haven’t mentioned it.” It’s as if she read my mind.

Leaning forward, I rest my chest to my legs and turn to look at her. “Every time I leave that damn apartment. I hear strange sounds too, but there’s never anyone there. I’m so happy to be out of there.”

“It’s a good thing you’ve got that fancy alarm system here. When I leave, I make sure to set it. I know you’ll probably space out listening to your music and forget all about it.”

“I promise I’ll set it the second you walk out the door.” I can’t help but smile at her. Since I met Trixie, she’s taken me under her wing.

“Well, if you don’t need me, I’m going to head into the salon. I’ve got appointments for the rest of the afternoon.”

“Thank you, bestie. I don’t know what I’d do without you or how I’ll ever be able to repay you.” Wrapping my arms around her, I hug her tight, hiding the tears stinging the backs of my eyes.

Leaning back, she looks down at me with a mischievous smile on her lips, ignoring the tears in my eyes. Heaven knows she’s seen me cry enough these last couple of weeks and is used to it. “How about once you’re all settled here you have a party?”

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