“Okay,” I answered meekly.

John held me the whole time I was on the phone. I was lucky the officer was still at the same station and on duty. I told him everything I could.

“Thanks, Miss Rowley. It’s probably nothing, but to be on the safe side, I’ll check up with Mr. Baines and with his parole officer. You said you saw a dark sedan?”

“Yes. There was a man outside the salon, but I didn’t recognize him. Maybe it was him driving. I honestly don’t know.”

“Okay, well I’ll check things this end. In the meantime, if you see the car again try to get the registration number. Oh, and I don’t have to remind you to be careful.”

“I will, don’t worry.”

He promised me he’d keep me in the loop. I thanked him and hung up.

“From now on, I’m driving you to work and picking you up, even on Thursdays. Until this creep is caught again, I’m not risking your safety.”

It made me all warm and fuzzy inside. I’d never had anyone care enough for me to worry about my safety. Of course, I kissed him to say thank you. That kiss led to a few more and before I knew it, we were both naked and in bed.

Nothing made my fears disappear as quickly as making love. John held me secure in his arms, and we lay there, idly talking about the Expo until he told me it was time to get up and eat. I threw on a pair of jeans and warm top and then went into the kitchen where John dished out his latest recipe—an appetizing tajine filled with delicious fruits and vegetables, all flavored with Moroccan herbs and spices. We sat and ate the whole thing together with couscous and delectable naan bread to mop up the last of the juices.

That night I lay in John’s arms and thanked the universe for sending him to me. My life was filled with such happiness now that we’d found each other. There was nothing that could ever spoil it. We were true soul mates.