Page 2 of Protector Next Door
I was disappointed when I moved in only to learn that he would be in New York for a conference for a week, and then at another one in Los Angeles for another few days, but I was so looking forward to seeing him again soon that the renewed excitement swallowed the disappointment. If anything, not being able to see him as soon as I’d hoped made my excitement that much moreintense.
I pull up his contact information on my phone and look at his picture, one that I’ve seen a million times because he has it as his icon next to his email address. Just looking at his authoritative, confident smile is instantly calming. I make the call. He’ll know what todo.
“Hello, Samantha?” he says, answering on the firstring.
“Hi Xander,” I reply. “I know you aren’t in town right now but I was hoping you had a few minutes to help me out withsomething.”
“Of course,” he says. His tone is so reassuring and calming, but gives me a little tickle of energy at the same time. It’s that authoritative thing he has going on. Like he’ll take total control of any situation and know what to do. Not in an asshole way, though. I’ve dealt with enough man-children, my ex included, who thought being tough and in-charge meant being bossy just to make themselves look like they knew what they were doing. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t work. It just makes people resentful andannoyed.
“I had a visitor of sorts,” I say, padding toward the front door. I take a peek through the frosted glass window and see the manilla envelope sitting there. “Some weirdo showed up on my front porch and dropped off this random envelope. I have no idea what it could be or who the guy is and I’m a little scared to open the door. I know it’s probably nothing, but I’ve had a few scares and…well, I guess I was just hoping you’d have someadvice.”
“You did the right thing by calling me,” Xander says. “Stay there. Do not open the door. I’ll be there as soon as Ican.”
“Oh…I thought you wereaway?”
“I’m in LA, but I’m going to hop on the nextflight.”
I’m not used to a man - or anyone - doing anything involving lost-distance travel for me, let alonelast-minutelong-distancetravel.
“Xander, no, that’s totally not necessary. I can call the cops. You don’t have to come all thisway.”
“It’s not a problem, Samantha. Sit tight, okay? I’ll be theresoon.”
“Thanks,” I sigh. Even though it’s totally overkill, Xander isn’t the kind of man to do something for no reason,ordo something he doesn’t want to. Relief washes away a little pang of guilt. “I appreciateit.”
“See yousoon.”
The perfect night just took an unexpectedturn…
