Page 82 of Last Date
“Great.” He pressed a gentle kiss to my lips, then straightened. “This has been a crazy night.”
“Very.”
He moved to the door, and I followed. “Nice door,” he said, running his hand over the smooth oak.
I laughed. “The guy just showed up. I didn’t even have to call him.”
Twisting his lips, Merrick said, “It was the least I could do, since I’m the one who kicked it in.”
I widened my eyes. “You called him for me?”
He shrugged. “You looked a little shell-shocked by the events of the evening. I worried you wouldn’t think of it.”
“I didn’t. Not until the guy showed up at my… broken door.” I smiled, meeting his gaze. “Thanks, Merrick,” I said softly.
He wrinkled his brow. “It’s hard enough keeping you safe. A door is kind of a must to keep the bad guys out.”
I shivered. “Good point.”
“I’ll call you tomorrow.” He stepped out onto the porch. “Lock the door behind me.”
“Okay.” I was hoping he’d lean in and give me one last good-night kiss, but he didn’t.
He moved down the steps, broad shoulders squared, and I smiled. I shut the door and leaned against it, still smiling. Things had changed so drastically between us that not only was Iwillingto date Merrick, but I was actually looking forward to it.
Chapter Thirteen
When I went into work the next day, Helen greeted me at the door. “You poor dear, what a horrible night you must have had.” She helped me out of my coat. “When I got the news you’d been held hostage, I almost passed out.”
I smiled weakly. “It was terrifying.”
“The local TV station has been buzzing all morning with all the stories. It’s like something out of a book.” She moved to her desk, and I followed. “To think poor Elon has been dead all this time.”
“It’s shocking,” I said.
Charlene came out of the back room, her cheeks flushed from being outside. “Boss, you’re here? I thought maybe you’d take the day off.”
I grimaced. “No need for that. I’m perfectly fine.” I’d considered taking the day off, but then I’d decided keeping busy was the best thing for my anxious mind.
“A few reporters called.” Helen sniffed. “I told them to take a hike.”
“I chased off a news van out front.” Charlene scowled. “Vultures.”
I sighed. “They’re just doing their job. I guess.”
Helen brought a cup of coffee over to me. “Sit. Tell us about your horrible experience.”
I laughed gruffly. “Uh, sure.” I sat down in one of the office chairs and took the coffee from her. “There isn’t really much to tell.”
“How is that possible?” Charlene asked, frowning. “You were taken hostage at gunpoint by a murderer.”
“Not exactly. Attempted murderer?”
“Still.” Helen shook her head but then brightened. “Merrick looked very handsome on TV.”
Charlene slid her gaze to me with a knowing smile. “He sure did.”
Helen sighed. “Merrick always does such a good job with the press briefings. He’s a natural in front of the camera, don’t you think so, Kip?”
