My Safe Place

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My Safe Place Page 10

by Steph Poe


  I turn my body around to face him. He is so handsome and look so happy as he smiles at me. I kiss his lips once and whisper, "I have to get to work. Thanks for the coffee and the...uh...table testing." He chuckles against my lips.

  "It was my pleasure." He helps me off of the table and looks around the floor for where my panties fell. He locates them and I reach my hand out to take them from him, but he shakes his head. I flash a confused look and he just smirks at me as he stuffs my panties in his pocket. Then he pulls me in his arms. "When can I see you again?"

  I tell him that I'm busy working all weekend. He's disappointed when I say I can't see him again until Monday evening. We plan on having dinner then. He walks me out to my car and I begin feeling a little sad the closer we get to my car. I'm finding that I don't want to be away from him all weekend.

  He opens my car door for me but before I get in, I turn and face him. "Cal, I think...I mean, I know..." I focus my eyes down to the ground because I'm nervous about what I'm about to say. I don't want him to think I'm too needy. He puts his hand under my chin and pulls it up so I'm forced to look at him.

  "Eyes on me, babe. What is it?"

  "I don't want to wait 'til Monday to see you again." I see one corner of his lips turn up.

  "I can't wait that long either, baby. Why don't you stay at my place tonight? I want to sleep with you in my arms." He caresses my cheek before he leans in to kiss me. That soft touch and sweet kiss make me feel so connected to him.

  "Okay." I place my hand on his chest and step on my tip toes to kiss him again before I bend to get into my car.

  "Oh, and Lake?" I turn and look at him. "Wear those shoes." He winks at me and I roll my eyes at him. I start my car and pull away feeling as if I couldn't be any happier than I am at this moment.

  Chapter 14

  My day is spent preparing for the weekend's events, starting with Ashton and me going to White River Gardens to speak with their management to finalize details for the Spearman wedding tomorrow. The gardens are so beautiful, with lush greenery that covers archways surrounding the garden. When we add the white roses and calla lilies to them, it will be a sight to behold. The bride wanted all white flowers with the greenery of the gardens. The chairs will be covered in white silk ribbons and the aisle will be scattered with white rose petals.

  Fall weather in Indiana can be unpredictable, but the past week has been sunny and warm, staying at around seventy degrees. Tomorrow's weather forecast is calling for the same. Of course we do have a backup plan to change the ceremony to inside the conservatory should the weather not cooperate. I am never without a backup plan for weddings. I like to be prepared for anything.

  Ashton and I are with Bernie, the manager, completing our walk through. We walk inside the conservatory and there are butterflies all around, flying freely among the plants. The air is humid and thick with the sweet smell of the flowers.

  "Well ladies, I think we are all set for the wedding. I'll be here at ten o'clock tomorrow to help oversee the set-up," Bernie says, as he shakes our hands and walks back to the entrance.

  Ashton and I decide to walk around for a minute and watch the butterflies. I stop in front of a birdbath where two purple butterflies are perched on the edge.

  "So, how are things with Matt? Have you stolen his innocence yet?" I laugh as she punches my arm jokingly.

  "Hey, come on now. Be nice." She tries to look mad but then laughs too. "I just asked him, outright. I told him I would totally understand if he hasn't made a move on me yet because he's a virgin."

  "And, how did that go?"

  "He laughed. I felt like an idiot when he told me that he wasn't. He said he hadn't made a move yet because he really likes me and doesn't want to rush things." She has this beautiful wide smile on her face and her eyes have stars in them. A faint pink blush flushes her tanned cheeks.

  "Oh my God, Ash. You love him, don't you?" I'm in shock. I've never seen her like this before. She's had relationships, but I don't think she's ever really, truly been in love.

  "I think I do," she says.

  "Oh, that's so great." I pull her in for a hug. "I'm so happy for you, Ash. You deserve to be in love."

  "Thanks, girl. I haven't told him yet. I don't want to freak him out. We've only known each other for two weeks. It's way too soon."

  "Hey, sometimes that's all it takes." I can't help but let my thoughts wander to me and Cal. I know my feelings are very strong for him already, but we haven't even discussed any details. We haven't even discussed if we are exclusively dating each other.

  I tell Ashton what I'm thinking when she asks about Cal. I also decide to tell her about Cal and Chris being friends in college. She said it's just some weird coincidence and probably doesn't mean anything. I'm glad I told her. It feels good to be able to voice my fears and have someone reassure me that I may be worrying for no reason.

  It's almost five o'clock and time for the wedding rehearsal to start. Ashton and I meet with the bride and groom to discuss the next day. We run through the ceremony and make sure all the members of the bridal party know their roles, and where to walk and stand. The rehearsal goes smoothly and at around six thirty, Ashton and I head back to the office.

  I pull my car into its usual spot. I turn off the engine and get ready to open my door when Ashton puts her hand on my arm.

  "We deserve to be happy, Lake." She looks at me thoughtfully.

  "Yes, we do," I agree with her. "I'll meet you at the Gardens at ten."

  We say our good nights and she heads over to her car. It's a little black BMW convertible that her parents bought her for college graduation. It fits her personality perfectly: classy and sophisticated, while still being a little wild and free.

  I head to the front door of the office. I have some last minute things to attend to before I can go to Cal's place. The door is locked, which catches me off guard until I remember that Brynna was leaving early today to go visit her family in Tennessee. I reach for my keys in my purse and unlock the door. Reaching inside, I flip the switch to turn on the lights.

  I walk down the hall to my office. That's odd. I usually always leave my office door closed when I leave. Maybe Brynna came in here for something and forgot to close it? I hesitate a little before walking to my desk. I feel a fluttering in the pit of my stomach that feels like a warning.

  I move slowly towards my desk and walk around to my chair. My laptop is closed and there's a white envelope resting on top of it. There's no name or anything on the outside of the envelope. Perhaps Brynna left me a note. She leaves me notes often, but usually not in an envelope.

  I reach for the envelope and notice my hand shaking as I do. I pick it up and tear it open. Taking a deep breath, I pull the card out. It's plain ivory cardstock and in the center there are three words in a handwriting that I would recognize anywhere. My heart is racing out of my chest and I begin to feel dizzy. I fall into my chair and let the card fall back to my desk. I run both of my hands through my hair before rubbing my cheeks. I put my elbows on my knees and breathe deep, trying to calm myself down before I have a full blown panic attack. The only thing that's running through my head are the words on the card.

  Miss me, darling?

  Tears start forming in my eyes but I'm willing them not to fall. I cannot let this man hurt me again. I have to be strong. A sudden rush of fear consumes me. What if he's still here?

  I jump out of my chair and start looking around my office, checking every corner where anyone might hide. Then I slam my office door shut and lock it before leaning my back against it and try to steady my breathing. No one's in here but me. My chest feels tight and my stomach is sick.

  Then a sudden realization occurs. He could be hiding somewhere outside in the office. I rush to my desk to grab my cell phone out of my purse. I fumble with it for a second before I can focus and search the number I need to call. He answers on the first ring.

  "Hey, I was just about to call you."

  My sobs overwhelm me and I
can barely steady my breath enough to get the words out. "I, I'm...at my office...I think...he...was here, is here."

  "What? Who is there?"

  My mouth opens but nothing comes out, the fear overtaking me.

  "Lake, take a deep breath and tell me what the fuck is happening!" Through the phone, I hear a door slam and heavy footsteps, hopefully of him leaving his apartment.

  I obey his command and take a deep breath to calm myself. "I think Chris is in my building. I'm here alone. He left me a note. I've locked myself in my office. I'm alone, I think. He may be outside of my door, I don't know." The roar of Cal's car starting in the background and the sound of screeching tires fill my ear.

  "I'm on my way. Don't move. I'm coming to get you." He ends the call. I drop the phone and crawl on the floor to hide underneath my desk. I fold myself into a pretzel and cry into my arms.

  Why is this happening? I thought he would leave me alone. We agreed that I wouldn't press charges and he would stay away from me. What does he want? My mind flashes back to him striking me roughly with his belt, the sound of the smack against my skin explodes in my ears. It's all my fault. I let him tie me up. It's all my fucking fault. It's all my fault. I rock myself back and forth and soak my sleeves with my tears. I feel so ashamed with myself.

  Suddenly there's loud banging on my door. "Lake! It's Cal. Unlock the fucking door, now!" His voice is furious, frightening me.

  I get up slowly, my body trembling. On shaky legs, I stand and slowly drag myself to the door, where Cal is still pounding his fists. I raise my hand to unlock the door and it takes me several tries before I get it because I'm shaking so badly. As soon as the lock clicks, Cal is pushing his body through my door and he grabs under my knees to cradle me in his arms and crushes me into his chest before sliding down to the floor and leaning us against the wall.

  "Shh, I've got you baby. It's all right." He softly strokes my hair, rocking us back and forth. I continue to sob with my face pushed into his chest. I try to calm myself down, knowing that I'm safe with him.

  My face jerks up to look at Cal. "Wait, he might be in the office. " I start trembling again, but Cal only pulls me closer.

  "No, baby. I checked the whole building. He's not here." He kisses my forehead and keeps stroking my hair. "I won't let him hurt you, Lake. I'll never let anyone hurt you." My body begins to relax a little as he holds me. I'm so glad he's here with me. I'm so glad that he came into my life. His hand cups my chin and turns me up to look at him. "Now tell me exactly what happened."

  I give him every detail. How my office door was open, but the building door was locked. How I got a sickening feeling in my stomach when I approached my desk. How I knew that it was his handwriting.

  "I didn't see any broken glass or any other sign of forced entry. Is it possible that he had the note delivered?"

  "I was out of the office all afternoon. Maybe Brynna knows something." I reach for my phone that I dropped on the floor earlier and send her a quick text message, asking if she set a letter on my desk today. It only takes her a moment to reply, saying she said she did, that a man dropped it off around three and asked her to pass it along to me. Then she asks me if everything is okay. I send her a reassuring text that everything's fine and that I hope she enjoys her weekend away. I don't want to spoil her trip by worrying her.

  "I think we should call the police," Cal states.

  I turn and face him. His expression is of concern for me and anger at, I'm assuming, Chris. "What would we say? My ex boyfriend left me a note. He didn't break in, Cal. He didn't break any law."

  "He raped you! You're terrified of him. I think you need to get a restraining order. He may have told you he was going to leave you alone, but this letter is saying different." He lets go of me and stands up. I stand up with him. He grabs my shoulders and stares into my eyes. "I'm not going to let him hurt you again. I'm gonna find him and take care of it. Fuck a restraining order." He lets go of me and turns to leave.

  I run after him. "No, Cal. Please!" I grab his arm and try to turn him around. He stops walking and I put my body in front of him, reaching up to grab his face in my hands. "I love that you want to protect me, but I don't want you to get hurt or arrested. He's not worth it."

  "You're safety is worth everything to me." He grabs me and kisses me fiercely. More tears begin to fall from my eyes and into our lips, letting me taste the saltiness on my tongue. I pull back from the kiss and rest my forehead on his.

  "Please don't leave me, Cal. I can't be alone right now. Take me home." I see the look of defeat in his eyes. I know I've won. He won't be leaving to fight my battle tonight, anyway. I know he won't let this go. He's determined to keep me safe and I love him for it. Yes, I love him.

  I had my suspicions that I was in love with him, but tonight's events confirmed it. He was the first person I thought to call when I suspected I was in danger. He's my protector. I've never felt as safe as I do with him. He bends down to pick me up behind my knees again and cradles me to his chest as he leads us to the front door. I nuzzle my face into his neck as he carries me to his car, not minding at all that he's kind of like a caveman carrying his woman to safety.

  "You're coming home with me," he says as he opens the car door and sets me in the passenger seat. I don't argue with him. I want to stay with him. He reaches down to fasten my seatbelt for me before getting into his seat and starting the engine. I lean my head back and close my eyes, listening to the sweet voice of Stevie Nicks singing "Landslide" on the radio. The words reach right into my soul and I feel a tear fall down my cheek.

  Chapter 15

  I spend the night at Cal's apartment, wrapped up in his arms. I manage to sleep through the night without any nightmare disturbing my sleep. I know if I had been alone, there would be no way I could have slept.

  I don't understand the note from Chris. I know it frightened me. Those three little words rubbed me the wrong way. There's something suspicious about it. If it had been a normal note, it would have had my name on it and been signed by him. But only those three words were there. Does he want me back? Does his sick twisted mind actually think that I would ever take him back? No, that can't be it. If he wanted me back, he would've sent flowers or tried to contact me in a normal way, right? Delivering a note like that was to scare me.

  I should have called the police when he raped me. I shouldn't have let him get away with it. At the time, it seemed like a good idea just to get him out of my life. I couldn't even face the fact that he raped me then. It started as consensual. I let him tie me up. I allowed him to, knowing that the end result would be sex with my boyfriend.

  At the time, all I could think was that no one would believe me. Hell, I blamed myself. I couldn't convince the police that I was raped when I didn't even believe it myself. As much as I try to tell myself that I've moved on, I know in my heart that I haven't. I still believe that it's at least somewhat my fault.

  I really thought he would leave me alone and move on with his life. It's been three years and this is the first I've heard from him. So why now?

  I feel Cal's body stir against my back. He has his arm around my waist and he tightens his grip, pulling me against his hardness. I eagerly lean into him, pressing my backside against him, needing a distraction from my tormented thoughts. He turns my body around to face him. Our lips meet and we make love slowly and sweetly. Just what I need to distract myself from the terrible thoughts in my head.

  After I shower, I tell Cal I need to go home and get my clothes. I tell him about the wedding at the gardens today and he insists on tagging along just in case the asshole does something stupid, like show up there. I don't fight him on it because the truth is, I want him there to protect me if needed. As a strong, independent woman, it's hard to admit I need someone, but Cal makes me want to be taken care of.

  We drive to my house so I can take care of Tubbs and get ready for the day. I feel nervous because I can't stop thinking about what Chris's motives are. What's his next move? Is
he trying to scare me? Does he want to hurt me again? Is he trying to get me back? I keep asking myself these questions over and over, but come up with no logical answers.

  I choose a fitted, deep purple dress that flares out a little at the hem, hitting just above my knees. It's sleeveless, so I choose a short black jacket to top it. I have my blond hair back in a sleek low ponytail with the curls falling down my back. I slip into a pair of black wedges. I can't wear four inch heels when I'll be walking in grass today. I make my way into the kitchen where Cal has two coffee mugs waiting.

  His mouth drops open slightly as he studies me from top to bottom. He stalks towards me and curves his arm around me to touch the small of my back, pulling me close. The feel of my body pressed against his rock hard chest is unlike anything I've felt before. My nipples harden in response to our closeness. He brings his lips close to mine and whispers, "You. Are. Fucking. Gorgeous," he says, emphasizing each word and then kisses my lips softly.

  Reluctantly, he releases me so I can get my caffeine fix. I take the coffee mug, lifting it to my lips to take a few sips. I moan in delight. He's put just the perfect amount of vanilla creamer in it and I smile up at him in appreciation. He's leaning against my kitchen counter, looking sexy as hell.

  He returns my smile but then his lips turn into a thin line and he looks away before he speaks. "I want to find him, Lake. I need to talk to him and find out what he's doing. We used to be friends. Maybe I can straighten him out. Tell him to back off my girl."

  I stand next to him, touching my shoulder to him and lean against the counter as he is. I take another sip of my coffee before setting it down behind me. "What if he doesn't listen to you?"

  "Then I'll kick his fucking ass." He reaches over and pulls me in front of him, pressing me close. "You're mine. I knew you would be mine. Nothing or no one is going to interfere with us. Am I making myself clear?" His hand is under my chin and his brown eyes are reaching into my blue eyes for understanding. I nod my head.

 

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