Awakening (Book 2) (The Destined Series)
Page 20
"Sloan. Really? I'm not a relationship kinda guy, you know that. I don't want to screw our friendship over this shit. She'll want me, I'll humour her for your benefit but then I'll get bored and move on, you'll get pissed and quit. You're the best I've got; I can't afford to lose you."
I ignored him, he'd be good for Stella, just the right amount of colour to brighten up her life. I finished cleaning up my station.
"Are you listening to me Sloan? Sloan! Damn it! You're a stubborn little thing, you know that? I'll do it, but if things go south, you can't walk. Deal?"
"Deal boss man. Now, beers at Freddie's?"
"Need you ask?"
We closed up the shop and started the short walk up to our local haunt; Freddie's was my kinda place. Plenty of beer, hot dudes with hot tats and they had a live band in on Friday and Saturday nights.
Stella
Agh my neck is killing me. Time to call it a day I think. Bianca left an hour ago. Ugh I should have left when she did. I hate walking out to my car alone. I know I'm in a safe enough neighbourhood but still. A woman walking around at night, alone is just asking for trouble. I only meant to stay an extra fifteen minutes but as usual I got carried away in the bliss of numbers.
I shut down my computer and put my laptop in my satchel. Slipping my feet back into my shoes I felt around in my bag for my gun, I had never used it, but I felt better knowing I had it. Then I grabbed the can of pepper spray I kept in there and my keys. Armed with one in each hand I headed for the lift down to the lobby.
"Goodnight Tyler."
"Goodnight Ms Morgan."
Tyler had been the doorman since I leased my office 2 years ago. He was a nice older gentleman, with greying hair around the edges. I knew if I asked he'd walk me to my car, but I also knew he would probably get in trouble for leaving his post.
Time to pull up those big girl panties Stella. Walk straight to your car, get in, and go. Simple enough right? Sad thing was I had to give myself the same little pep talk every time I stayed late, which was happening more and more lately. I need to get a life!
I slipped into my little Prius without any crazies trying to attack me. All the same, I flipped the lock switch straight away. You can't be too careful.
Pulling into my apartment complex I could feel my tense muscles relaxing; home.
Once inside, I called out to Fergus who was probable sleeping on the fresh towels on the rack in the bathroom. But sure enough he came running when he heard my voice. I had grown up with big dogs, but I couldn't exactly keep a Great Dane in my tiny apartment. So it was just me and Fergus my long haired dachshund for now, until I found the courage to move to a bigger place. He was a good little dog. He kept me company, never once wizzed inside and had the decency to look ashamed when he let one rip.
I latched his lead and we set out to the grassy area downstairs for him to do his business.
Half an hour later when Fergus was done and we had returned upstairs I prepared dinner, seared marinated chicken breast with a fresh salad and crisp glass of wine. This is my idea of a good night.