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I slept like shit last night. I kept waking up or couldn’t fall asleep because I was thinking about Alexandra. I was pissed and scared. This Reef character was the kind of person you heard horror stories about. The supposedly safe person turned into a stalker and became so unstable when he or she couldn’t have the object of their obsession, they decided to kill them. Often, they’d go out in a murder-suicide scene.

I didn’t care what I had to do or who I had to use. I wouldn’t allow that to be her fate. I readily agreed when Cady called and asked me to join them at the apartment to talk to Alexandra about her place. I had no idea they would tell us what they did or suggest her next moves. However, when they started talking, I knew immediately I needed her to stay with me.

Some might think I used it to my advantage to start something with her. The truth was, if she gave me any indication she wanted that with me, I’d be all over it. However, if she only kept us in the friend zone, I wouldn’t kick her out or withdraw my support. I’d already discovered one thing for sure. If I could have her as a friend, it would be better than not having her in my life.

I hurried through my morning routine. I wanted to be at Lustz in time to follow her to work. Last night, she informed us of what time she had left that morning. I messaged Hoss and Mikhail last night to let them know I was doing it. They sent me smiling emojis back.

I didn’t have long to wait after I got there to see her leaving the private garage. While I waited, I scanned the area repeatedly. The lot was empty at this time of the morning, and the cars parked on the street were few and far between. If any were to follow her, I’d see them. She crept closer to my car. I saw the relief come over her when she recognized it was me. She waved at me. I waved back.

I stayed right behind her. Other vehicles got between us a couple of times, but they soon passed, and I had my eyes on her. When we pulled into the parking lot of her office building, there were more cars. I hung back. Unless Reef was here and came close to her, I planned to stay out of it. I didn’t want to draw attention to myself. That would defeat the purpose of having her stay with me.

Checking my watch, I saw she arrived ten minutes earlier than she would’ve if she had been riding the train. I looked up the schedule last night. I sighed in relief when she passed the guard into the employee garage. Wanting to see if anyone came or left, I sat in a parking spot for fifteen minutes. I was about to leave when a car entered the lot and slowly drove past the front of the building.

The other thing I asked for when I messaged Mikhail and Hoss was the make, model, and color of Reef’s car. And unless my eyes were playing tricks on me, that was the car. I casually backed out and left, not wanting him to see me sitting there. I’d report it back to Mikhail, although knowing Hoss, he probably still had Iker’s man watching.

I was preoccupied when I walked into my office. I was greeted by my receptionist, Odelia. She’d been with me since I broke away to start my firm. She’d worked for my old company but didn’t like the discrepancies in workload between those like her and those friends with the partners. She approached me, so I felt no guilt about taking her with me. She was brilliant, and I kept begging her to attend school to be a paralegal or lawyer. She knew the material but couldn’t, not until her youngest graduated, she said.

After speaking to her, I went down the hall to say hello to Macon. He was my paralegal and the one who was being overworked. He didn’t complain, but I knew he was tired. I had an ad running. So far, the ones to be interviewed hadn’t struck me as a fit for this office. I was hoping that of the two interviews I was doing today, one might be who we wanted. I’d rather wait and get the right person than hire someone to have a body and end up regretting it and replacing them later.

The client I refused to tell the group about last night was a relatively well-known country music artist. I told them the truth. Confidentiality is part of what I do. Unless the client or someone on their end made it known, I flew under the radar when it came to my clients. However, that information became known in the legal community, and that was a reason for the growth I’d been experiencing. Plus, satisfied clients recommended me.

My work gave me a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction with myself and my life. Later in the morning, when I got an unexpected phone call, I had to remember that. I almost didn’t answer it, which afterward, I knew was what I should’ve done. But I was too structured to ignore it, even if I knew it would be hurtful and a colossal waste of time.

I was between clients and interviews when my cell phone rang. Wondering who would be calling me, I looked at it and groaned. The name on the screen, Father, practically screamed at me. I hesitated. Maybe I should let it go to voicemail, I thought. But I knew if I didn’t answer, he’d keep calling until I did. What the fuck did he want? Why couldn’t he stay out of my life and Cady’s?

Praying for strength, I answered it. “Hello, Father,”

I said as unemotionally as I could.

It was better to say little, listen, and get off the phone as fast as possible with him. Oh, and agreeing with him helped if you could swallow your ire enough to do it, which became increasingly impossible for me the older I got.

“Carver, is that how you answer the phone when speaking to your clients?”

was the first thing that came out of his mouth, not hello back, how are you, or anything remotely close. I clenched my fist.

“Father, I knew it was you. How may I help you? I’m about to go into another meeting. Is everything alright with you and Mom?”

“Your mother is fine. She’s spending money as usual. I don’t see why we have to buy new towels and God knows what else. We have plenty. Or why she insists on buying things for the community center. They should raise their own funds rather than expect others to give them their hard-earned money,”

he grumbled.

I had to fight not to say his money wasn’t hard-earned. He was paid because he was family, even though he barely did anything, which I heard was the case. After our grandfather died, Dad and his two brothers inherited the company. Its financial performance has drastically decreased since they took over. The reason was that none of them liked to work or had a true mind for business.

Mom has supported the community center for years. Undoubtedly, if she bought new towels for home, it was because they needed them. He’d use them even if they were threadbare, and you could read through them. And it wasn’t as if she didn’t work as well. When we were old enough to stay home alone, she got a job, hoping he’d stop complaining that she only married him for his family’s money. It didn’t.

“I doubt you called just to tell me that,”

I said. Trying to prompt him to get to the point.

“I called because your mother and I will be in Nashville soon, and we will be stopping by to see you and your sister. I’d appreciate it if you would ensure she’s ready and on her best behavior. Both of you need to be. We’re meeting a potential new client who lives in that area. He didn’t want to come to Knoxville, so we’re coming to him. He wants to meet our children since you live in the area. He’s intrigued by your job and hers. I have no idea why. Being a defense attorney might be exciting, especially if you have high-exposure cases, but what you do is boring. You won’t make a lot of money at it. As for your sister, it was a waste of money for her to go to school to care for animals all day.”

Well, at least he got the dig in about our careers early. It might be a new record. I didn’t bother to respond. When I didn’t, he went to the next topic.

“Should I ask how your sister is doing? I haven’t heard from her in months. She should call, at least. Speaking of calling, it has also been a while since you’ve called. I can’t believe either of you is so busy that you couldn’t reach out. Your mother gets anxious about you.”

The truth was, both Cady and I called our mom, but we did it when he wasn’t around. She knew more about what was happening in our lives, although we didn’t tell her everything. She refused to leave his miserable ass, even after we were both out of the house. She chose to stay and be run down by him. Unless she got the gumption to leave, and it wouldn’t happen at her age, we were uncomfortable telling her everything. He had a way of making her feel bad, and then she’d tell him things.

When Cady and Hoss got engaged, she hadn’t told our parents. She informed Mom later when they set the wedding date. While Mom seemed happy for her, she said not to send an invitation because Father wouldn’t come. And if he didn’t, she couldn’t. She wished her much happiness and wanted to meet Hoss someday. Well, I guess she’d get her wish, and Father was in for a shock. I couldn’t wait to tell Cady we were being brought out for a command performance like when we were kids. We could refuse to do it, but seeing his reaction to finding out she was married and married to a multimillionaire might be fun.

“I’ll call her within the week. Do you know which dates you’ll be here?”

“I do. I’ll send them to you via email so you won’t forget. Make sure Cadence is appropriately coached. You know how she is. That mouth of hers can be too much.”

Was it any wonder she was a brat, and I’d turned to craving submission at times? I think part of the reason I did was because he never submitted to our mom, even when he should have, or she was right. I wanted to be nothing like him.

“I’ll let Cady know, Father. Where will you and Mom be staying?”

They’d never stayed with me, which I was thankful for—the same with my sister.

“We’ll be staying at an appropriate downtown hotel. I believe that’s all. Oh, and if you could think of a case or two, if you’ve had any at your company, that might be entertaining to talk about, that would be good. No boring them to tears with the usual stuff. Well, that’s it for me. I’ll email our travel dates over. See you then. I’ve got to go. Goodbye.”

“Goodbye,”

was all I could say before he hung up.

Shaking my head, I knew he would never change. I’d wait until after work to tell Cady the news. I was looking forward to them meeting Hoss. Father would have an issue with the fact that Hoss was Black. He might pretend he wasn’t racist, but he was. He was going to lose his mind.

That thought made me smile on and off for the remainder of the day. Also, it helped to keep my mind from obsessing over Alexandra and what she would decide to do. We were to find out tonight. I hadn’t heard that any arrangement had been made to stop by Lustz, so I sent a message to Cady to find out.

It wasn’t until four o’clock that I got a response. Cady said we weren’t meeting at Lustz because they didn’t want Reef to get suspicious of why they were suddenly stopping there in the middle of the week, although he had to suspect Alexandra was there. The plan was that I’d go there in case she agreed to stay with me. The others would call in on a video conference call. They planned it for seven o’clock again. That was good. It meant I could change and still make it there on time.

Hoss messaged me to let me know that Iker’s man was on Alexandra and would make sure she got to Lustz safely, so I didn’t need to leave early to be there at quitting time. That was good. It would allow me to finish up a brief I had coming. It took me until five-fifteen to be finished. Odelia and Macon had left for the day.

For some reason, traffic was a bear, so I was sweating when I got home. I flew through a shower and dressed in clean clothes before taking off for Lustz. As time ticked by and got closer to seven, I texted Alexandra.

Me: On my way. Stuck in traffic. I’ll be there ASAP.

Alexandra: It’s okay. Take your time. Don't rush. See you soon. Drive safe.

Me: I will.

As I entered the parking lot of Lustz, which was open and had patrons there, I checked to see if I saw Reef’s car. I didn’t. Going around to the back, I parked in the private garage and rode up to the third floor. My knock was answered within moments. Alexandra smiled at me.

“Come on in. You made it with a few minutes to spare.”

As I entered, I smelled something delicious. I sniffed. “Did I interrupt your dinner?”

“No, you’re smelling our dinner. Since you were sweet enough to come over here tonight and wouldn’t get time to eat, the least I can do is feed you. Hopefully, the call won’t run longer than an hour.”

“Alexandra, you didn’t need to cook for me, though I greatly appreciate the thought.”

“I had to eat, so it was no bother. I had most of it in a slow cooker while at work. Maybe I shouldn’t have told you that and pretended to slave over it since coming home.”

She laughed.

“That sounds like something Cady would do.”

When seven o’clock struck, we were at the breakfast table with her laptop in front of us and a drink in our hands. Right on time, she logged into it. Two sets of faces were staring back at us. Everyone greeted each other before getting quiet.

“Is there anything new you need to tell me before I tell everyone my decision?”

Alexandra asked.

“Yes, I wanted you to know that after I followed you to work this morning, I stayed for about fifteen minutes. I was about to leave when Reef showed up. I left so he wouldn’t see me, but he moved slowly through the lot. He was looking for you,”

I told her.

“And Iker’s men report he came by Lustz late last night. He was down by the private garage, trying to find a way in, but the guard there scared him away. And he was outside your work when you left today,”

Hoss reported.

“I thought I saw someone behind me coming back. I was glad to get in the garage before he could catch up to me. I’ve thought long and hard about what you all said. I admit I didn’t sleep much last night. And I want you all to know that I’m overwhelmed with how much help you’re willing to give someone you hardly know. It’s amazing. Please understand that I don’t want to place anyone at risk.”

I tensed. She was about to insist on moving back to her place. If she did, I’d have to demand she allow me to stay with her. I could sleep on the couch. Based on their expressions, the others were thinking the same thing.

“Before I answer, does anyone have new suggestions for what I should do?”

There was utter silence.

She took a deep breath.

“Then, if that is the case, I have to say thank you very much.

While I don’t want to endanger anyone, returning to my apartment isn’t wise.

A hotel might be a safe bet, but there’s no way I can guarantee he won’t see me and follow, which leaves me with staying here or with Carver.

“While this apartment is incredible, it’s too big and lonely for just me. So, if Carver hasn’t changed his mind, I would like to take him up on his offer to stay with him. I think if we take the precautions he mentioned, the chances of Reef finding me are less.”

When her gaze met mine, I wanted to shout, Hell yeah! As she smiled and stared at me, I hoped what I saw in her eyes was the start of more than friendship. But even if it wasn’t, maybe I could make it into something more by living with me.

“I think that’s a great idea. His house is nice, and he’s not a slob. Or he wasn’t growing up. He stopped tossing his underwear all over the place,”

Cady said.

“Great endorsement, sis,”

I replied dryly. She was such an exaggerator. She winked at me.

There was some back-and-forth chatter, which I only half listened to. I was ready to be done and on our way to my house. I heard Alexandra agree to make the move tonight if I was okay with it. Otherwise, we could do it tomorrow after work. Since I’d had a long weekend without her, my house was shiny and clean. It was how I worked off the stress. There was no time like the present. Everyone wished each other a good night and then got off the call.

“I have everything packed. Once we eat and I clean up, we can go. Hopefully, it won’t be too late unless you prefer to wait,”

she said hesitantly.

“I’d feel better if we did it tonight. And it won’t take long to get there at night. Let’s have the heavenly-smelling food you prepared, and then we can take you to your new home.”

***

We arrived at my house and walked in the door around nine-thirty.

We’d gotten away from Lustz, with her lying hidden in the backseat.

If Reef were there, he had no clue.

I told her a little about the area she’d be living in.

I showed her around after showing her first to her bedroom and bathroom.

She was very complimentary about the house.

Once the tour was over, we were still wound up, so we relaxed in the living room and just talked.

By the time she said she needed to sleep, we’d settled on what time to leave in the morning.

She hated that I had to go to her office and then to mine, but I assured her it wasn’t that far out of my way.

That was last night.

I was up early this morning and in my home gym, working out as usual.

I didn’t sleep well last night, but for a different reason.

The knowledge that she was right down the hall had me trying to imagine us together, but I couldn’t.

I felt the urges and excitement it would probably cause, but I couldn’t imagine it.

I knew I had to keep those thoughts and urges under control.

The last thing I wanted to do was scare her off.

I discovered her in the kitchen when I came out from showering after my workout.

She was dressed for work and was fixing breakfast.

Last night, I showed her where everything was in the kitchen and told her to make herself at home.

If there was anything she wanted, she should let me know so I could get it delivered.

I didn’t go grocery shopping.

I didn’t have the patience for it, so I would order it and pick it up.

We worked harmoniously as I assisted her in finishing it.

Over breakfast, we talked about what we had in store for the day.

I asked her to educate me more about what they did in her office.

When it was time to leave, I presented her with a hat to wear.

She grinned as she put it on and then put on her sunglasses.

She said it made her feel like a secret agent.

The ride to her office passed with more talk.

We were getting to know each other like any couple would, whether they were becoming friends or more.

The time sped by, and before I expected, I pulled into her building’s lot.

She lay down again about a mile before we got there.

I had her card to get into the employee parking.

When we pulled up and I showed it to the guard, he didn’t bat an eyelash at seeing her in the backseat.

He nodded, and as he pressed the button, he told us both to have a good day.

As we rolled past him, I had to ask.

“Does anything startle him?”

She giggled. “Not a lot, but yesterday, I explained I was having an issue with someone and what the plan was. He knew to expect you. He also knows what Reef and his car look like. I asked Mikhail to send the car information to me early yesterday. Aldo said if he finds him poking around, he’ll call the cops. Speaking of that, I should probably tell my boss what’s happening.”

“You should. That way, no one at the front desk will let him in to see you. Is there any kind of security in the building?”

“No, there’s not. They’ve never needed it. I hate that so many people have to be inconvenienced because of me.”

“Alexandra, you’re not causing anything. It’s that bastard, Reef. Talk to your boss and anyone else so they know. You don’t have to go into details. Here we are. Remember, don’t leave to come to the garage until I text to say I’m here. I should be here by five twenty, but in case I’m not, wait for my text. What time does Aldo lock up, and the cage comes down?”

There was a security cage door that was lowered after hours. She’d informed us when we talked about it.

“He’s gone at six. People can still get out. It’ll open from the inside. If anyone needs in before he’s here or after he leaves, they must have the card to insert into the machine.”

“Even better. Alright, have a great day. Call if you need anything,”

I told her as I got out and opened her door. She hopped out. She put the hat in the backseat, and then, before I could respond, she kissed my cheek and told me to have a great day before she walked to the elevator. I stood there, spaced out, until she was gone. That’s when I shook myself and got back in protector mode.

After I pulled out of the garage, I inspected the lot and the surrounding streets. Aldo had waved when I left the garage. Checking the time, I saw we were early again. There was no glimpse of Reef. I relaxed after I got a few blocks away. Hopefully, he’d tire of trying to find her and give up. Was it likely? No, but we could hope. Regardless, he wouldn’t be allowed to touch a hair on her head. Mikhail’s connections might not be needed if it came down to it. I’d be the one to remove him.

My day started like most days. After greeting Odelia and Macon, I got to work. Today, I had a mediation with one of my clients. Later, between calls and other work, I had another interview with a prospective paralegal. The two yesterday were disappointing.

The mediation was done at my office, so I didn’t have to go anywhere for it. It took a couple of hours, but in the end, my client and the person they were suing agreed. We wouldn’t have to go to court to settle that one. I didn’t mind when they ended in arbitration rather than full court cases. As long as my clients were satisfied, that was all I cared about.

After a quick lunch that Odelia picked up from a deli down the street that we liked, I was set for my afternoon interview. This candidate was a woman who had experience and came with a long list of references. I didn’t bother to check them unless I planned to offer her a position.

My first impression of Phoebe when she entered my office, escorted by Odelia, was that she was confident. Her handshake was firm. She looked me in the eyes, and her smile was polite. We spent forty-five minutes with me asking her questions and her answering them. I had to admit, she remained impressive. I was almost too scared to be excited when I asked Macon and Odelia to join us a half hour into it. When Phoebe eventually left, I rounded on the other two.

“What did you think?”

“Carver, if you don’t offer her the position, we’ll have to have your head examined,”

Odelia said. I chuckled.

“If her references and background check out, I say hire her. She seems to know the position. She’s worked in a similar environment before. That’s a plus that none of the others had,”

Macon answered.

“I thought she was great, too. Odelia, can you begin the reference checks? Macon, will you send this off to have her background run? I’d like to get those back as fast as we can. Someone like her will be snapped up fast.”

“You got it,”

Odelia said as she happily returned to her desk.

“Will do,”

was Macon’s response.

I went back to work feeling excited. Wait until I tell Alexandra about her. We’d talked last night about my need for more help.