Page 69 of Consumed By You

“Darcy?” I look up into Kevin’s worried brown eyes. Shit, what did he say? “Where are you?”

I shake my head. My throat is too constricted to speak.

“You know what you need?” He picks up his phone.

“What?” I reply warily as he unlocks the screen.

“A sexy one-night stand, baby! You need to think of someone else tonight!” He grins and I shake my head wildly. Dear God, no.

Not only do I have bruises the size of small planets on my thighs, but I’d probably end up whispering Benjamin’s name in the guy’s ear.

“No way! No.” I take the phone from his hands.

He groans in mock disappointment. “You need to get out there, Darcy! You’ve barely even seen what other guys can be like. Trust me, girl, every man is different.” He waggles his eyebrows. “If you know what I mean.”

Unfortunately, Idoknow what he means. If only he knew how fucking perfect Benjamin waseverywhere,he wouldn’t be saying anything right now.

“I will, in time. It’s too soon.”

Kevin narrows his eyes playfully but thankfully doesn’t press the issue any further.

***

I step away from the tall, slim man in the police uniform and snag my jacket from the chair at the bar.

“Thank you for giving your statement so soon, miss. We’ll keep you informed,” he says, so serious, then leaves with the other deputy.

I feel rather shaken. I didn’t know coming back would stir up so many memories. Thankfully, Marilyn steps up next to me and puts an arm around me for support.

“How are you doing, baby?” she asks, rubbing her palm up and down my arm tenderly.

“I’m just glad that’s over with.”

“Me too. I’m so sick of seeing cops.” She leads us to the bar. “Let me make you a drink, love. Then you can go home and rest. I don’t want to see you here for at least a couple of days.”

I scowl. “I’m fine! I need to work, Marilyn.”

I need to be able to think about something, anything but him.

“No, you need to rest, Darcy. As your boss, I’m ordering you.”

“Please,” I beg, looking to Kevin for help.

He thankfully places a hand on his hips. “Mare, just let her come. She obviously is okay to be here.”

“I don’t know how the hell you are.” She shakes her head but mercifully, she smiles. “Fine. But if you need to leave, just tell me. I don’t want you having a panic attack in front of everyone.”

“I won’t,” I vow, knowing I’ve been through worse than this in my life.

“Well, start tomorrow. I’m not budging on tonight.”

“Okay.” I shrug on my jacket. She heads up to her office and I know she’s secretly upset she gave in. Marilyn always rises to a challenge.

“Thank you, Kev.”

He takes my hand. “You look like shit. Are you okay?”

“Oh, yeah. I’m fine.”