Page 22 of Renascence

I drive at a different pace tonight also. Every other night, I check my rearview mirror for Venom following on his bike, just to get a glimpse of him. It’s not the same looking back and seeing Kurt’s SUV.

When I pull into our driveway, I hop out, giving him a quick wave. Unexpectedly and without invitation, he catches up to me and accompanies me to the door.

“Thanks, Kurt. I appreciate you doing this.” I insert the key in the door, hoping he’ll take the hint. For some reason it appears he believes he has a chance with me since I’m not with Venom. Why he would even want one, I don’t know.

“Listen, Emily.” He touches my elbow to stop me. “I was wondering—if you’re not busy, that is—if you’d like to have dinner some time.”

He’s giving me a smile that probably melts a lot of panties, but it does nothing for me. He’s an attractive man, but I guess he’s not my type.Not my type?Since when is a good-looking, nice, gainfully employed man not my type? Sheesh.

“Kurt, look—”

“Let me stop you. If you don’t want to, it’s cool. I understand.”

“It has nothing to do with you. You seem like a good guy.”

“But I’m not Venom.”

“That’s not it, either.”Well, that’s part of it,but I can’t tell him that. “I’m trying to be by myself right now. Besides, I don’t even know how long I’m going to be around.”

“I see,” he says, nodding. I know he’s not buying it, but he doesn’t seem bitter. “No worries. I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Sure. Thanks for understanding.”

“Good night, Emily.”

“Good night, Kurt.”

Uncle Jeff is watching TV when I walk in. Usually he’s not still up when I come home, but he seems wide awake tonight.

I drop my bag by his favorite chair and kiss his cheek. “Hey, Uncle Jeff. How come you’re still up?”

“Hey, baby girl. I was just doing some work. Trying to settle my mind before I hit the sack.”

“Oh, okay. Don’t stay up too late. I’m gonna head in.”

“I won’t. Good night, sweetheart.”

“Good night.”

I grab my gym bag and head to my room, tossing the contents in the hamper before undressing. I didn’t get a chance to wash my hair at the gym, so I need to get it done or I won’t be able to sleep.

When I get out of the shower, I blow-dry my hair, grab the first nightgown my fingers touch, and crawl into bed with my book. Last night I stopped at what Venom calls “the good part.” I snuggle up, getting ready to read about all the fabulous sex with the abnormally “gifted” man. If only real life was the same.

In the middle of the scene, my phone rings. Sighing in annoyance, I grab it from the nightstand. When I see the name flashing on the screen, my heart skips a beat.

Venom.

Taking a deep breath, I answer in the calmest voice I can muster.

“Hey.”

“Hey, darlin’. Kurt told me he dropped you off.”

“Yeah. Thanks, but you didn’t need to set that up.”

“I know I don’tneedto. Doesn’t mean I shouldn’t. I feel better knowing you’re home safe.”

“Oh.”Oh. My safety is important to him. But… why?“Well, you’ll be happy to know that Kurt did a good job.”