Page 76 of Taming a Menace

“Yeah. The police think that the alarm probably scared them away before they could get inside.”

“Get back in your car. They’re probably right, but I want to double check to make sure no one is in there.”

“OK.” I quickly nodded.

There was nothing wrong with double checking. I went back to my car and got inside. From the driver seat, I watched as Key tested the lock to make sure that the door was open before going in. A couple of minutes later, he reemerged and walked over to my car. He opened the door before speaking.

“Come on. It’s clear,” he said, reaching out to take my hand.

“My hands are shaking.” I laughed nervously as I put my hand in his.

He brought my hand to his lips and kissed it as I stood to my full height.

“It’s OK, baby. I got you,” he assured me.

“Thank you for coming. I didn’t even think you were in town.”

“I’m glad that I hung around.”

“I’m still tripping on how I just called you like that.” I shook my head.

I couldn’t remember what made me call him of all people. Mostly I just wanted to talk to him. I knew he could help me relax even if he just said something crazy to make me laugh.

“You knew daddy would jump out of a jet with a parachute to get to you. That’s why. Even if I was out of town I would have been pushing it to the limit to come to the rescue.”

“Thankfully you didn’t have to do all that.”

We made it to the door, and he opened it so he could walk in first.

“Do you want to do a sweep together?” he proposed.

“You checked everything, right?”

“Yeah. It’s all clear. I promise. I meant do you want to make sure nothing is missing?”

“Um, sure,” I said, walking ahead of him toward my bedroom.

“Damn, I’m just getting a load of that dress, Iyla. Where were you going looking so good?”

“I had a date tonight. I think I mentioned it to you.”

“Gah damn, did he get the chance to see you?” he asked, grimacing like he was in physical pain.

“No, I got the call when I was walking in. He wasn’t at the restaurant yet.”

“Fuck, come here,” Key said, walking closer and taking my hand. He raised my arm over my head and twirled me around like we were dancing before releasing my hand. “I’m glad that poor sucker didn’t get to see you before you bailed on him. He would have been heartbroken. My baby got her back out and the ass on full display for another damn man. Girl, you’re killing me. I’m ’bout to have a heart attack up in here.”

“I told you I was just going to be nice,” I said, continuing to check for any sign that things were out of place.

“I’m glad I postponed my trip. I didn’t need whoever he was thinking you needed him to follow you home just in case.”

“I wouldn’t have asked him to. The only reason you know where I live is because you’ve been here before. I don’t bring random guys to where I lay my head.”

“That’s good to know.”

“It doesn’t look like they came inside like the cops said, but why am I still terrified?”

“I’m sure a break in is a scary thing. I can stay here with you for a while until you feel better.”