Chapter Eight
DYLAN
Dylan pulled off his shirt and crossed to the bathroom.
I’m so glad I updated this shower when I bought the place. He rested against the wall and let the hot water beat on his back. I need to find out how much longer Casey and Emily have the rental. I haven’t been able to relax since I moved back in here. Between lover boy showing up every frigging minute with some offering for Case and the dark SUV that I keep seeing, I think I’m getting an ulcer. I’m not sure how long I can do this.
Dylan toweled off and threw on a pair of old jeans and a fresh long-sleeve henley before heading to the kitchen. As he passed the large living room window, he glanced out. And there they are again.
Dylan turned back to grab some shoes when he caught a movement from the corner of his eye. No. You’ve got to be kidding me. He abruptly changed direction and ran out the door. He hit the front yard running as Casey turned from the SUV’s open window at Dylan’s yell.
Casey cocked her head at him, angled back to wave to the driver, then walked toward him. Dylan met her in the middle of the street, grabbed her arms, and twisted, placing her behind his body.
“Stay,” he ground out, then shifted back to the SUV, which quickly drove off before he could reach it. Dylan swore under his breath and jerked at the poke in his back.
“What is your problem?” Casey fumed, poking his shoulder when he spun to face her.
“My problem?” Dylan snarled through clenched teeth, his heart pounding in his ears. “What’s my problem?” Dylan stepped into Casey’s space, forcing her to tip her head back to see his face. “You. You are my problem. I already can’t sleep worrying about you. And now I look out the window to see you casually chitchatting with those guys.” Dylan pushed forward as Casey moved back from him, her eyes wide. “Why don’t you just climb in the back seat and make it easier for them to kidnap you?” he yelled.
In the back of his mind, Dylan noted Casey rubbing her arms. He quit stalking her and looked up at the sky, taking two calming breaths before looking at her again. Dylan started to touch her, but she flinched, and he stopped himself. “Casey, please,” he moaned. “I couldn’t stand it if anything happened to you.”
He saw her eyes soften as she reached out, laying her hand on his arm. “Dylan, I’m fine. Why don’t we get out of the middle of the street.”
He noticed she was talking softly and slowly, as if to a frightened animal, and shook his head to clear it before speaking. “I’m sorry. You’re right. Can we go inside and talk about this?”
Nodding, Casey started toward the yard with Dylan following her.
Dylan entered her living room, wishing she’d gone to his side of the duplex. He realized he wanted to see her in his home, enjoying being there with him.
Casey smiled hesitantly. “How about some iced tea?”
“That sounds good. Thanks.” He wandered around the room, picking up knick-knacks and putting them back as he worked to settle himself.
“I brought some cookies, too. In case you haven’t had a chance to eat today, and your blood sugar is low, maybe?”
Casey looked at him quizzically, and he briefly considered taking that easy out she was offering. “Casey, you know, this has nothing to do with my food intake. Can you tell me what in the world possessed you to confront those men?” Dylan heard his voice grow louder and purposely took long, calming breaths while he waited for her to answer.
Casey handed him a chocolate chunk cookie. “I’ll tell you if you eat this. That way, I have a chance to explain without you interrupting me.”
“Then you better give me two.” He held out his empty palm, and she slapped another cookie on it and then pointed to the couch. Dylan sat and started munching.
“I noticed the SUV when I pulled into the driveway. I remembered you telling me about it, but it was my first time seeing it. I thought about ignoring it but decided I didn’t want to worry about whether you were right. So, I went over to talk to them.” Casey narrowed her eyes at him and paused when he made an unintelligible noise.
Dylan stuffed more chocolate chunks into his mouth, understanding it was best to remain silent.
“Those two very kind gentlemen explained that they flip houses for a living, and they’ve been looking at real estate in the area. They were waiting for their realtor. We were having a perfectly normal conversation until you stormed out of your house like a madman.”
“Don’t tell me you believe them.”
“Of course, I believe them. It makes much more sense than them being some hired muscle out to get me. What would they be after? My top-secret cookie recipe?” She brandished a cookie in front of him before taking a bite. “Really, Dylan.” She shook her head at him as she chewed.
“Then why did they take off as I got there?” He smirked.
“Maybe because they saw some crazy guy running into the middle of the street, waving his arms.” She arched a delicate brow.
“I wish you’d take this seriously, Case. It doesn’t add up. I’m worried about you.”
“You don’t have to worry about me. I’m fine.” Casey sat beside him on the couch and swiped the remaining bite of cookie from his hand before popping it into her mouth and grinning. “See, I can take care of myself.”
Dylan gazed into her bright eyes. “But what if I like taking care of you?” he whispered. Dylan bent forward, his eyes on her mouth, his lips barely touching hers, when the door banged open.
“Casey, I’ve got the groceries. Can you help me carry them in?” Emily yelled as her footsteps echoed down the hall.
Casey gaped at him. “Be right there.”
“Casey…” Dylan grabbed for her hand, but she jumped up.
“No, Dylan, just no.”