Chapter 11 #3
He started to say something but she reached out and touched his arm to stop him. “I don’t want to talk about this anymore,” she said. “Would you mind taking me home? Also, giving me a ride to work tomorrow?”
His gaze locked on hers, making her knees go weak. “Yes, I will,” he replied. “Let’s lock up and we can go. And I’ll call my buddy Mike at the tire shop to see if he can get someone to come here and change out all four of your tires.”
Relieved, she gave in to impulse and hugged him. When he tipped her face up to kiss her, she met him halfway.
When they broke apart, they were both breathing heavily.
“We’d better get going,” he said, his voice husky.
She nodded, waiting while he gathered his things. They called the dogs and once they were safely in the backseat of the truck, drove home.
When they go there, he kissed her again. This time, they didn’t even make it to the bedroom.
The next morning, she woke up in her own bed, pleasantly sore. Smiling, she began the now-familiar routine of shower, coffee and breakfast. Parker grinned and winked at her when she strolled into the kitchen. Happy, she found herself grinning back.
As they rode into the office together, she caught herself wondering if life could get any better.
Instantly, she chided herself for letting her clearly foolish heart get ahead of her common sense.
This—whatever it was—would be fun while it lasted, but it was only temporary.
Not the kind of thing she needed to be building hopes and dreams on.
She’d already learned her lesson about things like that.
They arrived at RTA early. True to his word, Parker had called his friend in tire repair, ordered the set of tires and arranged for them to be installed on her car as soon as they came in. She’d handed over her credit card, trying not to wince at the amount.
They’d barely finished that transaction when vehicles started pulling into the parking lot. She’d powered up her computer and checked the schedule first thing. Today promised to be a busy day with back-to-back tours this morning and again after lunch.
A steady stream of guests kept her too busy to think.
After logging in each of Parker’s, Spence’s and Hetty’s groups, Genna went around and tidied up the office. Since they had a weekly cleaning service, most of the difficult work had been done, but she liked to keep busy.
As there were no new groups scheduled to go out for at least a few hours, Genna immediately tensed up when she saw a car pull up and park out front.
Though her first impulse had her wanting to run to the front door and lock it, she remained behind the counter.
Grabbing her phone, she was ready to dial 9-1-1 if she had to.
When she saw Lakin step out of the car, she nearly sagged against the counter with relief. Instead, she waited, wondering what had brought Parker’s sister here. Lakin hadn’t visited since Genna had started working at RTA.
When Lakin sauntered inside, the two women hugged. She followed Genna back to the breakroom. She grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and took a seat at the table.
For a few minutes, they chatted about inconsequential things. Finally, Lakin pinned Genna with her gaze and got to the point.
“I understand you’re staying with Parker.” Though Lakin asked her question in a casual voice, Genna stressed inside.
“I am, for now. It’s only temporary. I just haven’t felt like it’s safe to go home.”
“I hear you. But I heard you put in an alarm system and new front and back doors. How much safer could your house be?”
Ah, now Genna understood. Though she and Lakin had always gotten along, Lakin asked the hard questions because she was looking out for her brother. Instead of upsetting her, this made Genna like the other woman even better.
Genna decided there wasn’t any point in beating around the bush. “I’m not taking advantage of Parker, if that’s what you’re thinking,” she said.
Though Lakin’s surprised expression felt gratifying, Lakin didn’t back down. “I think he has feelings for you.”
“If he does, that’s his business,” Genna shot back. “And mine. Both Parker and I are adults.”
Lakin could have bristled, or come back with some kind of sharp retort. Instead, she did none of those things. She stared at Genna for a moment before her mouth curled up and she laughed. “Dang, you’re every bit as prickly as he is.”
“Maybe,” Genna allowed. “But Parker warned me that his family would be talking about this. I suggest, if you want any more detailed information, that you should speak to him.”
Admiration shone in Lakin’s eyes. “I always liked you,” she said. “So, relax. As long as you don’t hurt my brother, I think you and I will get along just fine.”
“You know how Parker is. He does what he wants. Once he makes up his mind to do something, I don’t think anyone can change his mind.”
Lakin nodded. Expression delighted, she clapped. “Oh, wow! You have feelings for him, too.”
Again, Genna didn’t want to start any more gossip. “We’re friends, okay? Don’t make this something it’s not.”
After a brief pause, Lakin sighed. “Fine. It’s just that Parker has been alone for so long, I’ve just been hoping he’d find love.”
“Then take that up with him,” Genna quipped. Then, after a deep breath, she got serious. “Lakin, I’ve always liked you, too. But I need you to understand what’s happening here. I have a stalker. Someone who has broken into my house twice. And slashed all the tires on my car.”
She took a deep breath and then continued.
“Someone is calling the office and hanging up numerous times during the day. I went to get my hair cut and someone had canceled my appointment. Eli looked into it, but so far we don’t have any idea who might be doing this.
Honestly, I don’t feel safe. That’s the only reason Parker offered to let me stay with him, in his guest bedroom, I might add. That’s all there is. Nothing more.”
Though Lakin grimaced in disappointment, she finally nodded. “Fine. I get it. That said, is there anything I can do to help?”
“I appreciate that.” Genna squeezed Lakin’s arm. “But I think I’m good right now.”
“Were you able to get another hair appointment?” Lakin asked. “If not, I can call my hairdresser and see if she can fit you in.”
“That’s kind, but I was able to rebook. I did tell the salon not to cancel it under any circumstances.”
Finally, Lakin got up to leave. She hugged Genna again, holding on a bit tighter this time. “You take care of yourself, okay?”
Genna promised she would.
“And while you’re at it, take care of my brother, too.” With a broad smile and a wave, Lakin went out the door, leaving Genna staring after her.