Chapter 17 #2
As we sat there eating, a lot of the students who passed by said hi to Rowan.
Many wished him luck in his next match. The number of people who knew him was surprising.
Then again, this was his fourth year at the university, and he played a sport.
Still, it was nice to see that people regarded him so highly.
He always made sure to return his attention to me. He kept the conversation light and moving along. “Since you don’t have one favorite artist or song, at least tell me some of the songs you do like.”
So I told him. When I ran out of songs, he asked about movies, books, and TV series. He kept rapid-firing the questions, and I kept answering as honestly as I could. By the time I finished my food, I hadn’t managed to ask him a single question, and I had to head to my physics lab class.
“Thanks for lunch,” I said as I stood and gathered my backpack and flowers.
“Thanks for the company, Laney Lake.” He winked as he gathered our trash to throw away.
A creepy crawly sensation brushed against my back, and I cringed. It was the same feeling I’d been having over the past couple of days. I glanced around, trying to see if anyone or anything was watching me. As usual, I didn’t see anyone.
Rowan’s eyes scanned my body. “Are you—” He stopped mid-sentence, his head whipping to the side, and I swear, he growled.
I turned to see where his focus had gone and what he was looking at. I didn’t see anything concerning, but I felt a wave of something, like a warning, that made my heart rate spike, and it scared me. “What is it?” I demanded, automatically stepping closer to Rowan.
His phone rang. “Yeah?” he answered. “I see two. Parking lot. West of the main quad near the commons.” A moment later he said, “I’m with Laney now. Send Jacob to get her. I’ll meet you there as soon as I can.”
I needed to know if what was going on involved me. “What do you see two of?”
“You’re headed to your physics lab?” he asked, not taking his focus off the parking lot in the distance. If there were two people there watching me, they were too far away for me to see.
“Yes.” I still couldn’t figure out what he was looking at and why he could see it, but I couldn’t.
The strange part was that I could almost feel someone in the parking lot looking at me.
“Is it the person who’s been watching me?
Are there two people watching me? I need to know what’s going on.
” I reached out and touched Rowan’s forearm.
A wave of calm coursed through me, helping me to relax.
He patted my hand. “That’s a conversation for us to have later. Right now, Jacob is coming to walk you to your lab. Afterwards, I’ll have someone there to take you to your dorm.”
The hairs on my arms stood on end. I knew it was serious for Rowan to act this way.
“If I’m in danger, I have a right to know what’s going on.”
“I understand. However, because the situation is dangerous, I need you somewhere safe so I can handle it.”
Jacob arrived. “Laney Lake! What’s up, girl?”
“I’m not sure since Rowan won’t tell me,” I replied, releasing Rowan’s arm.
“I’ll tell you later, I promise,” Rowan said to me. Then to Jacob, he said, “Take her to the physics building.” It was an order, the command clear. “Make sure she gets in her lab. Then get back here.”
“You got it.”
Just then, I spotted Danny running toward the parking lot.
“Gotta go,” Rowan said. He took off running.
“Come on.” Jacob swung his arm over my shoulders. “Let’s get you safely inside.”
We started walking toward the physics building.
“Do you know what’s going on?” I asked, figuring he had to know. He wasn’t asking any questions, he was on the rugby team with Rowan, and he was one of Rowan’s best friends.
“You’re going to have to be a lot more specific,” he said. “There’s a lot going on.”
I wasn’t sure if he was being serious or joking. “Right now, what’s the threat?” I kept my voice stern and commanding, like Rowan had, hoping Jacob would answer me.
He glanced around. No one was close by. “We’re not certain. We think they’re after you.”
I stopped walking. “They’re?” I knew someone had been watching me, but hearing that there were more than one of them was too much.
I’d called the police and tried to make a report, but they told me no laws had been broken, so there was nothing they could do.
Basically, they told me exactly what Rowan had. “What do they want with me?”
“Don’t worry,” Jacob said. “We’ll keep you safe. One of us will get out of training early today and come to meet you after class. You have nothing to worry about.” He pulled me along, his arm still on my shoulders.
“How are you going to keep me safe?” I also wanted to ask why they were willing to help me out.
We reached the physics building. Jacob removed his arm and opened the door for me. “I’m not sure what Rowan’s plan is. Knowing him, he’ll want to keep you at the rugby house.” He rolled his eyes.
I didn’t understand the threat or how Rowan could keep me safe. “I think I should go to the police.” Again.
“How about we hold off on the police until we find out what’s going on. If these guys won’t back off, then you go.”
That seemed reasonable. I stopped at the door to my lab class, looking up at Jacob. “I need to know what’s going on.”
He nodded. “Yes, you do. I’m sure Rowan will tell you later today.”
I hoped he was right. “Thanks for the escort,” I said before going into class.
Sitting at my lab table, I pulled out my phone and checked my email.
Teagan had replied that she’d love to help me with my DNA project.
She had time tonight to run a few tests if I could swing by.
I replied that I could and asked her where and when.
Then I put my phone away, hoping I could focus on the lab today.
When I walked out of my lab class, Rowan was in the hallway leaning against the wall, scrolling through his phone. Relief filled me. Since he was here, that meant I was safe. The threat from the parking lot must have been taken care of.
He glanced up, and our eyes met. A slow, seductive smile spread across his lips, making me want to melt. I had the urge to wrap my arms around his neck, lick his ear, and peel off his shirt.
He chuckled. “What’s up, Laney Lake?” He pushed off the wall.
“I’m surprised to see you here,” I said as I started walking down the hall, Rowan at my side. “You left training early to meet me?”
“We had a light session followed by film. We finished a bit early.”
His hair was slightly damp, and he smelled like fresh spring soap. “I appreciate you escorting me to my room. However, I want to know what’s going on.”
“I was hoping we could get food and head back to my place. We can study there.” He shoved his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “And talk.”
“I’m good with grabbing dinner, but after that, I have to run by the bio building to meet with Teagan.” Dinner was more than enough time for him to explain everything to me.
“Teagan as in the genetics lab TA?” he asked, pushing the door open for me.
“Yes.” I didn’t feel like explaining any more at the moment. It was his turn to dish.
“Do you mind if I come?” he asked.
I readjusted my backpack, considering him.
“I’m not sure.” It was kind of personal, and I didn’t know if I would be comfortable with him there.
Then I realized he probably only wanted to go so he could keep an eye on me.
Whatever the threat was, it must be serious if he was willing to give up his free time to follow me around like a dog.
“Why do you want to come?” If it was because someone had to be with me, Adan would be a better choice.
He’d understand what I was doing and why.
“I want to spend time with you,” Rowan said, his voice soft and low.
His answer surprised me. “Then yes, you can come along.”
He reached over and grabbed my backpack, slinging it over his shoulder.
“I’m perfectly capable of carrying my own bag.”
“I never said you weren’t. I just want to do something helpful. Nice. Is that too much for you?”
We arrived at my dorm building, so I swiped my card over the keypad, unlocking the door. We headed down the hall to the elevator.
“I don’t want you to see me as weak. I’m capable of handling myself.” I didn’t want him to think I was a damsel in distress.
He nodded. “Duly noted.”
We stepped inside the elevator. When the door closed, it felt as if the air had been sucked out. In order to breathe, I needed my lips on Rowan. My fingers tingled, the sensation going up my arms and to my torso. My entire body warmed.
Neither of us spoke. I couldn’t look at him. I was afraid that if I did, that he’d see how much I wanted him. And I couldn’t let my attraction for him cloud my judgment. I needed to see if we were compatible, if we could be friends, before I acted on my physical feelings for him.
When the doors opened, I practically jumped out of the elevator, breathing in the fresh air. I rushed to my room, unlocking the door and heading inside, Rowan right behind me. Sarah was out, so I wouldn’t have her as a buffer between Rowan and me.
“Where do you want to grab food?” I was meeting Teagan at six, so I didn’t have too much time.
“Don’t change for dinner. It’s nearby and super casual. Just grab whatever you need for Teagan and what you plan on studying after at my place.”
I eyed him. I hadn’t planned on going back to his house after I met with Teagan, but I could keep an open mind. I’d see how dinner and Teagan’s went, then decide. Besides, I still needed answers. If I had to, I’d corner him in his room and demand them.
I tossed what I needed in my bag, including my parents’ toothbrushes and one of my insulin vials. “Ready.”
We exited my dorm. Rowan led me to his truck, which was parked in my dorm’s parking lot.
“You were that sure I’d go with you?” I said as I climbed in his truck.
“Wishful thinking,” he replied as he got in.
He drove us about a mile from the school to a grassy park surrounded by large trees. Off to the right, the river wound by. A couple of kids were playing soccer in one area. Several people were walking along the river.
Rowan parked, and we both got out. He reached in the back, grabbing a blanket and a large paper bag. “Come on.” He led me to a secluded section of the park where he laid out the blanket. “We’re having a good old-fashioned picnic.”
I removed my shoes and sat on the blanket. “This is so sweet,” I said, really meaning it was romantic, but I didn’t want to stroke his ego too much.
Rowan kicked off his shoes. He sat, opening the bag and pulling out paper plates, sandwiches, and two cans of sparkling water.
“There’s this great sandwich place,” he said as if he had to explain his choice in food.
“I got you a turkey, avocado, bacon, and tomato. It has this sauce that makes the sandwich.”
“All that on one sandwich?” I asked, taking the proffered plate.
“Trust me. You’ll love it.” He pulled out two bags of chips, handing one to me.
I unwrapped my sandwich and took a bite. It was fantastic. The sauce started to drip from the corner of my mouth. I was just about to grab a napkin when Rowan reached forward, catching it with his finger.
“Don’t want to waste this stuff,” he said, licking it off his finger.
I couldn’t look away. “You didn’t warn me that these would be so messy.” I needed to keep my focus on my own food and not watch him eat. Otherwise, I’d end up doing something stupid. Like licking the sauce from his luscious lips.
“Sometimes messy is good,” he said.
“About earlier today.” I needed to know what happened and if whoever was watching me was still a threat.
“Later,” he said. “Let’s just enjoy our picnic for now.”
“I’m going to hold you to that.”
“Maybe I’ll drag it out just to keep you longer.” He winked.
“I’m not a patient person.” I took another bite of my sandwich.
His eyes darkened. “Neither am I.”
As we ate the food, Rowan resumed his questions. Did I prefer pants or shorts, did I like hoodies or crewnecks, did I like wearing tennis shoes or flip flops. All silly, mundane questions. The next time we got together, it would be my turn to grill him.
Once I finished eating, I lay on my back, watching the sun set behind the trees. Rowan stretched out on his side next to me. He continued with his questions while twirling a piece of my hair around his finger.
For the first time since I could remember, a sense of peace and contentment filled me.