“It’s seems to me you can’t take care of yourself. You’ve had all day to call a locksmith.”
“I had more important things to do. The Carringtons called this morning with a change, and I spent the entire day tracking down white peonies. I finally found fifty stems at a farm in Oregon.”
Officer Landry turned his attention to the door, which was still standing ajar. “He’s right. This isn’t a safe lock. You’re living upstairs?”
Jackson flashed an I-told-you-so smile, and Elyssa responded with a single lifted eyebrow and flared nostrils.
“Yes, but I’m getting the lock changed. Also, I’m thinking about getting a guard dog.”
“You really need to take precautions. The only reason I was in the area is that we’ve had reports of a suspicious-looking guy loitering around here. I was following a guy who matched the description when I spotted Mr. McCall outside your door.”
“Well, I totally understand why you'd suspect Jaxon. He looks pretty seedy.”
“Ha! Very funny. Don’t try to change the subject. If you won’t listen to me, at least listen to Officer Landry.”
“Yes, Ms. Rose, you should probably find another place to stay until you get your lock changed. My patrol covers a lot of territory, so I won’t be around here all night. That guy walked right past your door a few minutes ago.”
“I’m sure I’ll be fine for one night.”
“Do you have a gun, ma’am?”
“No, of course not, but I have a can of pepper spray.”
"I really need to emphasize that pepper spray might not be enough to stop someone if they were to break in, especially someone under the influence of certain drugs.”
"I also took a self-defense class."
"Okay, but promise me you'll get this lock changed right away." Landry gave Jaxon a look that said, ‘Let's just humor her for now’.
Jaxon offered his hand. “Thank you, Officer Landry.”
“Thank you, Mr. McCall. Sorry for the misunderstanding."
"No problem. You were only doing your job."
"Good night, sir. Good night, ma’am. And please take care of that lock.”
As he watched Officer Landry return to his car, Jaxon saw Elyssa moving in the corner of his eye. Sliding inside her shop, she murmured, “Thanks for checking on the lock. I didn’t need it, but thanks anyway.”
So she thinks she can just slip away and ignore everything that just happened. I don’t think so.
He moved to the door just as she closed it. With a dull thunk, the door bounced open. She tried again, putting her weight into it. He saw her suck in a sudden breath when her eyes met his, inches away, through the glass pane. Then her gaze dropped down, widening as she spied the obstruction… his foot.
Part 6: An Invitation
I’D LOVE TO WIPE that smug expression off his face. “Get your foot out of my way. What do you think you’re doing?”
He pushed his way inside the door, easily overpowering her futile efforts to close it against him.
“I’m merely coming in to let you know how much I appreciate your comments that almost led to my arrest.”
“I think you were well on your way to an arrest before I came downstairs and saved your behind.”
“Oh? So you saved my behind, huh? And here I was thinking I’d come over here to save that cute little tush of yours.”
“I told you already, I don’t need your help. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to go back to bed.”
*****