“Doing well, Anna. I came by to check out the construction. Spoke with Jeremy and Anthony a little while ago. Said things are moving along smoothly,” Marco stated.
“They sure are. We’re actually headed out to check on supplies for painting tomorrow. Millie can show you around.” Stacy ushered the others out of the building. Millie shook her head. She was going to have to tell the women to stop playing matchmaker. She wasn’t interested.
Although, Marco looked exceptionally good in a uniform.
“So you made it back in one piece after all?” he teased as he took off his hat and held it with his hands. His fingers played with the rim of it and she imagined those fingers on her skin, brushing against her cheek. She shook the thoughts. Hadn’t she just said “no way” to men?
“Yeah, well, I may look like I’m in one piece, but I’m definitely feeling a bit exhausted. I haven’t worked out like that or ran that far in a while. My poor body is paying the price.”
“Well, you looked really good on the mat. My brothers and I were impressed. Also I’m curious about what else you know how to do.”
She locked gazes with him a moment, wondering what he meant. Why did it feel like this conversation was going to supply hidden innuendoes and flirtatious retorts?
“I told you guys back in the dojo about my experience in the martial arts.”
“I think you held back a bit. Should be fun to see how Dalton and Hank pull out some more of your hidden secrets,” he teased and she felt her cheeks warm and her throat close up.
How would they feel when they knew she had been involved with an abusive man, was nearly killed, and was now being hunted by him? Or the fact that she hadn’t learned her lesson the first time around and got involved with an egocentric, verbal abuser like Stewart? Shit!
She felt her confidence deflate and the battle within herself turn to defeat and disgust. Why had she been so stupid?
“Hey, what’s wrong? You look upset,” he said, and she snapped her head back up to look at him.
She pulled away from the wall and stepped toward the doorway.
“Listen, there’s nothing interesting about me. I’m just trying to live my life and make some big decisions about my future plans either here in Pearl or elsewhere. I like martial arts and I definitely could use the exercise. There’re no hidden secrets, so please just let me be.”
She began to walk away when Marco stepped in her path. He didn’t touch her and she was grateful. He seemed to sense her need for space.
“Sweetheart, I’d have to disagree with you on a few points. First of all, you are a fine-looking woman.” He looked her body over from head to toe. His expression and tone made her belly quiver and her pussy come alive like no words had ever done before. It was wild.
“You are most definitely interesting enough to get to know. I’m not trying to be pushy, I’m just interested. So why don’t you show me around the center here and let me know what the plans are. I’d love to help out if I could.”
Millie was surprised by his words and actions but grabbed the opportunity to speak on a lighter subject. She nodded her head then began to show Marco around the rec center and what they planned on doing there.
* * * *
The following day, Millie was sitting on the porch, trying to get her cell phone to turn on. The battery had died on her trip to Texas and she had forgotten to check it. A few days had passed and she had been so busy she forgot all about charging it. Last night she had charged it up and she couldn’t help but feel some anxiety about who may have called or left messages for her.
Surprisingly, there were messages from Clare and a few people she worked with during the women’s shelter project. As she listened to the voice messages she felt good that they complimented her and bad-mouthed her boss and Stewart. Apparently, they knew Stewart caused her to lose her job. Hopefully, his reputation suffered a bit. She smirked just thinking about it. She guessed the old saying, “what goes around, comes around,” really was true.
She listened to a call from Clare stating that she had her award and wanted to drop it off at the apartment. Then she went on to say that their boss was a jerk and Stewart was a huge asshole. She chuckled and went to her text messages.
There were numerous texts from Clare.
She scanned through them until she got to the one about her award and Clare standing outside of her apartment. Millie heard some vehicles approaching and looked up to see the sheriff’s truck and a car driving rather quickly toward the ranch and her cottage.
She was eager to read Clare’s text message. Glancing back down at the cell phone and ignoring the fast-approaching vehicles, she read the text.
“Hi, Mill. I’m at you apartment w/ award. U R not here. Where R U?”
Millie read the next text.
“Your X is HOT! If U don’t arrive soon he’s MINE! ?”
Millie didn’t get the message. Did Clare mean Stewart? What the hell?
She sent a text back.