Red Hot Night (Trick or Treat Collaboration)

“This weekend has been amazing. Your grandparents are hilarious, and I can see where you get your kindness from,” I sigh, thinking about how amazing it’s been, but the reality has arrived. Between school and his work in the middle of a large city our relationship might not handle the stress.

“You make it sound like you’re trying to end this,” he grumbles.

“I’m not. I just have class in the morning, and it’s best if you drop me off at my dorm.”

He gasps as if I smacked him. “Drop you off?”

“I mean, it’s not like you don’t have work in the morning either.”

“I don’t care about that. I want to know why you’re eager to part ways. Don’t make me turn this car around and lock you up in the house.”

“Don’t be silly. I want to see you tomorrow when you’re not busy.” I love that he’s serious about wanting to see me. I hope that he means it because like many things, life gets in the way.

“Fine. When do you finish your last class?”

“Three fifty.”

“Okay. I’ll be at the office all day, but I can pick you up if you want me to so I can show you the condo.”

“No, that’s fine. I think we need a day to breathe.” I can tell that I’ve said the wrong thing, but I want the next twenty-four hours apart to know this is more than just a magical weekend.

He huffs, clamps his lips shut for a minute as he chooses his words. “Understood. I’ll give you a day.” That’s the last thing he says to me until we pull up to my dorm.

He walks me to the entrance. “Have a good night, sweetheart. Call me anytime you want. I’ll always pick up for you.”

“Everett…” I want to tell him that I’ve changed my mind, but I can’t squeak the words out.

“Yes?”

“I’m going to miss you.”

“You better. Take care. I’ll be worried, but I’m going to give you space.”

He pulls me into his arms, sliding one hand into my hair while dragging my hips to his with the other. His mouth closes over mine with his tongue parting my lips and pushing in. The kiss weakens my knees. I moan, clutching onto his sweater—that he looks incredibly sexy in.

“I have to go before I drag your ass with me.” He stops himself, letting go. “Go inside. I’m not going until I see you get in that elevator.”

“Be careful driving home.”

“I will. Goodnight, love.” He walks over to his car, but his eyes keep track of my movements. As soon as I’m in the building, he winks at me and I blow him a kiss. Why did I have to insist we separate?

I get on the elevator, dipping my head out to steal one last look at him before the door closes. He laughs, turning me into mush. The ride is quick, as if it’s intentionally pulling me farther and farther away from Everett. Once I get inside my room, I feel the loneliness hit. Briana’s not home yet. She sent me a text saying she had a date with her man. I change into my pajamas and climb into my small twin bed. For three hours I lay in bed, thinking about Everett.

Unable to handle it, I send a text. I hope you made it home safe.

Yep, didn’t want to wake you. I’ll be dreaming of you, Lena. Get some sleep.

I’ll be dreaming of you too.

Fatigue gets me and I fall asleep after the last text. My dreams are full of Everett, but they go from sweet and romantic to horror. He leaves me, saying this is what I wanted. I wake up to tears in my eyes. What am I going to do? I have to let him know that I love him, but I can’t wake him up. I’ll send him a text again. That way he can read it in the morning. A day is too much. Can you pick me up after class tomorrow?

With pleasure. Now get some sleep.

And I can. For the next three hours, I sleep like a baby until my alarm goes off.

Chapter Thirteen

Everett

“You have got to be fucking kidding me.” I received information on Lena’s case from my assistant first thing Monday morning. I’m holding the sketch of the suspect, and my hand is shaking so much that I can’t focus on it. My rage consumes me to the point of pain. I’m going to kill that son of a bitch as soon as possible.

I look through the information and find the number for the detective’s office. It takes me less than a second to decide to call. I can’t believe of all the people in the world. “Hello, may I speak with Detective Michael Morris?”

“May I ask who’s calling?”

“This is Mr. Williams. I may have some information on the attack on Ms. Lena Denton.”