Magnetic Love: A Protector Romance (A Surviving Love Novel Book 3) Read online

  Dylan goes over to talk to him while I return to my bedroom. I lean the ruined mattress against the wall and hang up clothes lying on the floor. My hands shake in one moment of frustrated anger as I untangle hangers from each other.

  “Hey.”

  A jolt of anxiety races through me—even though I know I’m not alone in the apartment. “Don’t sneak up on me like that.”

  Dylan stands in the doorway. “You should go to a hotel. Both of you. Or come stay with us.”

  “The locks will be fixed tonight, right?” The fear of someone coming back has hovered at the back of my consciousness but steps forward now. My neck is clammy and I rub a hand underneath my hair.

  “He’s almost finished now. But I don’t feel good about you and Gabby sleeping here.”

  “I appreciate your concern. I do. But it’s late and I need to get some sleep. Thanks for getting the locksmith here.” It’s not like we can move into Dylan’s place, and staying away one night won’t solve anything anyway. I pick up a memento box and shove a few things inside before I set it on the top shelf of the closet.

  Dylan hasn’t moved from the doorway.

  “You have to go. Thanks for everything.”

  He nods and turns without a response. I’d somehow expected him to argue and I’m strangely disappointed. What did I think? That he’d force me to go to his house?

  Ten minutes later, I come out of the bedroom to find the locksmith packing up his drill. Another minute and he’s gone.

  Gabby sits in front of the television on the floor with a container of takeout. “I’m wiped. I’ll pick up some stuff tomorrow.”

  I’m too tired to argue. It’s typical for Gabby and I can’t believe she’d even pretend that she plans to clean later. I promise myself that I’ve got to make her do more around the apartment. The protest that I’m not her mother lingers on the tip of my tongue.

  A memory of seven-year-old Gabby crying for our mother drops into focus and I gasp at how clear and present the sound is. Instead of scolding her, I walk past and pat the top of her head. “Go to bed. Okay?”

  The bathroom is strangely untouched from the break-in. I run a hot bath and get in, drawing my knees up to my chin in the steaming water. I try to relax, to think about some cheerful thing like the “A” I made on my last Chemistry test or how I bought that cute pair of shoes for 75 percent off. It’s no use.

  Traitorous tears drip down my face, even as I forbid them to fall. Shit. I take one step forward and two steps back. Two. I laugh at that. It’s really like ten steps back. Now, it’s not only the financial problem of replacing ruined furniture—specifically a place to sleep at night—there’s the threat of somebody watching my apartment.

  I should’ve taken the slashed tire more seriously.

  I should’ve worried more about that note on my windshield.

  Should’ve stayed in that shit stripper job where I could at least pay my bills, even if meant using a lot of ones.

  But money isn’t what I need right now and letting my thoughts run in that direction is just plain stupid. I need to figure out what to do about the person who is stalking me. What do they want?

  I’m 110% certain this is tied to my father because nothing bad happened in life until he sold his soul to the highest bidder.

  I finish my bath and put on a T-shirt, sweats, and my fuzzy socks. The apartment is always so cold at night. There’s two voices—a male voice and Gabby’s answering one. I’ve refused to let her have her boyfriend overnight in my apartment, but it’s tempting to let it slide.

  Why should I care as long as she doesn’t get pregnant? At least I might feel safe tonight.

  I take two steps into my bedroom before I see Dylan. He’s there with an inflatable mattress he’s plugged into the wall. He brought something for me to sleep on tonight—thoughtfulness beyond a man bringing me a dozen red roses. The hum of the small motor matches the tingling I feel from head to toe.

  His dark eyes rove over me, and I feel like I’m wearing something a lot more revealing. Every inch of my skin sings an invitation to him.

  “I’m here to tuck you in,” he says.

  I’m speechless. Oh, to be tucked in close to him all night long. His gaze heats me like no one else’s ever before. It’s like standing in the sunshine.

  Gabby pokes me in the back. “Isn’t he the sweetest?”

  Startled by her presence, I suck in a breath. “Yeah. He can be,” I say without turning.

  This is the guy who seduced me with a smile and a touch and then ignored me for months while he brought other girls home. Because I wasn’t good enough.

  “He brought me one, too,” she says.

  “That was very nice,” I say. An ice pick of regret stabs my heart and freezes it. I steady my breath. “Thanks. I’ll pay—”

  Dylan narrows his eyes. “Don’t finish that sentence.” He flips the switch that stops the motor from pumping more air into the mattress.

  “We appreciate it. Gabby needed one. I would’ve been fine.”

  His lips thin into a hard line before he nods. “Glad I could help Gabby. You work at the house on Friday, right?”

  “Yeah. I’ll be there.”

  “Night then.” Dylan strolls out and yells from the door. “Gabby? Please deadbolt this behind me.”

  “Sure,” she says, looking at me strangely. “Sissy? You okay?”

  Everything from the night crashes in on me at once and I close my eyes, imagining myself with Dylan on that makeshift mattress in my room. My head on his chest right over his heartbeat. The feel of his hand stroking my back. The security of being someone he loves.

  “Yeah. I’m fine,” I lie.

  I close the door behind Gabby and grab a blanket and pillow. Things will be much better tomorrow because all things look better in the light of day. I wonder if this is how he treats all the girls he wants to sleep with. I’ve never really known a player, but Dylan must’ve majored in Seduction 101. Womanizer Magna Cum Laude.

  Of all the things I can’t afford right now, heartache tops the list.

  Chapter Eight

  Boss

  Dylan

  Who knew cleaning day could hold such appeal? In the past, I got the hell out before Emerson arrived. It was easier to deny my attraction to her than to borrow trouble.

  Issue number one. Emerson works for me, Jordy, and Collin. Those two would flip their shit if I messed around with her. Issue number two. She’s too bossy, tough, and argumentative. I like my women a little more agreeable. Issue three... Well, she’s complicated. And complicated means getting involved.

  My soul still hasn’t recovered from the last time I fell for a woman.

  Today, I take my time in the shower, put on a suit, and stroll downstairs at half past eight. Collin and his fiancé Veronica sit at the table drinking coffee and eating breakfast. They stay at her place a lot these days, so I’m surprised to see them.

  Collin freezes with the coffee mug halfway to his mouth. “Bro? You’re still here?”

  I shrug while walking to the coffee maker. “Decided to go in late today. Perks of being the boss.”

  Collin makes an unflattering chuffing sound, a cross between a laugh and cough. “You aren’t fooling anyone.”

  “Has anything more happened with Emerson?” Veronica grins at Collin and then me. “Spill.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I grab a mug from the cabinet and pour my coffee. “Is this the flavored stuff?”

  “You are so transparent.” Collin leans back and crosses his arms over his chest, abandoning his breakfast. “No deflecting. I know why you’re hanging around.”

  I shake my head and laugh at him as I walk past. “Whatever.”

  “She’s going to be late.” Collin’s announcement stops me from leaving the room. I turn my head.

  I take a drink of my coffee and peer over the cup at the two of them who look as comfortable as an old married couple. “You mean Emerson?”

  “M
an, you are too far gone. Why pretend? Jordy’s already told me everything.” Collin’s grin gets larger with each word. “I saw this coming.”

  “Why don’t you want us to know?” Veronica nibbles a pastry, her eyebrows bunching together in a baffled line. “Sit down and eat breakfast.”

  “Because there’s nothing to tell.” I give up trying to leave and take a seat at the table. I snag a muffin from a basket in the center. It feels like I’m back home when Veronica is around. She fusses over me and Jordy as if we need her attention. There’s a ton of breakfast food—some weird obsession Veronica has with never leaving a table hungry. “I’m asking her to go grab some dinner tonight. Why is she late?”

  “She had to take her sister somewhere.” Collin snags a chocolate donut and devours it in two bites. “Where are you taking her?”

  “Don’t know yet.” The truth is I’ve thought of half a dozen places and none felt like the right place. I take a sip of coffee and glance at my watch.

  Veronica leans in and wipes a bit of chocolate from Collin’s mouth. “You should pick somewhere special.”

  There’s a knock at the door that sends my pulse rate tapping double-time. When did Emerson start knocking? Veronica hops up to get the door, and I casually pull out my phone and check for messages.

  I’m surprised when the next voice isn’t Emerson’s.

  “Morning.” Malerie Sloan sits in a chair beside me. “What are you doing here?”

  Malerie, one of Collin’s business partners, leans over and nudges me on the shoulder. “I hear you have the hots for Emerson, and she won’t have anything to do with you.”

  An uneasy irritation circles my gut. Maybe I’m acting the fool.

  I narrow my eyes at Collin while I answer her. “What have you been telling people? You’re worse than a gossiping girl.”

  Malerie makes a huffing sound and pulls off her coat.

  I exhale. Women are so sensitive. “No offense to the better sex,” I say to Malerie.

  “Too late. I’m offended,” Malerie says, her smile all fake sweetness.

  “Nothing,” Collin says and tilts his head. “Besides, I was wrong. She’s going out with you tonight, right?”

  “Yeah.” I look at my watch again. I’d planned to catch Emerson before I had to leave for work. I replay my last conversation with her, trying to assure myself she had said ‘yes’ to a date.

  “Did the police figure out who broke in to her place? Did Jordy’s friend run the tags?” Veronica pushes the basket of baked goods toward me. I hold my half-eaten muffin. I’d weigh three hundred pounds if I dated Veronica.

  “I don’t know anything yet. Jordy went out of town today. I texted him about the tags and he said he’d talk to me later.”

  The door opens behind me and I wait to hear Emerson’s voice.

  Usually, she likes the place cleared out when she does her housecleaning thing. A houseful of people won’t sit well with her.

  These people are in for it. Emerson can clear a place faster than a cop at a raid.

  “Hey.” A low voice greets us from across the room. Ace, Malerie’s husband, walks in and sits at the opposite end of the table. They look way too young to be married. Hell, they are too young.

  Ace gives me a curt nod while unwinding a scarf from his neck. “Finished a call in the car. What are you doing home?”

  “I think I live here,” I say, a thin thread of irritation lacing my answer. Ace is a nice guy—nothing not to like about him—but the question of why I’m here is getting old. “Is this what you people do while I work? Hang out here?”

  “I’m picking up Veronica for class, as if it’s any of your business.” Malerie rolls her eyes. She points at me. “You are extremely crabby in the morning.”

  Ace gives Malerie a disapproving look and she smiles bigger. “What?” she asks. “He is.” She grabs a grape from the center tray and pops it into her mouth.

  Ace turns his attention back to me. “There’re some heat and air people installing a new system at our place. They’re doing our apartment and the office.”

  “Yeah? Hey, work here. Definitely.” I glance at my watch. Where is Emerson?

  Veronica reaches across to push a muffin my direction as if she can subtly force me to eat. “You didn’t answer my question,” she says. “Did Jordy find out about the license plate of the people hanging around her apartment?”

  “No.” I take a bite of the muffin. Maybe if I start eating, they’ll stop asking me questions. I don’t want to admit that the two times I’ve called Emerson, she barely spoke.

  “Want us to all go together tonight? Take some of the pressure off that first date thing?” Malerie grabs her bag and stands.

  “No.” I take a larger bite of muffin.

  She snorts. “Man of few words. Hope you talk more to her than you have to us this morning. You are such a guy.”

  Veronica slings her purse over her shoulder. “Don’t be nervous. You already know each other, so there’s no pressure. Quit teasing him, Mal.”

  “I need to get to the office,” I say. I stand and push in my chair. “I’d love to stay and be harassed by you lovely ladies some more but that’s what these guys are for.” I toast them with my coffee mug before taking a last gulp.

  The door opens and Emerson stands with a surprised look at all of us sitting around the table. She stalls only for a second and then comes on in, her face expressionless when she sees me. “Did you guys know I’m supposed to clean today?”

  “Yes.” Several voices meld together to answer her.

  Her brows knit together, putting lines on her forehead. “And you’re still here?”

  Veronica laughs. “Hey. Mal and I are leaving. The guys are staying. Well, just Ace and Collin.” She strolls across the room and flings an arm around Emerson in a side hug.

  One corner of Emerson’s mouth curls into a resisting smile. “Hi. Nice to see you too.”

  Malerie grabs her bag and heads for the door. “Emerson, glad you made it. Maybe somebody in there will be less crabby. Come on,” she says, looking at Veronica. “We need to hurry, or we’ll get caught in traffic.”

  “What’s she talking about?” Emerson says after the girls leave.

  “Probably me,” Collin says. He doesn’t even hesitate to get me out of explaining Malerie’s crazy statement.

  She definitely has problems. No shortage of feisty females with attitude—the girl du jour around here.

  “Hey, can I talk to you for a few minutes before you get started?” I flash her my most charming smile.

  “You’re the boss,” she says, and takes her coat off.

  I lead her back into the living room away from Collin and Ace. My gaze is drawn to her movements as she pulls her long hair from the neckline of her hooded sweatshirt. Static spikes baby fine hair in a circle framing her head.

  Leaning in, I run my hand over the side of her head, smoothing the disarray. Her expression tells me she has no idea why I’ve done it.

  I can’t stop the grin and she flushes. “Did I have stuff on my head?” she asks.

  “No. It’s nothing.” I can’t quit staring at the way her blue eyes seem darker when she’s embarrassed.

  She steps back, putting a couple of feet between us. “What do you need?”

  I lower my voice, aware that Collin and Ace can hear us in the kitchen. “I want to make sure we’re still on for tonight.”

  “Tonight?” Her tone leaves me no doubt that she’s forgotten.

  My pride hackles up defensively. It’s a strange sensation I haven’t felt in years. It’s the reason I’m only interested in women who don’t mean anything to me. At least until Emerson came along.

  I’d almost forgotten how hard the feeling pummels your gut.

  I paste on an easy smile that almost hurts. “Don’t worry about it. If you’re busy, it’s not a problem. I have a friend who wanted to go out tonight anyway.”

  I turn to walk away but she grabs my arm. Her fingers are still co
ld from being outside and I want to fold her into me and warm her.

  “Yeah?” I study her expression, a strange mixture of excitement and hesitation. Like that moment at a lake, staring down into the dark water before jumping off the bluffs.

  “I’ve had a lot going on and you didn’t mention it when you called to check on us after the break-in. And...” She seems to catch hold of her emotions, her face smoothing out into a blank canvas. She removes her hand in a quick jerky motion. “It’s a bad idea. A really bad idea. We should keep our relationship on the friend level.”

  A moment of sheer brilliance overcomes me. “I’m going to confess something.”

  She looks at me dubiously. Her head tilts as she waits for the rest.

  “I’ve been under a lot of stress at work, and I need someone to hang out with and talk to. Somebody who isn’t going to think we’re a couple just because we go out to dinner or a movie. You’d be like one of the guys.”

  Emerson is studying me with an intensity that’s a little scary. I know without a doubt that she thinks she can sniff out a lie. It’s a good thing my statement isn’t one.

  Miss Human Lie Detector glances at the room behind us where we can hear the guys’ voices in deep discussion. “You should spend more time with Collin and Jordy. They’re both great.”

  I wonder if she says the same about me. That I’m a great guy. “Collin is always with Veronica and Jordy is busier than ever since he sold that last app. He’s been out of town the past two days.”

  “Hmm...” She nods. “What’s going on with you and work?”

  I check my watch and look up at her. “I need to get going. You, me, pizza, and beer. Can we talk about it tonight?”

  “Ok. I can do that.”

  “Good.” I tamp down my victory grin. “I’ll pick you up at seven.”

  “Sure.” She moves past me, not looking me in the eye, and I sense she’s uncomfortable with the decision she’s made.

  I’m all right with that. I’ve been uncomfortable with this undeniable attraction for months and I’m not alone.