Page 57 of Angel

“Make yourself at home. I’m guessing you could use a drink.”

“You don’t have to wait on me, um, Jason.”

“I know, but you have just arrived; I have not. Allow me to offer you some refreshment, and you can repay the favor another time.”

He jerks his head toward his kitchen. “Come, I’ll brew some coffee while we figure out what we’re going to do tonight. We can order takeout, or there’s a restaurant around the corner that does great food.”

My shoulders relax a little because, for some reason, this already feels like home. I appreciate the easy atmosphere, and part of me craves this. Someone to come home to. Fussing over me, asking about my day, a smile, a warm welcome, and easy company.

As I follow Jason like a well-trained puppy, I admire the view. Yes, this could be exactly what I need, and for the first time in a long while, I walk a little lighter than before.

CHAPTER 22

ANGEL

Sophie, as always, is a vision. I have never met such a goddess in human form. The moment she stepped out of the elevator, I was dazzled. Even in sweatpants and a hoodie she shines. The weary lines on her face from a day at work as she copes with the shit her life is right now only makes her more appealing. I’m guessing this will be a lot harder on me than I first thought because my interest is only burning brighter the more time I spend with her.

She appears so vulnerable. I want to protect her. To wrap her in cotton candy and hold her close. She is the first woman I have ever wanted to and I wonder about that.

I have been alone nearly all my life and thought I was good with that. It turns out I’m not. Having someone else to worry about is kind of good, and as we head into the kitchen, I’m looking forward to a pleasant evening getting to know her.

She seems weary, and I point to the barstool. “Take a seat. Coffee, or something stronger?”

“Both sound good, but perhaps a glass of wine would hit harder.”

“Bad day?”

“You could say that.”

“Tell me.”

I reach inside the wine cooler and remove a bottle of crisp white wine, pouring a generous amount into a glass and handing it to her with a concerned smile.

“I received a bouquet today, and it freaked me out.”

She smiles her thanks as she takes a deep glug of wine and then reaches for her purse.

“I’m sorry about this, Jason, and will completely understand if you would rather not help me, but, well, you should take a glance at this.”

She slides the note across the counter, and I immediately recognize it as being the same as the previous one.

When I read the words, I raise my eyes, and she whispers anxiously, “I’m so sorry. I’ve placed you in danger.”

“Then nothing has changed.”

I attempt to reassure her.

“This guy, at least I’m assuming it’s a guy.”

She shrugs, her weariness evident as she sips her wine.

“You act as if this isn’t the first time he’s made contact.”

“The third time, actually. The first was a note like this; the second in person, but I’d rather not talk about that. Then there is this one. I’m hoping it’s not a pattern, and he doesn’t arrive in my bedroom this evening as before.”

Anger flares inside me, and I steady my breathing because Sophie is unaware that I am way up to speed with this already.

Instead, I merely sit beside her and attempt to reassure her.