"Sigh," I looked tired. I finished washing my hands at the restroom sink and then feebly messed with my hair. It was getting late, no doubt Aaron was wondering why I had stayed so long. Why had I stayed so long? A pang of guilt rose up in my stomach. I knew why, of course I knew why. But it is all innocent enough. Isn't it biology to think one of the guys in the college group was cute? I mean it isn't like that means anything. Beyond that there were 6 people here working together, so it's not like I need to feel guilty about one of the guys being cute. I am just tired.
My phone buzzed. I glanced at it.
Aaron: "You coming home soon?"
I texted back that I was finishing up, took one more look in the mirror then snagged my phone pressed it into the back pocket of my jeans and walked out. I could hear the college kids still talking and I peeked in for a moment.
"Good night you guys," I said with a smile.
"Good night Tori!" They all said in return. I saw him flirting with Sarah. Good. I smiled and walked out. They like each other and that will help me get my mind right.
I was in my car and heading home when Aaron texted again about getting a few things from the store on the way home. I smiled. I bet he is trying to cook something. I turned in the grocery store parking lot, grabbed my purse and headed in. It was later than I thought and the place was nearly empty. I took my time walking through the aisles. Thinking about what we actually needed versus what Aaron sent me.
I am not sure if I was spacing out, tired or what but I walked smack dab into a guy getting some milk. He dropped the carton and, thankfully, it bounced on the ground and didn't explode. I stumbled a bit then caught myself from falling over.
"Oh no, I am so sorry," I blurted as I steadied myself then looked up at him. His eyes struck me first. They were green, not hazel or bluish, but green. He was taller, maybe six feet and had a rugged face-- unshaven, rough, but chiseled. He was powerfully built and handsome.
He knelt down and snatched up the carton of milk like it weighed nothing.
"That's ok," he replied with a chill. "You should be more careful, I have been standing here for like a minute."
Jerk. "I...yeah I am sorry," I answered. There was something about this guy that seemed off or different.
"Unless you meant to run into me," he said. Did he just check me out?
"Um, no why would I do that?" I blurted. I took a step back and look around. There was literally no one around us.
"Long night?" He asked. He was so comfortable in his own skin you could tell.
"Yeah I guess so," I replied. "I am really sorry again. So...have a good night ok?" With that I walked past him.
I could feel his eyes on me as I walked away. Was he still checking me out? Creeper. I couldn't help but realize I walked with a bit more swing in my hips. Ok so yeah, go ahead and look at what you can't have. I walked into another aisle and almost laughed. What a jerk. Why do I care any way?
I grabbed what was left of my list and got in line to check out. I noticed the guy in another line. There was a girl next to him in a short dress and she kept looking back at him and smiling. Probably a slut. Wow I am judgmental right now. I seriously need to just get home.
I smiled to the cure cashier girl and made my way back to the car. After fumbling a bit with my keys I got in and debated texting Aaron. Why bother I will be home in like 15 minutes? I zipped out of the parking lot and up to the next light. I turned the radio down and looked to my right. Of course. The jerk was in a car next to me and that girl he was with was in the passenger seat.
"I bet they are up to no good," I said to myself.
Suddenly he turned and looked right at me. Our eyes locked and a chill went down my spine. He didn't smile, didn't nod, just looked.
Green light.
I pressed the gas and went straight, and that car stayed with me. He sped up and I let him go past. I was worried. I just need to get home.
We went through the next light. They were ahead of me now. No big deal. I am totally imagining this whole thing. Why would they even care about... Suddenly I saw brake lights. I hit the brakes and slid right up to their car and hit their back bumper. My head jerked forward a bit, hitting the steering wheel harder than I expected.
I sat for a moment and took a deep breath. Thankful that it wasn't worse. My ears were ringing. I looked up with blurry vision and I could see the guy get out of his car and walk back toward me. I fumbled in my purse looking for my wallet to get my insurance information when the door opened suddenly. His hands were on me and he yanked me out of the car in one powerful motion. I shrieked.
"Shut the fuck up," he said angrily. I drug me to the passenger side of the car where the girl he was with stood looking at me.
She opened the rear passenger door and he shoved me in roughly on my stomach.
"No! Stop, please, I am so sorry I didn't see you! I..."