Free Happily Never After by Bess George Page B

soothing contrast to the deafening bar. Her whole body shook while he ran his hand down the back of her smooth, satiny hair. He breathed a little easier when her body relaxed against him.
    The wild beating of her heart against his chest pissed him off. “What were you thinking, Kelsey?”
    She kept her face averted. “This week went so well. I was strong and for the first time in a long time, I felt almost normal. I found an apartment, and I’m moving into it. But I was wrong because I’m not. I don’t know if I ever will be.”
    The urge to comfort her snuffed out the heat of his anger and he rested his chin on the top of her head. “Ah, honey, give yourself a break. You’re normal, or as normal as anyone in our line of work can be. Relocating to California is a new start for you, and you should take things slow. You’ll get there, but you’re smart enough to realize what kind of situations to avoid for now.”
    They sat without speaking for several minutes.
    “It was the balloons.” The admission came out a low whisper.
    He pulled back so he could see her. “The balloons?”
    “I was startled when they popped. The noise scared me, and I started to have a panic attack.”
    He tucked her back under his chin, and he relaxed at the sound of her soft sigh. “Better?”
    “I’m sorry.”
    The slight tremble in her voice rattled him. “No need to apologize. That’s what friends are for. These kinds of places can be overwhelming for anyone. They're too full of smoke and noise. Sitting here is nice, right?”
    “Are we?”
    He frowned down at her. “Are we what?”
    “Friends. Are we friends, Bode?”
    He hesitated for a minute, wanting to be as honest as possible. “I hope we’re on the way to becoming friends. It hasn’t been that long since we met, but I enjoy being around you. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t always understand you, but I definitely like you. Are you better now?”
    “I'm all right. Why do you dislike Michael so much? He seems okay, a little self-centered, but I get the feeling you can’t stand the guy.”
    He contemplated as he weighed his words. “Let’s just say, he has a reputation for using whatever means necessary to advance in his professional life. He reminds me of one of those sucker fish that attaches itself to a shark.”
    “I got the impression your dislike of him is personal.”
    He stared out the side window of his truck. “It is, I guess. He’s dated a few of my friends on the force. One, in particular, lost her job because she confided in him. He repeated information and she ended up paying the price.”
    She withdrew from his embrace. “My car is right over there. I’ll go so you can get back inside to your date.”
    Confusion clouded his brain. “What the heck are you talking about?”
    “The woman sitting with you at the table. I’m sure if you tell her it was about work she’ll understand.”
    “Kelsey, we met tonight and it wasn’t a long-term kind of thing.”
    She rolled her eyes. “Well, I’m sorry if I got in the way of your getting lucky.”
    “You jealous?”
    “Absolutely not! We’re just friends, remember. I’m going back to my room to get some rest.”
    He gave a deep sigh. “I don’t think you should be driving yet. Why don’t I take you back and we’ll get your car tomorrow.”
    “Are you out of your mind? Everyone coming out of this bar would see my car sitting here all night and assume I went home with you. I’m going to the hotel.” She reached for the door handle, but he stopped her.
    “Drive safe. I’ll be right behind you.”
    “You don’t have to follow me. I’m okay now.”
    “I know. I’m still going to. Sweet dreams, Princess.”
    “Bode, thank you for helping me. And quit calling me that!”

Chapter 9
    Kelsey hadn’t had sweet dreams for the last two nights and by Friday, she dragged herself into the office. Between nightmares and the fact she wanted to get her new apartment put together, she was exhausted.
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