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My eyes shot to Ryan’s but he was focused on the man. His fingers curled around his glass. “Have some respect.”
The creep stared back at Ryan but didn’t say a word. I felt my face heat from the exchange, not liking the attention it brought to me. But I was never one to let someone else fight my battles.
“That’s all right,” I said, looking at Ryan. Then, to the creep, I bent down to his ear. “If you ever touch me again, I will break every one of your fingers. On both hands.”
I picked up the glasses and left.
I curled my fingers around the tray, but my hands still shook. Despite my words, the exchange had unnerved me.
“I need a minute,” I said to Sam as soon as I got back behind the bar. After dropping the tray, I walked down the hallway toward the bathroom. Splashing cold water down the back of my neck, I breathed deeply in front of the mirror.
Maybe I should have taken more time off from work. I had a lot going on with me. Jail, exams, breakup. How much could a girl take?
I turned around and stared at the door. For a moment, my heart hoped something my mind would not register. Don’t go there, Laura. He’s not waiting for you.
I closed my eyes and opened the door.
When I opened them, the hallway was empty.
I should have been relieved. I had expected it. But a knot formed in my stomach.
I walked back to the bar, and my eyes involuntarily scanned his table.
He was gone.
The table was empty. My stomach twisted, and I felt sick.
“What’s the matter?” Sam asked when I bent across the bar.
“I think I’m going to be sick,” I said.
“Go lie down,” she ordered.
“No. I need to go home. Can you cover the last twenty minutes for me?”
“Yes, yes. Can you drive?”
“Yes. I’ll be okay.”
Grabbing my jacket, I raced to the parking lot. There were still several cars parked, and for a moment I couldn’t find mine.
A shadow crossed behind me and I went cold. I scrambled in my purse for my spray.
“Don’t,” he shouted. “It’s me.”
“Ryan?” I turned around to face him.
He had his hands up, and a smile played on his lips. “For the love of God, don’t spray me again.”
I laughed. “You can put your hands down now.” Looking around the parking lot, I asked, “What are you doing here?”
He looked over his shoulder at a car just leaving the lot.
“I wanted to make sure the jackass got in his car and left you alone. I don’t trust him.”
I nodded. “Thanks, but I can take care of myself.”
“I know.” He stared at me and I wondered if he saw past my exterior and heard my heart hammering in my chest. I was relieved the creep was gone. Even happier that Ryan made sure he had left.
