Page 39 of Defensive Indifference

“No, I heard what you said. I don’t understand. I realize this is our first date, but I’m at your bakery every single day. I paid a lot of money for that dinner you hardly ate, anticipating this moment all night.”

I huff. “Well, I’m sorry you assumed you’d be physically rewarded for basic manners. Nor did I think you being a regular at my place had small print about owing you a kiss. I don’t see another date in our future, but thank you for dinner, Nick.” I spin on my heel and dig in my purse for my keys.

Nick grasps my upper arm and spins me back around. His eyes aflame, he steps closer until my back is almost against the door. “I don’t think so. I determine when—”

I kick him in the shin and grab my taser from my bag. “Who do you think you are? You don’t put your hands on me!”

“You kicked me!” Nick growls and reaches for me again.

“Stay away from me. I’m warning you!”

“You are the most ungrateful, pathetic…” I’m not sure what else he calls me while he grapples to get his hands on my arms again. I’m too focused on sticking it to him good and proper. He manages to get his hands locked on my upper arms, but this time, he gets a shocking reminder that he has no right to touch another human, let alone roughly and with intent on taking something that is not his.

Nick stiffens, gasps, and falls face-first in the rosebushes. I can’t see in the dark, but I hope he soiled himself, too. I whip my phone out and call the police. My across-the-hall neighbor’s door flies open and he steps onto his front stoop. At about seventy years old, and riddled with medical issues, he’s not likely to be much help if Nick recovers and fights back anytime soon, but his wife, on the other hand, shoves out the door with a cast iron skillet in her hand.

“What happened? Is Dustin okay? What did that scum do to you?” she hollers.

“Honey, put down the pan before you get hurt.” Her husband takes the frying pan while she chuckles at the man still face down in the shrubs.

“I tased him. Oh gosh, what if the police arrest me for battery?”

“Way I see it, you defended yourself. I’ll be right here to make sure the police know just that.” She crosses her arms over her pink nightgown and raises her chin.

It doesn’t take long for the police to arrive, but with lights and sirens, it’s going to wake up the whole neighborhood, Dustin included. Neighbors slowly emerge from their homes, too nosy for their own good, but all I can think while I await my fate is…Koa would never.

Chapter Nineteen

Koa

The Salty Dog is slowing down, and the guys are ready to head home. Fortunately, a few games of darts and a little conversation have pulled my mind away from my woes. Primarily, the woe of knowing the woman I want is on a date with another man, but also from my family drama. I snuck to the regular hangout without telling Eleanor, but somehow the woman managed to discover I’d headed out in public and showed up with a scowl and a folder. Now she sits at the bar going over some paperwork that makes no sense to me.

“You think she has a social life at all?” Marco asks while leaning against the wall.

“If you’re thinking about offering her one, I’d think twice. Quade Dawson made it very clear that she is off limits.”

“I’m not looking to get fired. Just wondering.” He shrugs and glances her way again.

“It’s not getting fired I’d be worried about. It’s getting pulled out of the river in pieces. Seriously, don’t think about it.” I brush him off and finish off the last of my sweet tea and fries. My phone buzzes in my pocket. “Who in the world would call me this late?” Fishing it from my pocket, I take an account of everyone still here. It’s possible it’s Andrew. He did forget his ball cap, but I’ve already tossed it into my car to give him tomorrow.

It’s not Andrew. In fact, I’m not entirely sure who it is since I don’t recognize the number.

“Hello?”

“Koa?” Dustin’s voice trembles and my adrenaline spikes.

“Yeah, what is it, kiddo? Is something wrong?” I toss a tip on the bar and wave to the tender. Marco’s brow perks so I mouth that it’s Dustin.

“I’m scared. Mom was arguing with Nick on the front porch, then the neighbor started yelling, and now there’s police here.”

“Where is Annie?” Surely, she didn’t leave Evalina and Dustin alone.

“She’s outside with Mom. She told me to stay in my room, but I’m really scared. Can you come over?”

“Sure thing, kid. I’m on my way, okay? Give me about…” I check my watch, figure traffic isn’t bad at this late hour, and head out the door. “About ten minutes, okay?”

“Yeah. Thank you.”

“No problem, Dustin. Stay in your room like Annie said. I’ll be there fast.” My friends don’t bother trying to slow me down, but Eleanor calls after me. This is just the sort of thing she should probably be present for, but I’m not slowing down to explain anything. I don’t care if I lose everything I own and end up in jail, if Evalina and Dustin are in trouble, I’m doing something about it.