Nurturing Britney (Surrender Book 7) by Becca Jameson (best books to read fiction .TXT) 📗

She told me he would be coming in to upgrade the alarm system. I just hadn’t realized it would be today.

As I glance at each of their faces, I decide that Davis looks the most concerned, which is irrational since he’s just met me.

I tuck my hair behind my ear, a nervous habit, and meet Cindy’s gaze as she starts speaking. “You’re not in trouble, Britney. I just want to make sure you’re okay. Why couldn’t you go home?”

I shrug. “I could have. I just didn’t.”

Her gaze narrows. “You didn’t get evicted, did you?”

Davis takes a step closer. “There’s nothing in her car,” he points out.

Shit. Good point.

His brow is furrowed, and he sets one of his huge hands on the counter. “Was there a reason you couldn’t go home?” he asks me.

No one else seems to think it’s odd that this stranger is grilling me. Charles and Cindy are both watching me closely.

Davis lifts up his hands, palms out. “Sorry. It’s none of my business.” He offers a small smile. “It’s just in my nature to notice the small things. I’m in security. Sometimes the tiniest detail can mean the difference between life and death.”

I flinch. My heart is racing. He’s hit so close to home that I’m about to get emotional.

“Britney?” Cindy encourages.

I’m trembling, and I wrap my arms around me, realizing I’m not even dressed for working here today. I don’t have my polo with the shelter logo. I’m not wearing proper shoes. And shit, I don’t even have a bra on. This is what I wore to work last night before turning around and hightailing it out of the building without even starting my shift.

I draw in a deep breath, forcing my emotions in check. “It’s no big deal. I just got a little spooked at the club, so I left without saying a word to anyone. I wasn’t in the mood to face my boss if he came looking for me.” That’s putting it mildly.

Davis narrows his gaze again, making me even more nervous. “Why would your boss come to your apartment just because you left work?”

I shrug. “He’s pretty protective of his girls. Likes to make sure we’re all okay and stuff. It was just a possibility.”

“That sounds creepy, Britney,” Charles chimes in. “Please tell me that man hasn’t come to your place before.”

I shake my head. “No. Of course not.” I cock out a hip and clasp one elbow with my other hand, trying to look nonchalant. “He’s a good guy,” I say, though I realize now that’s a bald-faced lie. He’s not even close to good. I thought he was good. Until last night. Now, I’m…well, afraid to go home.

I don’t want to involve all these people in my problems, however. “Look, I’m not even dressed right. I’m just going to run home and change and I’ll be back when my shift starts.” I back up a few paces, nearly bumping into a chair in the waiting area.

Davis looks at Cindy.

She takes a step toward me. “I don’t like the idea of you going home. There’s more to this story.”

I shake my head. “I’m sure I’m making a big deal out of nothing. Now that it’s daylight, I’m sure I was overreacting.”

“I don’t like it either,” Charles says. “Why don’t you come stay with me for a few days, Britney? My wife would love having you.”

I smile at Charles. He’s the kindest man I’ve ever met. So gentle and caring. The best guy for the job of night manager at an animal shelter. I’ve met his wife too. Abigail. Sweet round woman who likes to hug. Everyone loves her.

Charles’s phone pings and he pulls it out of his pocket. His grin stretches across his face. “Speak of my wife. Woman’s probably wondering where I am. Five minutes later than normal and she worries.”

Cindy smiles at him. “You go on home, Charles. We’ll figure this out.”

“Okay.” He turns toward me with a stern look on his face and points his finger. “You call me if you need a place to stay, you hear?”

“Yes. Thank you, Charles. I’ll be fine.”

Charles shakes Davis’s hand. “Nice to meet you.” He turns toward Cindy. “Be back later tonight.”

“Thank you, Charles.”

After Charles leaves, I realize Davis is staring at me, brow furrowed.

“I’m just going to run home for a few hours,” I tell Cindy.

“No.” Davis is shaking his head.

It’s jarring because I don’t know him at all. Cindy obviously knows him from somewhere, but his intensity and interest in my welfare is kinda over the top.

Cindy glances at him. She’s biting her lip. Distressed. I feel bad.

“Seriously. It’s no big deal,” I insist.

Davis nods at Cindy when her eyes go wider.

What the hell?

He turns toward me. “Can you work in what you’re wearing for today?”

“Well, I guess, but it’s not necessary.”

“Good. What time do you get off?”

I glance at Cindy. She’s flushed and breathing deeply.

Davis keeps talking. “I only need a few hours here this morning to get this job done, then I need to head to my office and take care of a few other jobs today. I’ll come back and pick you up. You can stay at my place for a few days until we sort this out.”

I gasp, my mouth falling open. “I couldn’t do that.”

His expression is stern. I’m guessing he’s not the sort of man you argue with. “Sure you can. My house is safe. Yours is not. And there’s no way I’d let you sleep in your car again tonight.”

“He’s right,” Cindy adds. “You’ll be fine in what you’re wearing for the day. Just be careful with those flip flops. If you need to go back into your apartment tonight to retrieve some things, Davis can go with you.” She turns toward Davis. “She gets off at four.”

Davis nods. “I’ll be here.” He points at me. “Don’t leave until I get here. Got it?”

So bossy. I flinch at his tone. I should probably tell him to fuck off. But the words won’t