She worried at her lip. “He scares me. What if—”
Again, I stopped her. “I can handle myself. Trust me. But it’s you I’m worried about. Now tell me. Please.”
She looked down at her coffee and sighed. “Okay.”
* * *
RAVEN
Damien covered my hand with his larger one, squeezing my fingers. I looked up and met his concerned gaze. When I had burst into the bar earlier, I had no plan other than to get into a place with other people. The way he had reacted to seeing me had been an unexpected surprise. He had reached my side fast and played along with my impromptu performance. Considering how terrified I had been of the man following me, I had felt completely safe in the arms of the tall stranger who appeared in front of me. He was solid and warm, his scent reminding me of the crispness of fresh air and water.
And the way he kissed me. It felt right, real, and perfect. Not as if he was a stranger I had just met, but someone I knew intimately—which was impossible, but that was how it felt.
I took a sip of coffee, studying him. He was handsome. Dark brown hair and blue eyes. Heavy brows that emphasized his stern look. A full mouth and a sharp jawline with a tightly trimmed beard. He was intense and focused. He was probably a foot taller than me, and he was solid. Broad shoulders, thick arms, and a well-defined torso. He exuded power. Even frowning, he was sexy. And when he smiled, his sexiness exploded.
But he wasn’t smiling now. He was waiting, and I knew he wouldn’t let me leave without knowing my story. Again, given why I had been running, I should be worried, but something about him told me I could trust him.
“I moved here last fall from up north. I got the chance of a full-time job here.”
“What do you do?”
“I’m a teacher.”
“What grade?”
“Kindergarten and grade one.”
“So, you like kids,” he observed.
“I do. I love watching them learn.”
“Do they call you Miss Bailey? Ms. Bailey?”
“Ms. Raven, actually. I prefer it.”
“I see.” He took a sip of coffee. “So, you’ve been here about ten months?”
“Yes. This is my first year at the school.”
“Any family up north?”
I shook my head. “My mom died a short while ago. My brother lives out west. My dad died when I was a teenager. I couldn’t find a full-time job, and when this one came up, I jumped at it. There was nothing left holding me up there.”
“No friends, boyfriend to stay for?”
“No,” I replied shortly. I had no desire to get into that with him.
He nodded, not reacting to my terse response. “Culture shock, I imagine.”
“It was. It’s so busy here. So many people.” I took another sip of my coffee, appreciating the fact that he wasn’t rushing me.
“I was lonely,” I admitted. “Most of the teachers are in relationships where I work. There’s only one other single staff member. I met a couple of other teachers from a different school, and we’re friendly…” She trailed off then shrugged. “I’m a bit shy, so I have trouble meeting new people.”
He smiled. “I can see that about you.”
He had a beautiful smile. It changed his whole countenance. It became warm, open, inviting. I wanted to bask in it. But it disappeared fast.
“I decided to try online dating. One of the other teachers I’m friendly with loves it. She’s met some great people.” I shook my head. “So far, that hasn’t been my experience.”