Page 24 of The Samaritan

He squeezed her wrist, gaining her attention. “You got any other family or friends?”

His thumb stroked over her pulse. It was soothing. She peeked up through her lashes to find him staring at her. He wanted to know more.

“I did.” She drew in a breath. “I made them give up, forcing them to back off, and eventually, just be done. I managed to alienate every friend and family member.” She rolled her eyes. “Except one, and believe me, I tried, but Janelle.” Marissa sighed. “She’s really stubborn and aggressive. So, it’s almost impossible.”

Caden’s face transformed from suspicious to sympathetic. “Sounds like a solid friend.”

Marissa smirked. “Well, we’re not really friends. More like family but not really. It’s a long story, but yeah, Janelle refuses to let me go, no matter how hard I try.” Marissa chuckled. “And I’ve tried really hard. She just won’t budge.”

“You see her a lot?”

Marissa shook her head. “Nope. But she calls three times a week. I answer once.”

He smiled.

She couldn’t have wished for better timing when the waitress brought the food over. They ate in silence, which had her regretting saying anything. Death made everything awkward. She wasn’t downplaying how she’d felt. Staying at home was a constant struggle with a strangling effect. In two short years, who she was became a memory. For each loss, she lost a part of herself. Even now, she no longer recognized the girl in the mirror.

His phone rang halfway through her meal; he’d already finished. He scooted from the booth. “Gotta take this.”

She nodded and finished her burger. When the waitress stopped at her table to grab the plates, Marissa asked for the check. The least she could do was buy him lunch.

Waitress smiled and winked. “He beat ya to it, sweetie.”

Likable.

Marissa was walking out the door as Caden was heading back in.

“Thanks for lunch.”

“You’re welcome.”

They stood in silence, and his gaze was going right through her. His eyes would play a part in her nightly dream. Hell, they already had since she met him.

“I’m sorry about before.” She forced an awkward smile. “I can’t believe I told you all that.”

“I asked.”

“Yeah, but I’m thinking I gave you more than you expected.” She chuckled. “I’m out of practice being human.”

She expected him to laugh. He didn’t, but his gaze grew soft.

“My guy will pick up the car and you, one o’clock at Rister’s.”

Her eyes widened. “Caden, you don’t have to. The gesture is very sweet and kind.” She smirked. “Very likable, but really, you don’t owe me.”

He stepped closer, and she could feel his breath fan over her face. She inched closer, unable to stop herself.

“One o’clock, Riss. You’ll be there.”

“Are ya sure, ’cause I would understand, Cade. I mean, I’m a total stranger, and after everything I just shared, I would….” She immediately clamped her lips when he stepped closer, setting them a mere inch apart.

His gaze darkened, and his hand reached out, cupping her chin, forcing her to look at him. “One o’clock.”

“Okay,” she whispered.

He gave her a half smile, and his gaze softened, sending butterflies swirling in her belly. How did he do that with just a look? His thumb grazed over her cheek, sending a shivering heat through her body. Then he stepped back.

“See ya later.”