Project Produce(28)

He dropped his hand and sat across from me as he said, “I wanted to let you know we’re getting close, but we still haven’t caught the Midnight Molester yet.”

“I appreciate the update, but you could have told me this over the phone.”

Dylan looked down at his notes. “I could have, but I was in the area. Some of us have been busy trying to keep this city safe from creeps like him. He might come back, you know. You’re the only one who’s managed to outwit him. That makes you special.”

I stared beyond Dylan out the lobby windows and could’ve sworn I saw another Trench coat. Probably paranoia again. Being around Hot Britches tended to do that to me. I looked back at Dylan. “I realize Flasher Freak is dangerous, but I don’t need a man. I can take care of myself, same as any other single girl in the city.”

Dylan peered over his shoulder in the direction I’d been looking and then returned his attention back to me and frowned. “Unfortunately for you, this creep isn’t attacking just any single girl. He attacked another tall blonde, only this time a lot closer to the campus. He’s tracking you, Callie, and I’m afraid he won’t stop until he finds you.”

It suddenly hit me why Dylan had shown up instead of calling. “Unbelievable. You think he’ll come by today, don’t you? That’s why you’re here. You want to be the one who arrests him when that happens, and you’re using me to do it.”

“Sure, I’d like to be the cop who gets the bust. I’ve worked my ass off to catch this creep.” Blue fire blazed from his eyes. “But not at the expense of someone else getting hurt. Like it or not, I care about what happens to you.”

Part of me wanted to believe him, but I just couldn’t. I wasn’t ready. Besides, I’d seen the proof with my own eyes. I knew exactly what he cared about, but no way would he get it. “Thanks for letting me know. I promise to be more aware of my surroundings. Are we done now?”

“Is something bothering you?”

“No, I’m fine.” I started to glance at the door again but caught myself. He’d think I was nuts if I told him about Cat Woman, and then he’d never back off. Besides, Flasher Freak hadn’t been there. It had only been my paranoia, just as I’d suspected all along. Just as it probably was today.

“Look, if something’s up, you need to tell me. I can’t help you if I don’t know what’s wrong.”

“I won’t have you hovering over me like a bodyguard.”

“It’s my job to put this guy behind bars and keep this city safe.” He stared into my eyes, his frustration evident.

“Then stop worrying about me and find the creep.”

“I’m working on it,” he ground out. “Has anything unusual happened to you since Friday? Anything out of the ordinary?”

“Nope. Nothing at all. Everything’s just peachy.”

“Really?” The corner of his lip tipped up a bit. “Have you suspected anyone of following you lately?”

“Nope, no one.” I could feel the heat flood my face straight up to my hairline. Darned fair complexion.

He glanced at my forehead, and his eyes narrowed. “That’s a nasty bruise for someone who’s fine.”

I’d forgotten about the bruise from bumping heads with Cat Woman. I fidgeted with the material of my navy blue trousers and couldn’t stop my eyes from shifting left and right. I forced my gaze back to his. “The darnedest thing happened. I got up to use the bathroom in the dark last night and bumped smack into a wall. Still not used to living in someone else’s apartment, I guess.”

“Right.” He sighed. “Do you at least know how to fight?”

“I could hold my own if I had to. I’m not exactly petite.”

He glanced over my lengthy torso and down my long legs. “Not exactly petite describes you perfectly.”

“You don’t say.” I glared at him.

He grinned. “Thin, but a whole lot of woman.”

“Oh.” Why did he have to be just like Bob? Maybe it was because they both had zucchinis.

Note to self: Having a zucchini is obviously too much for any man to handle.

“Anyway, being tall may not be enough. At least come to my gym. I’ll show you a few moves, show you how to throw a punch in the ring,” he suggested.

“I don’t know. I really don’t have time--”

“Make time.”

“You don’t give up, do you?”

He hesitated, staring into my eyes. “Not on something I really want, no.”

Man, he was good. I blew out a breath. The Angels hadn’t had any luck in finding a zucchini to interview, so that left Hot Britches. Maybe being obsessed with sex was a part of a zucchini’s personality. Only one way to find out. “I guess I could meet you during my lunch break tomorrow.”