With her arms full,
she managed to get the front door to open and get the first load up the stairs.
It was the first time Elizabeth was thankful for all those years Jared had made
her go to the gym. No. She was having such a good day she would not let her
thoughts wander down that path. Resolute, she marched back down the stairs and
was just reaching for the doorknob when Jan came out. “Did you need some help,
dear?”
“Uh, no. I—”
She was almost
knocked over when a large man came barreling through the door. He didn’t seem
to notice Elizabeth at all, as he focused on Jan. “You can’t leave the front
door unlocked like this. It just isn’t safe.”
His voice was
gruff, and she instantly recognized it as the one she’d heard this afternoon.
It was not as angry as it has been before, but still intimidating. She backed
toward the stairs without thinking. It was then that he noticed her, appraising
her from head to foot, and his scrutiny made her uncomfortable. Even though she
was completely clothed, she felt the need to cover herself.
He was huge,
taller than Jared or her father. His hair was a dark brown, only a shade darker
than his eyes, and he looked dangerous, more dangerous than her husband, and
her frightened expression must have been apparent. She closed her eyes tight,
willing everything to go away: her memories, her fear, this man before her.
Jan said, “Chris,
you have perfect timing.” She walked over to the man and placed her hand on his
arm. “Elizabeth,” she said, motioning in her direction, “just went shopping and
needs some help getting everything up to her apartment. You’ll be a good
neighbor and help her now, won’t you?”
I'm feeling a little frightened for her...hope Chris turns out to be a nice fellow. I'd be interested in reading more of this.
ReplyDeleteSo much information here but far more unanswered questions. You have me hooked.
ReplyDeleteAh, now I'm intrigued and wondering what has led to this fear in Elizabeth.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing...and here's MY SWEET SATURDAY SAMPLE