Darkest Desires [Joel Miller]

6

When I get off on Monday, I see Joel waiting for me in the parking lot, leaning against his truck. He's wearing his casual flannel and jeans and his hair is messy, which fits him very well. He brushes his hand through his hair, looking around the parking lot. Our eyes met and I blushed, knowing he caught me looking at him. Damn it, Daisy! 

"Hey,"I greeted him, hoping he didn't notice the blush on my cheeks.

Joel didn't say much but he nodded, getting in the driver's seat. I throw my bag to the back seat and I sit next to him, noticing the awkward silence between us. After I fastened the seat belt, Joel started the car and drove away. My hand reached for the radio to put it on but his hand reached it at the same time, our hands slightly touching each other again. I pull away from his touch, letting him turn the radio on.

"Sorry..."I whispered.

 "It's okay,"he said, looking at me. "How was your shift?"

"It was quiet,"I said, looking at him. "It's Monday so..."

"Yeah, understandable,"Joel nodded, keeping his eyes on the road again.

There was silence between us again but I felt Joel's gaze on me from time to time. He seemed like he wanted to ask me something but wasn't sure how to word it. I give him a curious look, waiting for his question.  

"I-um..."Joel sighed. "I wanted to ask about Marcus. Have you heard from him?"

I sighed. Joel gave me a worried look. I wanted to forget everything about Marcus and what he did but it wasn't so easy. Especially if he still called me and sent messages almost every day. I could block his number but I was afraid he would still find a way to contact me. Blocking his number wouldn't stop him.

"Yes, he calls me every day and sends messages,"I sighed.

"Why don't you block his number?"he asks me, frowning his brows.

"I could block his number but I know he would find a way to contact me."

Joel sighed. "You think he would follow you again?"

I nodded. "Probably. Don't worry, I can handle him."

"You clearly can not handle him,"Joel scoffed. "Maybe you should go to the police if he gets too out of hand."

"Police?"I shaked my head. "I don't want the police to get involved."

"Daisy, listen to me."Joel gave me a serious look. "Police needs to get involved if he keeps following you. He might hurt you again."

I sighed, knowing he was probably right. There was little hope that Marcus would leave me alone. And to be honest, I was scared of him the last time. I've never seen him this angry. If Joel hadn't stepped in, I don't know what could have happened.  

"I might not show it often but I'm worried for you,"Joel said, gently placing his hand on my thigh. "This situation is serious, Daisy."

My heart stopped the moment he placed his hand on my thigh. I know he didn't mean anything with this movement and just wanted to show that he cares for me in his own way but I couldn't stop thinking about his hand on my thigh. I swallowed, looking at Joel.

 "Okay, you're probably right,"I said. "I just... I'll see what happens. If he really gets out of hand, I'll go to the police. The police won't do anything anyway, unless something serious happens."

Joel sighed, taking his hand away from my thigh. "If you have any problems with him, come to me. Okay?"

I nodded. The rest of the ride home was spent in silence, only the radio playing in the background. I was too deep into my thoughts, thinking how different Joel was today. He didn't show his caring side much and never let himself loose in front of others. Maybe only with the people who meant most to him - Tommy and Sarah.

But today, Joel showed me his caring side to me and it was nice seeing him in a different light.