Dancing with a Stranger

Chapter Ten

The rest of the day flies by with minimal interruption and I make good headway on one of the unsolved cases I was assigned to. Feeling proud of myself, I shut down my computer, say goodnight to Ian, grab my stuff and leave.

On my way home, I stop at a local hardware store to purchase a new door lock. I decide to walk the rest of the way home, needing the time to process everything and hoping that delaying my arrival would somehow ensure Braden was not there waiting for me.

Walking in the doors, I do a quick walk-through, breathing a sigh of relief that the apartment is empty. I don't think I can deal with anymore drama today. I put a frozen lasagna in the oven and start working on changing my lock.

An hour and a half later, I am sitting in my tub, submersed in lavender infused warm water, surrounded by bubbles, wine in hand and soft music playing in the background. A much-needed time of self-care considering everything my mind and body has been through since yesterday.

After my bath, I jump into bed and thoughts of my time with Nikolai dance through my head as I drift off to sleep.

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The day begins as normal and I have never been more grateful for my routine. It helps me feel as if I have some level of control over my life. I start getting myself ready for work, making sure to heed Nikolai's instructions. I am not sure what "consequences" means but I know I would rather be rewarded than punished. Just the thought of what might lie ahead has me extremely turned on.

I have never gone commando in public and I find myself giggling the entire subway ride to work, like I am carrying some big, juicy secret that only I know about. I feel bold and more confident; maintaining eye contact with people when I normally would look away, flashing smiles at cute guys who glance at me. What has gotten into me?

I reach the library and feel a presence behind me as I start to unlock the door. This part of town is not known for being unsafe but with the way my life has been lately, I admit I feel apprehension. Turning around slowly, I find myself face to face with Ian. "Shit, Ian! You scared the crap out of me!"

"Sorry, Lacey," he chuckles, "I didn't mean to scare you." With both hands full holding his briefcase and coffee, he gives me a slight shrug.

I give him a deadpan death stare.

"Alright," he continues, "maybe I did...just a little."

I roll my eyes before turning back around to unlock the door. I hold it open so he can come in and disarm the building. "What are you doing here anyway?"

"I work here, Ms. Chalmers."

"Very funny. You know what I meant. It's too early for you."

Ian follows me to the staff room and sets his coffee down. "We have a potential benefactor coming in this afternoon at one," he says, taking a sip of his coffee. "I need some extra time to prepare a pitch for him to take back to his board."

"Sounds good. Let me know if you need anything."

"Actually," he begins, "do you think you could handle doing the tour? I could use the extra half hour to make sure everything is perfect."

"Fine," I reply, rolling my eyes playfully. "I guess I could help you out."

"You're still my favourite librarian," he sings as he leaves to go to his office.

"Suck up!" I call back at him and hear him roar with laughter.

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The rest of the morning runs smoothly; putting away returned books and sorting through some of the new materials that have just arrived. Before I know it, it is lunch time and I spend my lunch hour preparing for my scheduled tour.