Brush With Death- Dr. Tara Ross series Vol 3

Even though the brute wasn't in sight, Lexi strode to her car at a clip, and with her key ready. She'd not run. Her heart chugged. She clicked open her door. She flung it open and slammed it shut just as fast. The door locks rocketed into place. Lexi tossed her purse onto the passenger seat and jabbed the key into the ignition. She had to remain focused. She put the car in reverse, but before she could hit the accelerator, a fist banged on her window. She gripped the steering wheel, primed to escape.

"Lexi!"

She heard his muted call through the glass.

"It's Rick."

Lexi lowered her window an inch.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice stronger.

She craned her neck toward the window. "Yeah. Thanks. And thanks for taking a stand on my behalf."

He backed up a bit as if not to frighten her. "No problem. Any time."

Her heartbeat spiraled slower. He was all right.

"Listen, I'll follow you home."

She opened her mouth.

"Don't say no. I'm in the silver Scion," he said before she could utter a protest.

Lexi sighed and nodded. Perhaps it was a good idea. One rescue an evening apparently wasn't her destined quota.

She pressed the automatic window closed. She backed up her car and swung it parallel, in wait. Rick's headlights flashed into her rearview mirror. Lexi eased forward. Her apartment was only a ten minute drive.

Rick kept up with her without tailgating her car. What a nice guy! He was shaping up to be way better than Todd ever was. Maybe they'd see each other, again. She'd play it cool. See what developed.

Lexi pulled into her apartment complex. Hers was the last building. The couple, next to her second floor apartment, had recently moved, and the retired couple below her were in Europe, on vacation. The remaining two apartments were for lease. She preferred the quiet. Lexi parked into her designated spot. Rick drove up next to her car and cut the engine.

She exited her vehicle and approached his.

"Thanks. This is me. I'm on the second floor."

It was a quiet community, but she felt safer than on a ground level.

Rick got out of his car.

"I'll walk you up."

"All right."

She jiggled her key ring and flipped the apartment key forward.

He walked up the stairs behind her, his heels, a man's bass, and hers, a staccato soprano.

Lexi inserted her key and unlocked the door. Rick remained at a respectable distance. She leaned on her open door.

"Thanks, again."

"I'm glad you're home safe."

"Me,too."