“Candice!” I heard someone call. I didn’t get a chance to turn when a pair of strong arms were wrapped around my waist, pulled towards them, and I heard honking horns as my face was buried in a scent of pure male. Mettle hit mettle as the pair of arms moved protectively around me. I could hear screams, yells, and gasps around me. I opened my eyes seeing a white under shirt. My hands flat on the chest as I looked up. Blue eyes looked around as people came to the curb. I placed my ear on his chest hearing his uneven heart rhythm, his breathing harsh as if he had just ran a marathon. I looked without taking my head off his welcoming chest, where the crowd was starting to gather. A few asking Jason if I was alright. He would only nod his head as I moved slowly away from him. His arm loosely around my waist as I looked at the scene in front of me. A red SUV was smashed on the side by a truck. Both vehicles looked to be almost totaled as I realized what could have happened instead of the car. The truck had run the red light the moment I was crossing the street. Somehow, Jason had seen the truck and pulled me out of the way right in time. I felt the blood drain from my face as I placed my head on his chest feeling a slight faint. His arm went up and down my back in a soothing gesture.

“Jason, what happened?” I heard both Mike and Richard ask at the same time.

“Speedy there ran the red light the moment Candice was crossing. I realized I left my phone at the diner and went to get it before we go too far into the measuring.” I placed my cheek on his chest keeping my eyes closed.

“She looks pale. Lets get her out of the sun and in the store. Then she can sit for a moment.” Richard said. I felt a protective squeeze from Jason. “Mike and I will stay here till the police get here. Then we will let them know what happened and get a statement from you and her.” I felt Jason nod as he went to move from me. I placed my hand on my forehead closing my eyes.

“Candice?” His voice dropped to a concerned tone. I nodded my head and too late realized I shouldn’t have done that. I swayed as I felt his arms under my neck, then my knees. He had turned as my hands were placed on his chest along with my cheek on his shoulder. My heart beat quickened as he nodded a thanks to the store owner as he took me in. He sat me on the soft bench seat at the front of the store and sat down next to me looking out the window. His back against the arm of the couch, his ankle tucked under him as his arm was on the back of the couch. I swallowed and swayed slightly. Wasn’t sure if it was from being so close to him or to death. I felt his arm around my shoulder as he pulled me to him. “Are you alright? I know that must have shocked you.” I nodded my head. I could hear the sirens as his hand moved up and down my back sending even more shock waves through my system. “Hm…” I heard him moan and my eyes shot opened. I felt the color in my face return as I was looking at his jean thighs. “Candi..” He hadn’t called me that since we were kids. I shot up, straight in the couch. Still looking at him, his blue eyes cloudy as I moved back against the other arm of the couch. I ran my fingers through my hair, closing my eyes for a brief moment before looking out the window. His eyes never leaving me as I watched the ambulance examine the people that were in the cars. I saw Richard talking to the police and Mike talking to a medic. I hated Dr visits. I definitely didn’t want some medic looking me over or taking me to the hospital.

“You should go back to your appointment. I know your busy on Saturdays.”

“I’m busy 24/7.” He said with a chuckle at the end. I looked up at him through my lashes as I noticed that little dimple showing up. I was always the one to make it appear. He had said so. My little child like antics always was his excitement for the day. Blood rushed to my cheeks again as the bell on the door rang. He looked at the tall uniformed police officer and stood, shaking the man’s hand. “Neil.” He said.

“Sir!” He nodded his head slightly. “I don’t need statements. The girlfriend in the truck said he was driving and was on a cell phone. She had told him to get off the phone and drive when he yelled at her and ran the red light. How are you Candice?” He asked. I looked up at the older man’s brown eyes faking a smile.

“I am OK. Grateful that Jason was there to catch me.” He nodded adding a slight almost knowing chuckle at the end of it. I stood, adjusting my back pack purse on my back. Jason stood almost at the same time. “I am alright. I was just headed to the store to get a few things that’s all. I will have to pay more attention to the cars around here. It’s not every day I get almost ran over.” Neil nodded then looked at Jason who was looking down at me.

“Good day sir, Candice.” I smiled as he left. I looked up at Jason as I noticed Mike and Richard coming through. Richard came to stand next to me, his arm going around my shoulders to pull me in.

“Are you alright?” And the sparks flew from Jason’s blue eyes. I nodded.

“Yea. I think I am going to go home though. No need to chance my luck anymore.”

“Want an escort?” Richard asked. I nodded.

“Wouldn’t hurt.” I said as he grasped my hand entwining his figures with mine as he looked up at the now dark blue electric eyes.

“Be right back. I am going to make sure she gets to the car.” It was Jason’s turn to nod. He didn’t say anything as Richard gave him the chance to. I walked along side Richard. “Where did you park?” He asked.

“Across the street by the groceries store.” He nodded as we crossed the now closed street.

“Damn I’ve never seen Jason move so fast in my life!” He exclaimed as we came to my car. “He took off his over shirt, looked out the window for only a brief moment, said he would be right back. Mike and I looked at each other, watched him walk over to where you had just placed your phone in your pocket. He looked down the street when you crossed it. Grabbed you and we saw that truck run the light.”

“So what your saying is he was watching me?” I asked.

“I am going to guess so. I think he was going to come out to talk to you.” He let my hand go as I unlocked my car. “I think your really getting to him.” He said leaning against the door. “And I can bet he’s watching from the shop.” I laughed.

“Probably. We aren’t very far from it.”

“I am sorry I can’t be there tonight. I got a flight to catch at seven. I was able to squeeze this in.”

“Then I won’t take up your tux time.” He laughed. I smiled, kissed his cheek as he moved from the door.

“Be safe, OK!”

“Yes I will. I am going to look both ways!” I exclaimed as I got in the car. He closed the door and went to walk back across the street. I didn’t pull out right away. What was Jason going to say if he was going to come out before the car accident? I sighed. If it was important I was sure he would call or say something some other time. For right now, a nap, hot bath, and relaxing with green tea sounded good before my big debut.