It’s been a long year; recovery after that night is ongoing, but my new business is finally ready for opening day, the apartment upstairs is feeling more like home, and this new start is exactly what I need.

Walking everywhere has helped me blend in. No one likes to be the “new” girl, and I’m certainly not trying to catch anyone’s attention. Benefits of a small town, I guess. After checking my PO BOX at the post office a few blocks away I take my time walking home.

I haven’t had time to do much exploring, restarting your life at twenty-five isn’t exactly in anyone’s plans. Getting to know the residents here has been even less of a priority... you only need a friendly smile and polite manners when handing out grand-opening flyers.

The few people I have come to know are quite the gossips, and constantly prying; trying to learn my story.

My past is complicated, whose isn’t? It’s left me jaded, and seeking the solitude of a brand-new home. One without the painful memories, without the pity in the eyes of family and old friends. The desire for an escape is what brought me, Skyla Daniels, to this little blip of a town on the map to nowhere.

Lost in thought as I’m making my way back home, only a block or so away. Walking past a vacant lot there’s a group of teenage boys hanging out towards the back of the unkempt lot. Bikes, skate boards and smoke in the air have me shaking my head; not much else to do here on a Saturday, I guess.

They are loud and rowdy, whistles and catcalls in my direction catch my attention if only they could see me roll my eyes in response. Something going on further into the lot catches my eye.

A group of about four boys are knelt down playing with spray paint, immediately I hope they haven’t tagged the side of my building. I don’t have time to clean graffiti today (or any day).

“Grab it! Don’t let it get away” Boy One yells.

“It’s no use, it’s too hard to hold down” Boy Two responds.

Continuing on my way after not seeing anything too alarming, I’ve almost passed the vacant lot when an animalistic yelp catches my attention.

“Damn it! The mutt bit me!” Boy Two screams.

Curiosity peeked; I quietly step closer to the group trying to get a better look at what they’ve been yelling about. Another yelp makes it abundantly clear they’ve chosen to torture some poor little dog to pass the time this afternoon.

The poor thing is covered in paint and soaking wet, they’re roughly fighting with the little dog trying to tie its mouth shut so that it can’t even defend itself.

Well that’s enough of this! With no thoughts on my own safety, I push my way through the group to the terrified little ball of fur... scooping it up and hiding it inside my leather jacket.

“What the fuck lady?” says Boy One.

About a half dozen teenage delinquents surround me, angry that I’ve interrupted their afternoon entertainment. Undeterred despite being 5’2” tall, and less than 140lbs... I stand my ground, though I don’t have much success getting away from the now pissed off group of boys.

Boy Three speaks up, “That is MY dog, give it back.”

“Yeah, that is never going to happen” I say, glaring at each of them.

Pulling at my jacket, and even my hair, they fight for me to return the dog. I have no way of defending myself or pushing my way back out of the lot; both my arms are dedicated to keeping the little dog safe next to my body.

“Don’t you have anything better to do? Let me through!”

“Give us the dog, and you can go back to minding your own goddamn business!” Boy One spits out, getting uncomfortably close to my face.

Having given up on escape; I decide to wait them out. They can’t keep this up forever. I’ve been spit on, pushed and pulled in every direction. Anything they do is nothing compared to what I’ve been through, they’ll have to get far more creative to break me.

Minutes feel like hours... and only about half the group remains. They’re growing angrier and more desperate to get the little dog back.

In the chaos surrounding me; yelling from the group of boys and whimpering in my arms, I hadn’t heard the car door slam off the main street.

“What the hell is going on here?’ a deep voice calls out.

The group of boys turn towards their new accuser, murmuring to themselves as the stranger approaches. “Crap, its Mathis!” and “What the hell does he want?”

Emboldened Boy Two stands taller, “Fuck off Mathis, this isn’t any of your business!”

My attention still primarily on the little dog; I turn towards the street just as a long arm reaches through the group of boys, grabbing my jacket and pulling me free from the huddle. Looking down at the hand on my jacket before eyeing its owner, his focus entirely on the few remaining boys.

He practically growls at them “I don’t know what the fuck is going down here, but it’s over! You all need to get out of here now... before I kick every single one of your asses!”

Exchanging a few looks, the boys decided not to press their luck. Grabbing their bikes and skateboards before heading off in different directions.

Distracted by the handsome stranger that helped me I’m taken aback by how dark his eyes are when they meet mine.

“Are you okay? What was all that about?” he asks.

Steeling my nerves, I glance at his hand lingering on my arm. He removes it quickly but still waits for my reply. “I’m fine, I just need to get home.”

“Can I give you a ride? They didn’t hurt you, did they?” he asks, while looking at my disheveled hair and soiled clothing.

“No, I’m fine... my building is just on the next block. I can’t exactly move my arms yet though.” I casually reply while heading back in the direction of home.

A look of confusion and concern flashes across his face before contorting into anger “Those fuckers, I’ll make sure they get a proper ass-whooping!” he curses to no one in particular.

“What are you talking about? You could do me a quick favor though, I need you to punch in the key code at the backdoor.”

Sighing when he doesn’t respond right away, I’ll figure it out myself. As I near my door I’m aware that he has hesitantly followed, I gesture towards the keypad with a nod reciting the code to unlock it.

A few unsuccessful hurried attempts at punching in the code later; the door finally unlocks and he pushes it open for me while stating “I thought this building was abandoned.”

Shrugging, “It was, until I bought it awhile back.”

Unzipping my leather jacket while standing on the threshold I set the little dog down on the floor of the dark entryway “There... safe and sound, finally.”

Confused he asks “A dog? You couldn’t move your arms because of a fucking dog?”

It is in this exact moment I realize that not only did I just give a complete stranger the key code to my building... I’ll have to call the security company to change it ASAP... but I’m also covered in dirt, spit, dog urine, and who knows what else! All while having been “rescued” by this tall, handsome stranger.

Why? Why today? Why like this? Why at all?

“They were torturing the poor thing and I couldn’t just walk by without do something. Only once I scooped the dog up in my jacket, they swarmed me, demanding I give the dog back and-

“... Anyway, thank you. I just really need to get the both of us cleaned up now.”

He takes a step closer, “If it's all the same with you, I’d like to hang around a bit just to make sure they don’t circle back to cause more trouble... name’s Xavier by the way.”

“Do whatever you’d like, I need to get this little one taken care of.”

Scooping the shivering dog up off the cold floor I step through the interior door and into the back of my dog grooming spa. I’ve invested so much into this place, it’s the only dog grooming place in a twenty-mile radius except for a corporate store fifteen minutes away in a neighboring city. Opening day isn’t until Monday but this little dog needs me now.

First things first, a bath! Okay, a few baths. Whitening shampoo, a deep conditioning treatment, and facial scrub help to get the little dog clean. It’s a little female, and she has been an absolute angel so far.

Completely in my own world I coo at the little dog for being so well-behaved “There little one, isn't that better? Those stupid boys won’t hurt you ever again.”

Snuggling and fussing over the little dog as I make my way to my work station I’ve forgotten that I’m not alone today. Jumping at the sight of the tall stranger seated on the front counter, “OH! You’re still here?”

He barely looks up from his phone, “I said I would hang around, didn’t I?” Shrugging, “My bad for scaring you though.”

Blushing, “I’m just not used to anyone else being in here, I haven’t even opened for business yet.”

Shaking my head as I turn my attention back to the dog, she’s much more relaxed after her bath. Although she’s not a fan of the blow-dryer the warm air seems to be a welcome comfort after her ordeal. She’s definitely belongs to someone... she isn’t in the worst shape, all things considered, and is used to the pampering I’m doting on her.

Speaking up once the dryer is off, he asks “So this is your thing? You cut dog hair?”

“Yes, I mean... there is a bit more to it than that, but I guess it’s my thing.”

Turning back to the dog, “Now, let's make you pretty and take your picture... I just know there is someone out there looking for you.”

Ignoring the deep laugh behind me; I busy myself brushing, combing, clipping, and styling. About an hour and half later and a few more finishing touches I’ve worked my magic. The once dirt stained, and paint soaked little dog is now the stylish little miniature poodle she should be, complete with pink bows on her ears.

Setting the dog down on the floor to roam “Tada! You’re fabulous once more, little one.”

Speaking up behind me “Well, I’ll be damned, there was a little dog in all that mess. So...”

“So?” I reply, turning to face him.

He raises an eyebrow as his eyes meet mine, “Well I’ve been sittin here for over two hours waiting for you to introduce yourself.”

Taken aback, “Introduce myself?”

“Yeah, usually when someone offers their name... the other person does the same” he laughs.

UGH, total facepalm moment! I’d been so distracted with worrying over the poor little dog that I’d completely ignored him introducing himself, much less thought of doing the same. I can just feel my cheeks heating up. Wiping my hands on a clean(er) part of my outfit... GROSS, I smell awful... I step closer and extend my hand out in his direction.

“I’m sorry, I must have missed your name... I’m Skyla.”

He smirks while shaking my hand, “Still Xavier.”

“While having bodyguard has been much appreciated, I really should get myself cleaned up now. Can you show yourself out the backdoor?”

Before I can make my way to the stairs leading to my above the dog grooming spa Xavier hops down off the counter. Suddenly very aware of just how tall he is as he straightens up and stretches his back. Though I’m quite used to being the shortest person in any room, he towers over me... easily over a foot taller than I am.

“That I can do... I do wanna treat you to dinner though, I’ll be back in an hour.” He states, oozing confidence.

“What? Why?” Shaking my head in protest and taking a few steps back. “Thanks, but that’s not necessary.”

“After watching you work, I think you’ve earned it... though I kinda just want to make sure you're really okay.”

“Earned what? A date with you?” I scoff, “You think chasing of some rowdy teenagers is going to make me swoon? My knight in shining denim?”

“Who said anything about a date?” he laughs, “If you’re not hungry, fine. You’ve just been working for a while and everyone's gotta eat. Just thought we could enjoy a meal together.”

Xavier shakes his head as he steps around me and towards the back door, I can’t help this weighted feeling in my chest. This is NOT how we treat people who have done nothing wrong, pull yourself together Skyla! Wouldn’t it be nice not to eat another meal ALONE?

“Okay, I’ll be ready in an hour” I call out as he opens the back door.

He replies “Perfect, it’s a date” before it closes behind him.

Oh god, what have I gotten myself into?

What the hell have I just agreed to? It’s just dinner, food, not a date!

After showering and putting my soiled clothes in the wash I’m trying to steel my nerves while putting on makeup. Why bother? You don’t care, no one to impress here... you’re supposed to be invisible. My own inner monologue only making me more nervous.

There’s still about twenty minutes to go before he gets back. Finally deciding on an outfit to wear. It's nothing fancy; classic skinny jeans, a slouchy top, plenty of distracting jewelry, and a thin blazer to cover my arms. Hiding scars didn’t matter when I didn’t agree to dinner with men I’ve just met! Oh no, what am I doing?

Breathe Skyla, b r e a t h e!

As the seconds and then minutes tick by I’m suddenly aware of the noise of each car driving by, any minute one might be Xavier returning.

Deciding it might be better to wait outside in the fresh air and not in the isolation of my building; I grab my phone, keys and wallet before heading outside. Settling onto one of the benches in front of my building, about a half dozen line either side of the main street of this quaint town. At least this way I can see everyone passing by, I can blend in with the crowd.