One Wild Night

As Jeff and Mia stepped out of the cab, the glow of the streetlights illuminated the contentment and laughter on their faces.

They had just enjoyed a delightful dinner, the kind that leaves you feeling warm and satisfied, both from the food and the company.

As they walked to the door, Jeff glanced at Mia beside him, her face flushed from the wine and the warmth of their shared meal. Her brown eyes sparkled with amusement, her lips still curved in a smile.

"Did you see the look on that poor waiter's face when you ordered the chocolate lava cake for an appetizer?" Jeff asked his own smile wide enough to show off the dimple in his cheek.

Mia giggled as she handed the key to Jeff to unlock the door. The rich, decadent chocolate lingered on Mia's tongue, a sweet counterpoint to the tangy red wine.

"He looked like I'd personally insulted his Nonna's recipe."

"But seriously, Mia, molten chocolate for an appetizer? Genius!" Jeff said, giving her a thumbs up before proceeding to open the door.

Mia swatted him playfully on the arm. "I told you to trust me," she winked, "Besides, it made up for the disaster that was your attempt at pronouncing that French dish."

Jeff, a blush creeping up his neck, feigned offense. "Hey! I blame the accent wall at the restaurant. It was distracting."

Mia's laughter echoed into the quiet night, the sound like wind chimes dancing in a breeze.

As she laughed, Jeff brushed a stray curl from Mia's forehead, the gesture surprisingly tender. Mia blinked, surprised by the warmth that spread through her chest. Had he always been this…touchy? She mused.

Neither of them noticed the dark figure lurking in the shadows across the street, a single glint of light reflecting off a camera lens.

The door closed behind them as they walked into the apartment, and Jeff leaned in to switch on the light, casting long shadows that danced on the worn floral wallpaper.

"Alright," Mia announced, stretching her arms above her head with a satisfied sigh. "It's time to retire to bed."

They had been busy all morning because she had to interview some of the domestic staff sent to work for Sonia and Bryan. Jeff had offered to assist her and they had spent hours doing that, hence she had offered to treat Jeff to a fancy dinner.

"Let me know when you're done freshening up," Jeff said before Mia could head for her bedroom and she paused to look at him.

"Seriously, Jeff, how long are you going to keep sleeping in my bedroom?" She asked, since she had woken up that morning to find him on the floor once again.

"I don't know. Maybe as long as it takes to chase away your nightmares," Jeff said with a shrug.

Mia snorted, "And if it takes a lifetime?" She asked in amusement.

"Then you're stuck with me for that long," Jeff said with a wink that made butterflies flutter in her belly.

They were both saved from the further awkward conversation by the sound of the doorbell, and they both turned to the door.

"Did you order anything? I didn't," Mia asked Jeff with a slight frown.

"Probably your nosy neighbor friend. I will check," Jeff said as he went to answer the door, while Mia remained where she stood with a guarded expression.

"Hello there!" Alicia said once Jeff opened the door, and Jeff turned to give Mia and I told you so look.

"I'm sorry to be a bother. I brought you some freshly baked apple pies, and I have something important to tell you. It won't take long I promise," she said, since she needed to go prepare for Harry's interview.

Jeff looked at Mia, and she shrugged, so he let Alicia in. "Did something happen?" Mia asked as she went to sit with Alicia while Jeff took the tray of apple pies to put it away.

"Do you have plumbing issues? Did you send for a plumber?" Alicia asked and Mia frowned.

"No, we didn't," Mia said, and Jeff raised a brow when he heard the question.

"Why do you ask?" Jeff asked as he also sat down.

"Earlier today while you were away, someone came around. A tall looking man dressed in overalls. I noticed him looking around like he was trying to find a spare key and when he didn't, he wanted to pick the door or something, I can't tell. But I confronted him. He said the lady living here sent for him to take care of some plumbing problem, so I asked him to leave and come back when you're home or to give you a call so I speak to you. And then he received a call and said it was a wrong address. He got into a waiting car and left," Alicia said, and Mia's heart raced as she heard the words, and she exchanged a look with Jeff.

"You don't believe him?" Jeff asked, and Alicia nodded.

"I watched him for a while before confronting him. When he got here at first he was taking pictures of the house. And I decided to bring this to your attention now because I saw the same car drive past a couple of minutes ago. This is the plate number," Alicia said as she showed them her phone's screen, to reveal she had captured the car and plate number.

Although Jeff wasn't really a fan of Alicia's nosiness, it was proving useful to them at the moment and he appreciated it.

Jeff took his phone and took a picture of Alicia's screen so he could send it to Harry. He was sure Harry would be able to use his connection to find out who the person was.

"Thanks," Jeff said, and Alicia nodded as she rose to leave.

"I'm curious about something though. How come you're always observing everyone and everything going on in the neigborhood?" Jeff asked and Alicia giggled.

"I grew up with my grandmother. She used to do that a lot. I mean stand by the window. She called it keeping watch over her neighbors. Once she saved someone from robbery, and another from a violent partner. I liked it. I wanted to be more like her," she said with a shrug.

"I see. Thanks for the information," Jeff said, and Alicia nodded before glancing at Mia who was unusually quiet.

"Mia? Are you alright?" Alicia asked and Mia nodded even though she was trembling inside.

"Yes. Thanks." She forced a smile but didn't rise.

Jeff saw Alicia to the door, and after she left he returned to Mia's side and placed a hand over hers.

"It is Henry. I know it. He sent someone to keep an eye on me. Probably to confirm if what I'm sure he has heard is true," Mia said in a shaky voice.

"Calm down," he said softly.

"He knows where I am. It's only a matter of time before he shows up," Mia said and Jeff crouched down in front of her and held her chin so that she would look into his face.

"It doesn't matter whether or not he knows where you are. I won't let him hurt you. You have my word, Mia. He won't hurt even a strand of your hair. I will keep you safe," Jeff promised as he held Mia's gaze with his brown eyes.

"You don't know him, Jeff…"

"I know more than enough already. You are tired. Go freshen up and go to bed. I will join you after I freshen up," Jeff said and Mia glanced at the door hesitantly.

"Tomorrow we will change the lock and set up a burglary alarm system. We can have security cameras in the house too," he said, wanting to make her relax.

"Can we really do that?" She asked hopefully, and Jeff nodded.

"Although I think we have a more reliable human burglary alarm and CCTV in Alicia," Jeff said to make her laugh, and she rewarded him with a giggle.

"Don't worry, Mia. You will be okay," Jeff promised, and when she nodded he rose, and she did the same.

"Thanks, Jeff," she said before walking away to her bedroom.

After watching her leave, Jeff waited until he heard her bedroom door close before dialing Harry's line.

After telling Harry what Alicia had said, and sending the plate number of the car to Harry, Jeff went into his bedroom to freshen up.

After he was done, he went to Mia's bedroom and knocked on the door, "Mia? Can I come in?" He asked, and Mia opened the door.

"Again with the loud music?" She asked when she saw he was carrying the speaker again along with a blanket and pillow.

"Anything to make you sleep well," Jeff said with a wink as he walked past her into the bedroom.

Mia watched Jeff as he spread the blanket on the floor, and she cleared her throat, "How about you join me on the bed instead?" she asked, and Jeff looked at her, taken aback by her offer.

"I mean, I'm not comfortable that you have to sleep on the hard floor this way simply because you're watching over me. Or maybe I could sleep on the floor while you take the bed," she quickly explained, not wanting him to misunderstand her offer.

"I never complained. The floor is fine," Jeff assured her.

"Not to me. It makes me uncomfortable. I'd rather you join me in bed," she insisted.

Jeff stared at her for a moment before letting out a deep breath. "If you insist. Just don't blame me for whatever happens," Jeff said and she raised a brow.

"Whatever happens like what?" Mia asked in confusion.

"I'm not saying anything would happen. I'm just saying don't blame me if anything happens," Jeff rephrased.

"And I'm asking, anything like what?" Mia repeated.

Jeff looked at her directly, "It's been long I shared a bed with a lady. I could cuddle you or stuff. I'm not saying I will. I'm saying I could," Jeff said as honestly as he could muster and Mia's heart fluttered.

"You know what I think? I think I should stay on the floor," Jeff said awkwardly when she remained quiet.

Mia swallowed, her heart racing, "I still think you should join me on the bed."