Tale of a Bleeding Wolf

Chapter 4

Valerie POV

"He's your former partner?" he inquired, prompting me to recline in my seat with a sigh. I anticipated his curiosity, yet there wasn't much to divulge. "Yes, he's an ex..." I replied, my voice fading as I pondered the extent of what I should share. After all, we had only just met today; surely, I wasn't obligated to provide a full account, was I?

A hush settled between us, our exchange momentarily stalled. It was a relief when the waitress arrived to take our orders, although her gaze lingered on him a bit longer than necessary, her smile a touch too radiant. I felt an unexpected twinge of jealousy, which puzzled me—I had no claim over him, not as a boyfriend, nor even as a friend. He was, at most, someone I had just become acquainted with. I observed him as he ordered, mirroring my choice of a burger, fries, and sweet tea, maintaining eye contact with the waitress before swiftly redirecting his attention to me.

"When did he become your ex?" he probed, his voice now gentler. A surge of irritation washed over me—whether it was due to his probing about Ed or Ed's audacity to still refer to me as his girlfriend, I couldn't be certain. "Is it relevant?" I shot back, "He's an ex, and that's the end of it." Glancing towards the entrance, I noticed Ed and his companions had disappeared, much to my comfort. Jeremiah seemed poised to delve deeper, but, to my gratitude, he let the matter rest. "Now, tell me," I initiated, "why is it that you're unfamiliar with computers? It's quite unusual these days for someone not to grasp the basics." My curiosity had been piqued throughout the day. There was a nagging suspicion that his ignorance might be a facade, part of some elaborate jest.

I mean, if we're being honest, I know I'm not even close to being considered in his league. The complete opposite, actually. He looks like the type to date beauty queens and models. "I guess you could say I'm old-fashioned. I've never felt the need to use one, and I'm still not convinced they will be of any use," his deep voice sent shivers down my spine. I cleared my throat, trying to refocus on our conversation that I had started, "Okay, fair answer. What made you consider them, and what exactly will they be used for?" I quickly realized I was asking many questions that he may not be comfortable answering...just like I didn't want to talk about Ed, "Sorry, I'm being nosey. You don't have to answer that." He smiled, showing his bright white teeth.

The waitress showed back up with our food, making sure to bend over and show her cleavage as she placed his plate in front of him. I narrowed my eyes at the woman, glaring at her as she stood straight, "If you need anything, just let me know," she told him before walking off, her hips swaying with every step.

"You okay?" Jeremiah asked me for the second time this evening. My eyes snapped to meet his, an amused smile on his face, "Yes, I'm fine; why?" He laughed deeply, "You were looking at our waitress like you could rip her apart." Oh god! He had seen that?! Icouldn't hide the embarrassment I felt, there was no telling what he thought of me now.

"Don't worry. She can't hold a candle to you," his voice was low as he stared at me, causing blush to coat my cheeks. "And to answer your question, I'm considering using computers for...business. Evidently, some think it would make things easier."

I wasn't sure if he was being truthful or not. I mean, how many people can operate a business without a computer? Unless it was a really small business, then I guess it would be possible. We continued to talk, keeping the conversation light. There was something about Jeremiah that seemed to draw me in. He made me feel things I had never felt. He didn't feel like a complete stranger whom I had just met, and I felt I could trust him. It not only confused me but also scared me a little. "Would you like anything else?" he asked as I popped the last French fry in my mouth. "

Gosh, no! I'm stuffed!" I laughed as I rubbed my belly. He threw a hundred on the table as he stood and reached his hand out to me. "Do you want to wait for your change?" I asked, knowing our meal wasn't that much. He shook his head as he helped me to my feet, Not really"

I couldn't help but look around the parking lot as we walked out the door, the darkness engulfing everything around us, afraid Ed was still here. I hadn't realized it was already dark until now. My eyes zoned in on his small four-door red car parked across the street. My heart began to race as soon as I saw it. Why couldn't he just leave me alone? He was acting more and more like those crazy ex-boyfriends from the murder mystery shows I watch on my days off. Warmth spread through me as Jeremiah slipped his arm around me, pulling me close to his side. I looked up at him as we continued to walk to his car, his eyes trained on none other than Ed's car. Did he know that was Ed? Or was he just curious why it was parked there with no lights on? His jaw was clenched tight as he unlocked and opened the car door for me. He waited until I was seated before shutting my door and walking around to the driver's side.

Jeremiah started the car, turning the heater on high before putting it in reverse, "I don't mean to pry, but is it normal for your ex-boyfriend to sit and watch you?" My eyes widened in surprise as I cleared my throat, "Well, yes and no. No, it's not normal, I don't think, but yes, he tends to do this." The words were out of my mouth before I could even think twice. I noticed his grip tighten on the steering wheel as he pulled from the parking lot, going in the opposite direction of my apartment. I didn't feel scared, though, "He's harmless. I guess he's not taking the break up well," I tried to ease the growing tension.

Throughout the drive, Jeremiah remained silent, his focus on the road occasionally broken by glances in the rearview mirror. It didn't take long for me to realize that Ed was trailing us. Concerned, I reached out, placing my hand on Jeremiah's arm, and the sensation of warmth that spread from the contact seemed to ease him. "Are you alright?" I asked. He responded with a faint smile and a nod, "Yes, I'm fine."

Our journey brought us to the I Scream Shop, where I noticed Ed's car creeping by. Jeremiah ordered two chocolate ice cream cones for us. As he handed me mine, I couldn't help but chuckle, "Are you certain it's a good idea to eat these in your car?" He simply shrugged, unconcerned. I playfully surveyed the interior of his car, "What if I accidentally make a mess?" I was half-joking, but also aware that some people are particular about their cars. His response was earnest, his gaze intense, "It doesn't matter where the ice cream ends up; it's inconsequential to me." His words carried a weight that suggested a deeper meaning, as if to say there was nothing I could do that would upset him.

As we neared my apartment, Jeremiah escorted me to my doorstep. "Thank you for sharing your evening with me," he expressed genuinely. I felt a rush of excitement, "I enjoyed myself," I admitted, looking away shyly, contemplating my next move. Gathering my courage, I invited him in, "Would you like to come inside?" His reaction was one of pleasant surprise, his smile broadening, "I would be delighted to."