AN: I've been trying to do some editing lately but my eyes are all messed up after surgery and I can't see the words clearly, so I am missing a lot of mistakes. Sorry if this makes it hard to read.

As much as I enjoyed the ride with Tobias, I was relieved when we pulled onto the driveway of Crescent View. I threw my leg back and push away from him as he nudged the kickstand down.

Tobias looked over at me after climbing off his motorcycle. "Wasn't that bad, right?"

I let out a sigh, knowing I had to admit, I'd found it quite enjoyable. "Actually, it was pretty fun. I can see why you like it. Maybe I should think about getting me one of those."

Tobias laughed, "Maybe you should."

Admitting I was wrong about the bike ride reminded me I owed Tobias an apology. My attempt to get stuff to make dinner had been a bust. Now what? I decided to just swallow my pride and use my words, as my mother had always encouraged me to do when my emotions got in the way.

"Tobias." He had retrieved his keys and pushed one into the lock on the front door but turned to look at me instead of pushing the door open. "I owe you… ah… well a couple things actually. First a huge thanks for getting me out of jail."

Tobias brushed it off as no big deal then opened the door. I followed him in, needing to finish my thought. "It was a big deal, at least to me. I've never been arrested before. I had no idea what to do, or what was going to happen."

He still didn't say anything and the look on his face said he felt bad for me. That was not at all what I wanted. "I'll write you a check, right now." I took a step toward the hallway that eventually led to my room when Tobias grabbed my wrist and stopped me.

"Tris, I can't take a check from you."

I stared at him dumbfounded. There was no way in hell I was letting him bail me out without reimbursing him. I didn't need his pity. "Why the hell not?" A hint of anger audible in my voice.

"Because I don't want any kind of paper trail between myself and a known criminal. You'll have to pay me in cash."

His expression never changed. He stayed serious and for a moment I thought he was. "You have got to be…"

He suddenly let out a hearty laugh. "Oh my God, your face just then was worth every penny it cost to get you out of jail."

I found myself remembering my desire to hit him in the waiting area and balled up my fist in restraint. He of course noticed this, and continued his harassment. He had the balls to take a step closer as a smile spread across his face. "What are you going to do Tris? We're fresh out of pickles."

My mouth dropped open, but just as quickly closed as I started laughing myself. "Oh, you are such a comedian. I can't believe I was actually going to apologize to you about the other morning."

"What do you mean you were? You still are." His eyes locked onto mine, daring me to take back my comment, but I couldn't.

All fooling aside, I wanted him to know I really was sorry, my smile slowly faded as I tried to get serious. "No, really. I am sorry about how I reacted. I shouldn't have blamed you without proof."

Tobias shrugged one shoulder, "No, but I understand why you did. I think I would have thought the same thing if I'd been in your shoes." He was quiet for a moment before continuing. "Though I would have jest been flattered you came to see me in the buff."

I rolled my eyes and tried to look angry, but I just couldn't be upset with him. I deserved what he was dishing out after what I put him through. "Well, now that that is behind us." I sighed, knowing he was expecting me to say more, but no knowing what else to say.

"Behind us? Oh, no no no. That incident is definitely not behind us. You are going to pay for that when you least expect it."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

He smiled, a wide and beautiful smile. One that left me needing to lean on the counter for support. "It means I'm not done with you yet." At that he walked past me and disappeared into his room.

I stood watching his closed door, unable to move. Was he serious? Did he set up some kind of booby trap or practical joke? Seeing him this way convinced me he did indeed have a sense of humor, and bailing me out of jail was enough to give him the ammunition to retaliate.

I let out a sigh and hoped he's just been flirting with me. I don't want to feel like I have to watch my back though I have always loved a good prank war. I strolled up to his door, hesitated for a moment.

"Game on." I hollered through the door. I heard him snicker on the other side before I retired to my own room.

I sat on my bed and replayed the last few hours in my head. It was like something you'd see in a low budget movie. I couldn't believe I'd been arrested, on the other hand, I was happy to see Caleb's self-defense lessons were not a complete waste of time. Plus, it was nice to be back to speaking terms with Tobias.

My room was still pretty empty. I glanced at my phone briefly to catch the time, but it was the date that sunk in. The truck with my stuff, and my car, should be arriving tomorrow. It would be nice to get fully moved in and unpacked. At least at that point, maybe this whole situation might sink it.

I decided to go for a walk and take in some of the scenery I really should get to know the area better before I have guests stay the night. I grabbed a sweatshirt that I'd tossed on the chair by my vanity and left my room.

"I'm going for a walk." I said through the door, just to inform him.

The door swung open a second later, just as I was about to walk away. "You mean alone?"

I took a step back, startled by his sudden appearance. "Yeah."

I was about to speak again and invite him along when he interrupted me. "Are you sure that's a good idea?"

I looked back at him, confused. "Why wouldn't it be?" Biddeford had always been a safe place to live or visit in the past. Had something changed?

"Oh, I don't know. Just with your criminal record and all, do you think you can manage to stay out of trouble?"

I rolled my eyes and punched him affectionately in the arm. "I'll do my best, but keep your afternoon free just in case I need you to bail me out again."

Tobias smiled, genuinely amused. "I'll do that boss."

"Good. Not get back to work."

"Yeas ma'am."

I left my new bed and breakfast with a wide smile on my face.

I smile a lot when I'm with Tobias. Well, at least when we are not ignoring each other. I enjoy spending time with him, and looking at him. Wow, I'm really being honest at the moment. I shouldn't think like this. After all, I am his boss.

I walk to the road, close to the cliff where the only thing separating me from the ocean is a tall wall of boulders. The waves crash against the rocks, filling the air with ocean water mist that reaches all the way up to where I walk. It's chilly against my face and I hope that it will wipe my mind clean of my previous thoughts but it only takes a few moments before his smiling face reappears in my mind.

Sure, I'm his boss, but am I really? I can't fire him and when I do discipline him, I feel like crap after. He knows a lot more about Crescent View than I do as well as restoring it. In all actuality, I need him more than he needs me and I'd much rather be his friend than his boss.

No no no. Keep it professional.

But why should I? Heck, we already live together under the same roof. We are both consenting adults. Would it really be so bad to…?

Yes, it could be. Remember what happened last time you fell for a guy? Do you really want to go through that again? Keeping in mind, if things went south, you can't fire him.

No, that was hell. I never want to go through that again but I'm not ready to give up on love yet. I'm too young to think like that.

So where does that leave me?

That leaves me living and working with a guy that I like, a lot, but afraid to get close to him because of what might happen.

Then again, what might happen could be amazing. I'm older now, and I'd like to think wiser when it comes to love. That was the problem before. I fell in love with someone who wasn't in love with me. He knew how I felt and used it to his advantage. And I was so blinded, that I let him. I won't let that happen again.

Does that mean I'm giving myself permission to test the water with Tobias? Become friends and just see where it goes from there? Honestly, he already feels like a friend. Maybe not a close friend but someone I like to be with.

I wonder what he thinks of me? I'm really getting ahead of myself. I don't even know if he single? After all, he did go out the other night and was gone for quite a while. Maybe he had a date.

Or maybe he just had somethings to take care of.

My God, I could go in circles like this for hours. What is wrong with my brain? Why do I overthink everything? I've decided to just see what happens between the two of us. The rest is not something I can solve in my head.

I've been staring out at the ocean the entire time I've been walking, but not paying attention to the beautiful scenery. I look back in the direction I came from and I can't even see Crescent View any more. How long have I been walking?

I decide to head back, maybe actually enjoy the waves this stretch of the trip.

I do manage to keep my mind clear this time around. I watch the tide slowly creeping closer, hiding the little patches of sand that appear while the tide is out. It takes a while to get back home. I had walked further than I thought, but I enjoyed the feeling of freedom.

I stand across the street from the beautiful yet historic looking building that I still can't believe is mine. I just stare at the white walls, with their dark green shutters. It is a beautiful contrast to the crystal blue sky in the background.

Tobias is out front, repairing the railing along the wrap around porch. He waves at me before returning his attention to his task.

I let out a sigh, a feeling of complete contentment washes over me. I cross the narrow road to get back on my own property when I see movement in one of the windows on the second floor. Someone was looking out the window. The drapes had been closed when I left, yet for a few seconds I swore I saw a hand pull them back and a face peer through the two panels. I blink hard, trying to force my eyes to come into focus. This time the window looks undisturbed, exactly like it did when I left.

Did I imagine it? Am I losing my mind? The only people with access to the house are Tobias and myself and we are both very much outside.

I rub my eyes and look up toward the window a third time. Tobias comes to my side, looking in the same direction with a puzzled expression.

"Something wrong?"

"No, nothing." I lie. But I can't take my eyes away from the center window. It is about twice as wide as the others, and it faces the ocean. There must be a beautiful view from that room, but for the life of me, I can't picture which room it is.

I decide my mind is just playing tricks on me. "I'm going in. Do you want me to bring you out a drink or anything?"

Tobias smiles at me. "No, I'm all set, but thank you. I've got three more spindles to replace, then I'm calling it a day."

"Okay." I don't want to look silly and linger just to be close to him, so I make my way through the main door and down the hallway to my room. There is a note on my door that says your bathroom is all fixed. He did say he would make it a priority.

I smile. I guess he doesn't like sharing a bathroom with me, I chuckle. When I unlock my door, the first place I go to check out is the bathroom. I hadn't even looked around in it yet since it was all taken apart. It looks great now. The paint looks new and everything is sparkling clean.

I turn on the faucet, collecting some water in my hands to splash against my face when the plumbing under the sink starts spraying my legs with water in a heavy stream.

Damned it. He got me already. I wasn't ready, and though I should probably find it funny I'm angry instead.

I open my mouth, and yell at the top of my lungs, "Tobias!"