Read Surviving Brooklyn (Brooklyn Series Book 1) for Free Online Page B

and lifting me off the bench.
    “I’m mortified.” I wrapped my arms around him, and buried my face in the crook of his neck.
    “I am taking you home,” Mark declared, as he carried me out of the park and into the black Escalade the police force had just given him.
    He piled me into the passenger seat, and buckled me in. I would have spoken out that I was not an invalid; but the way I felt, I wanted the comfort and warmth of someone taking care of me.
     
     

     
     
    Upon arriving at my apartment, I discarded my heels. I unbuttoned my long sleeve white shirt and dropped it, revealing the black tank top beneath. Taking my pants off, I walked into the bedroom in my underwear and tank top. I climbed under my comforter and buried my face in the pillow.
    “Brook,” Mark called out, but I refused to look up at him. “Come on, Brook.”
    I felt his weight press onto the bed and took a deep breath. Humiliation had invaded my veins after I got sick outside the crime scene. I glanced up to see a smile on his face. Men wouldn’t understand humility if it bit them in the ass.
    “Go away, Mark,” I murmured with my head on my pillow. Instead, he stretched out on the bed so we were eye to eye with one another. He took my hand in his and uttered the words no woman ever wants to hear in bed.
    “Do you need me to get you a barf bag?” His laughter was intoxicating, and soon I was giggling along with him. Until I realized we were both laughing at me .
    “It’s not funny. Someone died,” I shouted. Mark’s laughter halted and his face fell. I don’t even know why I blurted that out.
    “Brooklyn, I know someone died. It makes the fifth victim since this began. I was finding humor in your humility, not the situation. I would never under any circumstance find it anything other than horrid when someone has their life brutally ripped away from them.”
    Mark sat up and seemed to argue with himself for a moment. He stood and left my bedroom. Twice, I have said something to piss him off. Perhaps I needed lessons on how to be a good friend.
    I stood and grabbed my gray fleece blanket off my computer chair and wrapped it around me. I looked around, but I didn’t see Mark. I would have to find a way to apologize to him later. I went to the front door and locked it. When I turned around, the aroma of coffee hit me. I wandered into the kitchen where I found Mark looking in the bottom cabinets.
    “I thought you left,” I said as he glanced up at me.
    “Do you want me to leave?” Mark countered as he rose, holding a skillet.
    “Isn’t Mary going to get upset that you’re out so late?” I hated bringing her up, but I didn’t want to cause trouble for Mark.
    “I think her husband might have a problem if I called her and asked.” Mark turned his back and put the skillet on the stove.
    “Her husband? Wait… what? ” A blush invaded my cheeks. I must have turned a crimson color because it was at that moment I realized I was nearly naked in front of him.
    “Brookie, Mary and I broke up over a year ago. You would have known if you used your phone and called me every once and a while.” Mark stated with laughter, as he began cutting cherry tomatoes. “You may want to sit down. You look as red as these tomatoes.”
    I ran into my room and pulled on a pair of drawstring sweatpants. It was midnight, and I should be in bed getting some sleep for my first day at the office in the morning, but with Mark single and cooking in my kitchen I would rather stay up with him and take a sick day.
    I finished dressing and walked back into the kitchen. He was making me homemade pasta primavera. It was a family recipe my mom had taught Mark before she died. It was my feel-good food. Mom made it for me whenever I was feeling down or just needed a boost.
    “What’s the occasion?” I asked as I came upon Mark, who had made me a cup of coffee. I took a seat on one of the island stools and sipped my coffee.
    “We still need to talk about earlier