Page 52 of Always My Love

“Got it.” Reece smiled. “It’s not the first time I’ve handled a stalker,” he threw over his shoulder as he followed Hailey towards her car.

“Locked up?” he asked Harper as Reece’s and Hailey’s cars disappeared.

“Yeah.” She turned towards him. “How did he get in?” she asked.

He was surprised and thought about it. “Did you leave a door open?”

Harper shook her head. “We were adamant about locking up.”

“I’ll have another look around.” This time as he circled the home, he checked every window and door.

When he came back, he had his answer.

“The lock on the laundry room widow is busted. It slides open even if it’s locked. I put a stick in it for now. That will stop him from getting in that way. Of course, if he really wants in, those are only single-paned windows. They break easily.”

Harper closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Right. Let’s go.” She turned and marched towards his Jeep.

As he drove, he filled her in on a few things.

“Tom will file a police report so you can let your insurance know. They might pay for the tiles to be replaced.”

“Don’t bother. I don’t have insurance.” She sighed as she looked out the window. “I’ll just have to go with the plain white tiles this time.”

He was quiet the rest of the way back to his place. When they parked, he helped her with her bag.

“I’m not sorry that you’ll be staying with me,” he said, setting her bag down inside as she loved on the dogs, who were as happy to see them as if they’d been gone for days instead of less than an hour.

“I thought I’d be tired after everything. Instead, I just want to punch something,” she said, standing up.

He smiled. “I can help you out there.” He took her hand and they made their way downstairs.

He opened his gym door and motioned to the punching bag. “Have at it.”

She looked down at her clothes and then shrugged and walked over to the bag.

He stopped her from hitting it with her fist.

“First, do you know how to hit properly?” he asked.

She chuckled and held up her fist.

“Good, your thumb should always be on the outside like this.” He tapped her fist. “Straight on. No wimpy wrists.” He showed her slowly a few times. She mimicked his moves. “Good, now give it a go. Use your whole shoulder and arm. Don’t just throw from your elbow.”

He showed her the difference.

“Like this?” She followed his moves.

“Stand like so.” He positioned her feet.

She followed and when he nodded, she threw a pretty solid punch and smiled. “More,” she said, doing it again.

He stood back and watched her throw a couple more punches.

“Want gloves?” he asked after a moment.

She frowned down at her fists. “For now, I like the sting. I won’t be wearing gloves when I punch Fred’s teeth in.” She smiled back at him.

“There’s the warrior I knew was hiding in there.” He walked over and kissed her.