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“It would seem so, wouldn’t it?”
My phone rings, and I pull it out. Seeing Stan’s number pop up, I excuse myself to the hall to take it, pacing in front of the check-out counter as I wait for it to connect with my spotty signal.
“Tell me what you found,” I say.
“You’re not going to like it, I’m afraid,” he replies.
CHAPTERTWENTY-SEVEN
Carina
Watching a stalker is something most don’t get to do. He’s lying on his back with one arm over his eyes, the other spread toward the empty spot where I’d been lying. Tightening my hands around my coffee mug, I lick my lips and lean against the door frame of my bathroom. All his muscles are corded and on display. At some point, he’d stripped bare of his dark clothes in the night, wrapping around me. I’d woken entangled with him, having slept soundly all night. No nightmares plagued me.
I grappled for a while whether to wake him, but eventually decided to let him rest. It’s the least he deserves for the peace he’d gifted me last night. I’ve already cleaned up the disarray from his abrupt visit. I called a handyman that’ll be here at noon to fix the broken door Gage had kicked through to get to me.
I know I should be worried about the fact that he’d done so, but I can’t bring myself to because someone finally cares about me. He was worried and it drove him to the edge, so his impulses got the better of him.
I can’t blame him because deep down I wonder if the nagging feeling in my gut isn’t growing into something more. Something that would make me do the same thing for him if he was in trouble.
Not that a man that looks like that ever gets into trouble that he can’t get out of. Sipping my coffee, I make my way to the living room. I kick off my fuzzy slippers as I fold into the couch and watch the snow falling outside the panes behind my blinds.
The first snow brings a clean blanket for the world. A sheet of white, signaling a new season. I’ve always loved watching it. Just like the rain, it brings serenity with it each time it falls for those of us seeking it.
My mind is a mess of what ifs and worries, but for a moment, I let it all go.
I take another deep swig of coffee before setting it down on the coffee table, snagging my phone and unlocking it to check notifications. A text from Emery sits unopened. He told me he’d keep me in the loop, but I haven’t had the nerve to open it and see what he found out.
I know how men like him get information, and the knowledge makes me hesitant to get involved.
Sighing, I click on it. I started us all down this rabbit hole; I need to finish it. We all need to know. So we can begin repairs to our hearts, minds, and souls.
We need to meet.
It’s not what I was expecting. Especially after his run in with Gage only nights ago. Every night since, Gage has been sneaking into my bed, wrapping around me like a shield and keeping the nightmares away. I wonder if the incident with Emery was the catalyst for the sudden change in him.
He’s diving into his attraction to me, and I’m reaping the benefits from it.
Tonight?
Sure; where?
Your place?
I don’t really know why I suggest it. My eyes flick over to the door where the chair still holds it closed, knowing it’s the reason. That and he knows where I live, why not level the playing field?
Sounds good. I’ll send a driver for you. I assume your pitbull will be with you?
I smile at the jab. He is, isn’t he? My sword, unsheathed and ready to strike.
You’re correct. He’s a part of this, too. I’m not cutting him out. Plus, I’m more comfortable with him at my side.
I know it’s a low blow, one that’ll sting Emery, but I don’t care. It’s the truth. Gage might be as unhinged as they come, but he’s onmyside, and that means more than words can convey to either of them.
So be it. You deserve comfort, Carina. I will tell the driver to expect two.
I’m taken aback for a moment, staring at the text, unblinking.
Breath hits my neck near my ear, and I let my eyes close as I click the phone screen off.
