Total pages in book: 63
Estimated words: 59236 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 296(@200wpm)___ 237(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 59236 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 296(@200wpm)___ 237(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
Tumbling onto our backs, we turned toward each other, flushed and replete, sharing soft kisses before I burrowed into his chest. He helped me slide under the covers first and joined me, and I slept with my cheek pressed to his heart.
The next morning, I stretched indulgently when my alarm went off and reluctantly left him sleeping in bed. I had the shop ready and open in record time, my body still humming happily from the evening before. Even without coffee, I had plenty of energy, so I only sipped at mine as I served customers. Noah stopped in for a coffee on his way to work and promised to call me later. I was grinning like an idiot after he kissed me and left.
At nine A.M. sharp, I flipped the closed sign on the door and cleaned up as Leo’s crew came to remove the old oven and begin installation. I sat at a table going over the receipts and balancing my totals before I ran the deposit to the bank. Leo came in and let me know the oven would be delivered in the morning and be fully operational in a couple of days. I thanked him, so relieved that the replacement was happening and, if all went to plan, would be over in just a few days so I could get the shop up and running again at full capacity.
A special edition of my weekly shop newsletter went out to my subscribers with an update on the timeline and an engagement link that led to a coupon for a half-price baked treat next week only. I was counting on that promotion and a few not-cheap online ads set to drop next week to drive traffic back into my shop after the closure.
After the bank, I went to the laundromat and read a library book while my whites and towels tumbled dry. My chapter was interrupted on the e-reader app when a text came through. I tapped it, wondering if a customer had questions about the newsletter.
U never should’ve touched him slut.
Blinking, I read it three times before I closed it and figured it was a wrong number. Some post-pubescent teenagers creating drama over a boy they both probably liked. I went back to the book I was reading only to be hit with a barrage of five more texts back-to-back.
Hope it was worth it bitch.
He loves me you dumb whore.
Stick to baking and stay out of my man’s pants or else.
The last message was a photo of Noah and me entering my building the night before, his hand low on my hips as I unlocked the door. I felt a shudder of fear and disgust. I remembered exactly how the heat of his hand felt through the satin, exactly how the excitement had thrummed in my blood. Never knowing we were being watched. I felt bile rise in my throat, sickened and frightened.
Biting my lip, I messaged Noah a screenshot of the messages and the photo. He replied instantly, I’m so sorry, that’s my ex. I don’t know how she got your number.
I swallowed hard and replied, It’s ok. At the laundromat, then I’ll go home and lock my door.
Send me a pin on your location and stay where you are.
I thought he was panicking over some obnoxious woman trying to back me off, but I dropped the pin and gathered my things. Within minutes, Ethan was there in a cab. He helped me load my car, and we went to my building.
“You’re going to have to move into my loft until this is settled. I know you’re used to your independence, but my building has great security. We’ll grab whatever you need and get going.”
‘I’d rather stay at my place,” I said, hauling the laundry out of the back.
“I wish I could give you a choice,” he said sternly. “But it’s not worth the risk. You can have my bedroom, or any of the others, if you want it. Treat it like a vacation for a few days while the shop is closed. Please.”
“I don’t like it.”
“Nobody does except the psycho who’s stalking my brother. By the way, I am making him move in too. Just in case you were worried I was a sexist who thought you couldn’t take care of yourself. I want my family under tight security until she’s off the streets.”
“Thank you, Ethan,” I said, “for the help and for understanding why I didn’t jump at the chance to move in with you. It’s not personal, I promise. I’m just used to my space.”
“I know the feeling,” he said ruefully, “I lived alone in a giant loft until half an hour ago. Now I’ve got you and Noah. I expect Leo won’t be far behind. No matter what he said about being left out or scheduling or whatever, I know he wants to be where the action is, whether it’s the stalker or whether it’s being near you. We can count on him to show up.”