Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 46792 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 234(@200wpm)___ 187(@250wpm)___ 156(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46792 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 234(@200wpm)___ 187(@250wpm)___ 156(@300wpm)
I sit in stunned silence for a few seconds, feeling dizzy. I put my hand on the table to steady myself and force a deep inhale.
My stalker is being released from prison three years early. Three fucking years. I knew there was a possibility of early release for good behavior, but not this early.
“Everything okay?” Harrison sits down across from me, a mug in hand.
“No.” I put my phone in my bag, willing myself not to cry until I get out of here. “I’m sorry, I have to go.”
My throat is tight and suddenly it’s so hot in here I can’t stand it. I mumble another apology to Harrison, not looking at him. Then I grab my coat and bag and run for the door, running into a chair that someone’s sliding back to get out of.
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” the woman says.
“It’s okay.”
I can’t look at her, either. I keep my eyes focused on the door, still unsteady from the dizziness.
If I can just get out that door, I’ll be able to breathe again. I race for it, the man coming through it giving me a polite nod and holding on to it until I get there.
“Thanks,” I say under my breath, practically stumbling outside.
The icy air hits my face and I gulp in a deep breath of it, grateful. I’m breathing so hard that the air stings my throat. I see an empty bench and start walking toward it, a hand on my arm making me stop.
“Cam--”
“No!” I yell, instinct taking over as I tear my arm away even though the person isn’t holding on to it.
It’s Rowan, wearing jeans, a blue-and-gray flannel, a black wool coat, and a dark baseball cap pulled down low. He steps back, his eyes darkening as he narrows them. “What the fuck did he say to you? I’m gonna drag his ass out of there right now.”
I’m still processing that Jake could be back in Denver by this weekend. It takes me a second to go after Rowan.
“No, Rowan. Stop!”
He turns, the fury in his gaze taking me aback. He’s always easygoing, rarely even in a bad mood. I’ve never seen him like this.
“What are you doing here?” I ask.
It can’t be a coincidence that he’s at the coffee shop where I met Harrison. I didn’t even tell anyone I was coming here. My stomach rolls with a sick sensation. Is he following me?
“Tess told me where you were going. Don’t be mad at her. You were never supposed to know I was here. I just wanted to make sure you were safe.”
I give him an incredulous look.
“It’s the truth,” he says earnestly. “I couldn’t just sit at home while you went out with the guy who lied his way into a first date pretending it was a work thing.”
I shake my head, overwhelmed.
“I’m man enough to admit it was five percent curiosity, ninety-five percent concern.” He glares at the door to the coffee shop. “Now, what did that asshole say to you?”
I take a deep breath and put up my hand. “It wasn’t him. That’s not why I’m upset.”
“Is Tate okay?” He steps forward, his brow furrowed with concern.
“Yeah, he’s with Tess.” I swallow hard, still in disbelief. “I just found out the guy who stalked me is being released from prison early.”
“What the fuck? Why?”
I wave a hand, my voice thick with unshed tears. “Overcrowding, I guess? He’s getting out on Friday.”
“Oh, Cam. Fuck, I’m so sorry.”
A sob comes from my throat as I step closer to him. He wraps his arms around me, holding me close and putting his chin on top of my head.
I don’t want to cry over Jake. I’ve shed so many tears and lost so much sleep over that bastard. But I can’t help it. I’m afraid of him. Afraid he’ll do something to one of my sons.
“What do you need?” Rowan murmurs. “Comfort food? A walk to clear your head? A trip to a gun store to buy a weapon? Just tell me and it’s yours.”
I laugh, pulling away to wipe the tears from the corners of my eyes. “The last thing I need right now is a gun. I just want to go home.”
He nods, his arm still around me. “I’ll drive you.”
“I’ve got my car here.”
He shakes his head. “I’ll drive your car back to your place and Dom can give me a ride later.”
I nod, grateful I don’t have to think about driving right now. “I’m parked in the next block.”
We start walking, his arm still securely around my shoulder. I’ll text Tess on the drive home and ask her to keep the boys tonight. I need a little time to have a meltdown and I don’t want my kids knowing I’m upset.
I’m not even going to tell Tess until tomorrow. She’ll lose her shit and start calling every county, state, and federal politician whose contact information she can find, trying to get the decision to release Jake reversed. I love her for it, but that’s not the energy I need right now.