Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 21003 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 105(@200wpm)___ 84(@250wpm)___ 70(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21003 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 105(@200wpm)___ 84(@250wpm)___ 70(@300wpm)
“Why, have you?”
“No. I was just wondering why you’re looking for me.”
“Because I watched Anne follow you over here. I heard what she said to you. When were you going to tell me he was stalking you?”
“Oh, yeah. I haven’t seen him in a while.”
“I know.” I stare at him, eyes wide, and then I look at his knuckles that aren’t bruised. And back up to his eyes. He shakes his head.
“I’m a businessman, sweetheart. I don’t get my hands dirty. Not that I couldn’t whoop the shit out of him for scaring you like that, but he got his warning.”
I narrow my gaze and ask, “How did you know?”
“Can we talk about this later?”
“I think we should leave.”
“I’ll get our coats.” He walks away and I look for our hosts so I can say goodbye.
When I find them, they are together, cleaning up some trays. I don’t even need to say we’re leaving because Tara reads my expression. “You don’t need to make an excuse. I saw the look on Anne’s face.”
“Thank you, though. I did have a good time.”
“You’re wonderful, and I’m glad that you work for me,” Dr. Lee says sincerely.
“Thank you. It is a pleasure to work for you. And, Tara, it’s great to see you again. Give Emily my love.”
“Sweetheart, here’s your coat.” Parker slides it on me, and then we leave.
As we drive home, I ask the question that I’ve been anxiously dreading the answer to. “So what happened to Tom, and how did you know about his harassment?”
“At first, I had no idea he was harassing you, but I realized my sister has a security camera and it looked out across the street, so I decided to see if I could see you. Then, I watched you accept the gift and put up the wreath, which made me so damn happy.” I smile at the way he’s smiling. “Then I kept watching, hoping you’d come out again, and then I saw a car pull up outside my sister’s house. That’s when I saw him.”
“Oh my God, he was outside my house?” I gasp. I had no idea that he’d been there.
“Yes, sorry. He left a note.” Parker looks a bit confused. “I thought you said he was stalking you.”
“Yes, at my job.”
“Oh. Was he still going there after that night?” he asks with a crease forming between his brows.
“No. Until tonight, I haven’t seen him.” He releases a harsh breath and pats his chest to calm himself down.
“That’s good. He was warned to stay far away from you, or he’d end up gone for good. Are you angry with me?” I purse my lips and then sigh.
“How can I be angry with you when you saved me? But… please tell me there are no other secrets.”
“Nothing else. Well, at least that I think I’m keeping. I do have a good Christmas surprise, if it works out, but that’s different.” I can’t help but beam from ear to ear. This man has given me special gifts that are sweet and meaningful. Selfishly, I’m grateful that I’m the only woman he’s given this much attention to.
“For someone who hates the holiday, you sure know how to celebrate it.”
“You give me a reason worth celebrating.” My heart is melting like a snowman on a sixty-degree day.
Chapter Eleven
Parker
“Merry Christmas, Parker,” she whispers against my shoulder. This new way of waking up is now my favorite and I don’t want it to ever go away. Soon I’ll be making it permanent, assuming I get Caroline to agree.
“Merry Christmas, Carrie.” I pull her into my arms and kiss her, startling her with the smile on my face.
“You look so happy,” she says with an accusatory brow.
“I am. Because I love you.” The words are out before I can stop myself from saying them, but there’s nothing I can do to take them back and truthfully I don’t want to take them back.
“You love me?” I know she thinks it’s too soon for those words, but I’ve never said them to anyone that isn’t family, and it feels so damn good.
I slowly move my chin and down. “Yes. I knew the moment I saw you.”
She scoffs and shoves playfully on my chest. “Now that’s a lie because you were ready to bite my head off.”
“Yes, and that disappeared instantly, and that would never have happened with anybody else. Every thought went straight to how you looked like an angel, and I just wanted to keep you forever.” I huff and scowl. “And then you ran away from me, and I had to know more. I went digging, and my sister called, trying to drive me insane. I know you probably think I am insane, but it’s the truth.”
She shakes her head and laughs. “I don’t think you’re crazy. I’ll be honest with you as well. You know the pillows and blankets on my couch? They’re there because of you.”