Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 91216 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91216 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
“Jack,” she starts, her voice breaking slightly, “I appreciate that you’re being honest now. And I’m grateful you showed up when you did tonight. But you have to understand how messed up this all is.”
I nod, making eye contact with her that she doesn’t break. “I wish I could go back and do things differently. From this moment on, I swear to you, I’ll respect your boundaries completely.”
Chloe studies my face, searching for any sign of deception. “And if I tell you to leave me alone? To never contact me again?”
The thought of never seeing her again feels like a physical blow, but I force myself to nod. “Then that’s what I’ll do.”
She’s quiet for a long moment, her eyes never leaving mine. Finally, she speaks, her voice soft but firm. “I need time, Jack. Time to process everything that’s happened tonight. With you, with Tyler, all of it. I can’t make any decisions right now.”
“Of course,” I say quickly. “Take all the time you need. I’ll be here if and when you want to talk. And if you don’t . . . I’ll understand.”
Chloe nods, then glances around the empty office. “I should go. It’s late, and I—”
“Let me drive you home,” I offer. “It’s still storming out there, and after everything that’s happened . . .”
She hesitates, clearly torn between her desire for solitude and the practicality of a safe ride home. Finally, she nods. “Okay. But just a ride home. Nothing else.”
“Absolutely,” I agree. “Just a ride home.”
As we make our way to my car, the silence between us is heavy with unspoken words and emotions. The snow is still falling heavily, blanketing the city in white. I open the passenger door for Chloe, then circle around to the driver’s side.
The drive to her house is quiet, the only sound the soft swish of windshield wipers clearing away the snow. I can feel Chloe’s eyes on me occasionally, but I keep my gaze fixed on the road, giving her the space she needs.
When we pull up to her house, I put the truck in park but leave the engine running. Chloe turns to me, her expression unreadable in the dim light.
“Thank you,” she says softly. “For the ride. And . . . for earlier.”
I nod, gripping the steering wheel tightly to keep from reaching out to her. “You’re welcome. I’m glad you’re safe.”
She hesitates, her hand on the door handle. “Jack, I . . .”
“It’s okay,” I interrupt gently. “You don’t have to say anything. Take all the time you need.”
Chloe nods, then opens the door. The cold air rushes in, carrying with it swirling snowflakes. She pauses halfway out of the truck, turning back to me.
“Goodnight, Jack,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Goodnight, Chloe,” I reply, watching as she makes her way up the snow-covered walkway to her front door.
I’m watching her still. Watching her walk away from me.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Chloe
“I can’t believe he actually resigned,” Sloane says from across her desk.
“He didn’t have much of a choice,” I say. “He was a fucking creep.”
Sloane leans back in her chair, a wry smile playing on her lips.
“What? Why are you smiling like that?”
She shrugs. “Nothing.”
I narrow my eyes at her. “Sloane, what?”
“I know you’re pissed at Jack, but—”
“We aren’t discussing Jack,” I interrupt.
Sloane raises an eyebrow. “Aren’t we, though? I mean, he saved the day. He saved you.”
My jaw clenches. “He didn’t save me. I didn’t need saving.”
Sloane sighs, her smile fading. “Come on, Chloe. From what you just told me, you know that’s not true. If Jack hadn’t arrived when he did—”
“I had it under control,” I snap, more harshly than I intended. I take a deep breath, trying to calm the sudden surge of anger. “Look, I appreciate what Jack did, okay? But that doesn’t change anything. It doesn’t erase all the other crap he’s pulled. You don’t find it sick as hell that the man has stalked me for years?”
“I think it’s kind of romantic. Sexy even,” she admits. “Sorry, but I don’t think I’d be throwing away the man because he’s obsessed with you.”
I scoff, shaking my head. “You’re unbelievable. Since when are you Team Stalker?”
“I haven’t met the man, but he sounds like a catch.”
“A catch! He’s been standing outside my window without my knowledge. How in the hell is that considered a catch?”
Sloane holds up her hands in mock surrender. “Okay, okay. I get it. You’re not ready to see it from another perspective yet.”
I glare at her, my frustration building. “There is no other perspective. It’s creepy, end of story.”
She leans forward, her expression turning serious. “Look, Chloe, I’m not trying to invalidate your feelings. I know you’ve been through a lot. But maybe . . . maybe there’s more to Jack than you’re willing to see right now.”