Page 31 of Followed By the CEO

With my heart breaking into a million pieces, I unlock the door and leave.

Before I go, I have to look back. “Call me if you need anything. I’ll be waiting.”

She blinks her eyes expectantly, and I finally leave, slouching down the stairs, getting into my car, and beginning the journey back to my house in Beverly Hills.

I want so badly to throw her over my shoulder and take her with me.

It gives me only a small bit of satisfaction to send one voice text as I drive back to my house in Beverly Hills.

“Siri, text Stella Monroe asking for a background check on Peter Albertson. Here’s the address…” I give Siri the address and other identifying information, then ask the virtual assistant to deliver the text quietly.

I park my car under my quiet house, take the stairs to my quiet bedroom and turn on the news to calm the negativity in my head.

chapter

eleven

Mills

I stand at my kitchen counter drinking a glass of water, still feeling overheated from my argument with Hayden.

And probably still heated from that incredible orgasm. The memory of what Hayden did to me is everything.

It’s too bad he had to go and taint it by being a jerk about my friend. Would he act that way about a friend who was a woman? I bet not. That’s so backward.

It’s been a long time since Peter left to take Monster for a walk. It’s now after 2, and I really want to go to bed now.

I text him.

Me: Hey, you can bring him back now. I’m going to bed.

Peter does not reply.

“Come on, dude,” I say on a fretful sigh. Tonight of all nights, I want my dog back in my apartment so I can go to bed. I have difficulty sleeping on the road without my dog, so it’s always nicer at home with the two of us in my bed.

Then I hear it. Quiet as a mouse, the door across the landing creaks open and shuts. Peter’s door.

Not bothering to get dressed but clutching my bathrobe, I dash across the landing. Before he can secure the lock, I push open his door.

Monster wriggles out of Peter’s arms and runs to me. “Peter, what is going on? Why didn’t you reply to my text? I was worried!”

He fumbles for words, and slowly, piece by piece, I finally notice the facade he’s been wearing around me begin to crumble.

“I-I didn’t want to disturb you two,” he says, his voice thick with passive aggression. “You seemed to be having a very passionate exchange the last I heard.”

I roll my eyes, scratching Monster behind the ears. “Oh my god. Hayden was right. You do have a crush on me.”

Peter gives me a look that says I’m so far off base I might as well be in outer space.

“Please,” he says, looking me up and down. I don’t know if I should feel relieved or offended at that. Both. Both can be correct feelings to have simultaneously, I decide.

“What is your deal?”

“I don’t want to date you! I want your dog!” Peter finally exclaims.

I take a step back. “You want…Monster?”

Peter lets out an exasperated snort. “He’s practically mine already! I watch him while you’re out of town. He sleeps in my bed when you’re gone. I feed him treats…”

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