Page 84 of Exposed

“You have the license plate number?” He asks.

“Yeah. Your dad doesn’t understand why I don’t want to call the police.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m coming to get you. My dad can call the police and report the car himself. He can tell them the car was following him for all I care, but we need to know who’s stalking you,” Matt says.

“You’re right,” I acquiesce, and we disconnect the call.

Damn, we really need that new hacker to contact us. I’m tired of living in fear.

I text Matt my address, then move to the front of the store to spy on the car that’s stalking me.

It’s disappeared from the parking spot it was in. My eyes scan the parking lot, but it’s nowhere to be found.

Crap.

I dial Matt and let him know.

“My dad can still file a report at the police station. I told him not to mention you,” Matt responds. “Text my dad the license number, and I’m coming to get you.”

“Stay and finish your job, Matt. You made a commitment to that couple to capture their wedding day.”

“Are you sure? You and Simon are my priority.”

My heart beats double time at his words. “Yeah, Matt. I’m sure.”

“You and Simon can’t go home alone,” he asserts. “Have my dad take you to his gym. Lock yourself and Simon in his office while he goes to the police station.”

“What should we do after that?” I ask.

“Hopefully this wraps up around 10 or 11 tonight,” he takes a deep breath like he’s thinking. “I’ll have my dad arrange for someone to follow you home and watch our house until we figure out what’s going on.”

I don’t know what exactly he means, but if his dad knows of a bodyguard available tonight, I don’t have a problem with it. I have his son, and I want to make sure I do everything possible to keep Simon protected.

“Okay. Thanks, Matt.”

“Don’t worry, Pepper. We’ll fix this.” He’s quiet for a beat before he adds. “I care about you Pepper. A lot. Hug and kiss Simon for me.”

After living most of my life devoid of love, his affection is like a healing balm soothing my heart. Plus, he saidour house. He considers his house to be mine too.

I bend my head to kiss Simon’s head and whisper, “I really like your dad, Simon. You’re one lucky dude to have him.”

34

CALL ME BY MY NAME

MATT

Some bastard was stalking my wife while I was stuck at a damn wedding. I’m going to find out who it is and personally make them pay.

When I pull into my driveway at 11:20pm, I can’t get out of the car fast enough.

My dad reported the license plate to the police, and it’s a stolen vehicle. For now, it’s a dead end.

On the bright side, my dad also has a deal with a local security firm, and all the guards work out at my dad’s gyms. He contracted two armed security guards to stay posted at my house for the time being.

I nod my head to Jared, the tall Black guy posted in front of my house near his black SUV. I’ve worked out a couple of times with him and Raul, the guy posted at the side of the house, and they’re intense dudes.

“Thanks a lot for doing this on short notice,” I say as Jared approaches to greet me.

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