Page 2 of Stalker

“I didn’t?” I playfully remarked, “You know what I shouldn’t mention? The sauna, pool, and state-of-the-art gym I have full access to during my contract.”

“I’m starting to not feel so bad for you anymore.” Olivia popped her lips through the phone, “Wait, what the heck does some old tycoon need a state-of-the-art gym for?”

Shrugging, “Old people work out.” I stated, even though I doubted the need for the hundreds of different free weight options available when I saw them myself on my tour.

Did old men deadlift?

What if Mr. Bryce was more like seventy-year-old Sylvester Stallone and less like seventy-year-old Mr. Rodgers like I’d imagined when this all started?

Wait, did I actually ever get told how old he was? With the name Lincoln Bryce, I just assumed he was older.

Was this a mistake, after all?

“Hello?” Olivia snapped again, “What the heck is wrong with you P?”

“Mush,” I said, rubbing my forehead and forcing myself to focus on my sister for another thirty seconds to get off the phone with her. “My brain is mush. I need sleep”

“Well, don’t fall asleep in the tub!” She cried, “You’ll drown.”

“Well, if it’s my time—” I deadpanned.

“Peyton Rosa Everett, that’s not even funny!” She scolded me in true older sister fashion.

“I’m kidding!” I walked across the expansive bedroom to the bathroom, “But seriously, I’m going to relax before tomorrow. Mrs. Straight and I have only one more day together. And I have so much more to learn.”

“Whatever.” She blew out a breath. “At least send me a text when you’re safe from the threat of drowning.”

“Yes, Mom.” I shook my head and clicked the dimming lights on and turned them down low before flipping the lever to shut the drain on the soaking tub. “Love you.”

“Love you too.” She replied right before I ended the call and set my phone down on the bamboo tray on the edge and turned the water on.

I admired the adorable welcome basket that Mrs. Straight left for me in the guest house and pulled out one bottle of bubble bath, sniffing the intoxicating scent, and then poured it in heavily.

As the tub filled up, I stripped out of my clothes and tossed them in the hamper, avoiding the full-length mirror in the attached closet on my way back to the bathroom. I’d have to cover it with a sheet or something.

Tomorrow, I told myself. I was too focused on the tub to let Tyson’s words seep into my brain like usual when I saw my reflection.

Exhaustion had its benefits, I suppose.

I lit a few of the complimentary candles in the basket, laying them around the bathroom, and then sank into the scorching, bubbly water. I forced my mind to go blank as I rested my head back on the pillow rest and took a few calming breaths, desperate to sink into the dreamland where I met the sandman with the dark mask and the burning touches.

Fear that I was going insane tried to move to the forefront of my mind every time I conjured my dark dreams, but I refused to regret them. I was just over everything and needed a break.

I desperately needed the break that Hartington Estate was promising to give to me. And a little hard work in exchange was perfect.

Because my mother always said idle hands made mischief.

Although, maybe dedicating all of my early twenties to a man who didn’t deserve my time meant I was due to cause some mischief.

Maybe, just maybe.

Chapter 2 – Peyton

“Are you sure you don’t need any help to get anything to the door?” I asked from the doorway to Mrs. Straight’s private apartment inside the main house two days later. She was leaving for her vacation, leaving me all alone on the estate until Mr. Bryce’s return, and the idea of solitude suddenly overwhelmed me after seeking it for so long.

“Oh, thank you dear, but I’m all set.” She smiled, slipping her arms into her sweater and buttoning it up. “You have my number and my daughter’s, as well as both of our emails. And if all else fails, Mr. Thomas is here every day with the landscape and maintenance teams, so go to him if you can’t get a hold of me.”

“I won’t bother you.” I tried reassuring us both, “Mr. Bryce and I will be perfectly fine while you enjoy family time.”

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