Page 64 of He Sees You When You’re Sleeping

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chloe

Akink love triangle for the holidays? Yes, that’s what I’ve found myself in. My own fault, of course.

This isn’t me. This is not who I am. I’m a one man at a time kind of gal. And yet, here I am.

I should be working but instead I keep looking at my notifications on Dark Secrets to see if WinterWatcher has messaged me—he hasn’t. I keep looking at my texts to see if Jack has texted me back—he hasn’t.

Maybe I’m delusional in thinking either are interested in me. Am I reading too much into things?

I sigh and put my phone down, trying to focus on the jewelry displayed in front of me. I need to come up with some catchy content. The perfect song or maybe lip-syncing? But my thoughts blur together, my mind wandering back to memories of last night. On how WinterWatcher made me come in front of all those people.

But then there’s Jack. Sweet, funny Jack who I still thought of as WinterWatcher had his fingers buried inside of me. I don’t want to admit that fact, but it’s true. Jack remained.

And when I found myself standing at Jack’s apartment building last night, had he been home... I would have fucked him. I needed to fuck him.

But was I imagining the spark between us? He’s barely made a move on me. Not really anything. Not a kiss. Just... some flirting and a sweet connection.

“Focus,” I mutter to myself, picking up a delicate silver necklace. I hold it up to the light, trying to think of a clever caption. But all I can picture is WinterWatcher fastening it around my neck to the point where I can barely breathe.

Yes . . . choke me with it.

I shake my head, trying to clear the erotic thoughts. This is getting out of hand. I need to work, for god’s sake. I need to be professional.

But as I set the necklace down, my phone buzzes. My heart leaps into my throat. Is it him? Which him?

I grab my phone, fumbling in my haste. It’s Sloane, no doubt checking on me from last night. I went looking for her after my experience with WinterWatcher, she was nowhere to be found. I know Sloane is a big girl and could take care of herself, but it’s still good to see her finally call me back.

“You alive?” I say the minute I answer. “I’ve been texting you.”

“Yeah, I’m alive,” Sloane’s voice comes through, sounding a bit groggy. “Sorry, I crashed hard last night. Didn’t even hear my phone.”

“Hot night?”

“Jesus no,” she groans. “When you went off with sexy masked man, I was left with this guy who kept trying to impress me with his crypto portfolio. I swear, if I hear the word ‘blockchain’ one more time, I’m going to scream.”

I laugh, picturing Sloane’s exasperated face. “Oh no, that sounds awful.”

“It was. I ended up faking a phone call and bolting. How about you? Did Mr. Mysterious live up to expectations?”

My cheeks flush hot as the memories flood back. “He, um... he certainly did.”

“Ooh, spill the tea, girl! I want all the juicy details.”

“Let’s just say it was intense. Very intense. And very public.”

Sloane gasps. “You didn’t! You fucked right there at the club?”

“Not quite, but... close enough. God, Sloane, I don’t know what came over me. I’ve never done anything like that before.”

“Hey, no judgment here.”

“I know, I just... I feel so conflicted. It was amazing in the moment, but now I’m questioning everything.”

“That’s totally normal,” Sloane reassures me. “First time experiences like that can be overwhelming. But hey, you’re a consenting adult. As long as you felt safe and respected, there’s nothing wrong with exploring your desires.”

“I guess,” I say, still uncertain. “It’s just... there’s more to it.”

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