Page 94 of He Sees You When You’re Sleeping

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chloe

As the cab drops me off at the house, and I tip the guy extra for braving the icy roads, I see Mr. Haven in the front of his house, a bag of salt in his gloved hands as he sprinkles it over the slick walkway. He looks up at the sound of the cab door slamming and gives me a wave.

“Evening, Chloe,” he calls out, his breath visible in the frigid air. “Looks like we may get snowed in tonight. The forecast is calling for a couple of inches at least.”

I notice that my walkway is shoveled, and I chastise him. “Mr. Haven, you shouldn’t have done my walkway. What if you slipped again?”

“Oh it wasn’t me. I’m just out adding to the salt that was already laid. Your man, Jack, must have done this for us again.”

A warmth spreads through my chest, despite the biting cold. Jack’s thoughtfulness never fails to surprise me. He must have done this after he got off shift. I make a mental note to thank him later.

“That was kind of him,” I say to Mr. Haven, trying to keep the smile from my voice. I don’t want to make it too obvious how smitten I am over this man. It’s still early and I don’t want to go into this too fast and furious, although my heart already has her racing shoes on.

“Mr. Haven smiles. “He’s a great guy. It was also kind how he fixed your fire alarms.”

I start to nod, then freeze. “What?”

Mr. Haven’s eyes widen, and he shifts from one boot to the other. Is he realizing he’s said something he shouldn’t have? He fumbles with the salt bag, spilling some on his boots. “Your fire alarms. They were beeping and... I just assumed you wanted them fixed so I gave him a key and—”

I force a laugh, trying to keep my voice steady. “Right, of course. I’d just beaten them into silence with a broom. But Jack is... Jack.”

Mr. Haven nods, clearly relieved I’m not upset. “Exactly. He’s a good one to keep around. Well, you’d better get inside before this storm really hits. Good night, Chloe.”

I hurry inside, my mind racing. As I close the door behind me, I lean against it, trying to calm my nerves. Jack’s attentiveness had always seemed sweet, but now a seed of doubt has been planted. He was inside without me knowing... I shake my head, trying to dismiss the warning bells going off in my head.

Is it a coincidence that he happened to be dog sitting in my neighborhood? Coincidence that he happens to frequent my favorite coffee shop? Coincidence that he happened to be on Dark Secrets and discovered my secret account? Coincidence right? Coincidence...

I hang up my coat and make my way to the kitchen, desperate for a hot cup of tea to warm me up. As I fill the kettle, I notice a note on the counter. Jack’s handwriting.

Hope you don’t mind, I stocked your fridge for the storm. Stay warm, beautiful. —J

Ididn’t leave the house unlocked? Did I? But clearly Jack has a way of getting inside.

I open the refrigerator, and sure enough, it’s filled with groceries I didn’t buy. My hands shake as I close the refrigerator door. The thoughtful gesture that would have warmed my heart just hours ago now fills me with a sense of dread. I lean against the counter, trying to steady my breathing.

I’m just spooked by the news Sloane gave me. This doesn’t have anything to do with Jack. Nothing to do with Jack, I mentally chant to myself again. I’m just on edge about Tyler.

The kettle whistles, making me jump. I quickly shut it off, suddenly aware of every sound in the house. The wind howls outside, rattling the windows. Is it the storm, or do I hear footsteps on the porch?

Maybe it’s Tyler. Maybe it’s Jack.

Maybe I’m losing my damn mind.

A text notification pops up on my screen. It’s from Jack. Hope you’re staying warm. I’m worried about you in this storm. Mind if I stop by to check on you?

The thought of spending the evening with Jack, having sex as the snow falls, sounds amazing. Or it would have if I wasn’t such a hot mess of emotions right now. I blame Sloane and her news.

Trying to shake off my nerves, I text, I’m home safe, having tea. Thank you for the food and the shoveling. But don’t risk driving over here. I’d hate if something were to happen to you.

I don’t mind,he texts.

I’m fine. Truly. I have some work to catch up on anyway.

Okay, if you’re sure.

I set my phone down, my hands tensing. I try to focus on making my tea, but my mind keeps racing. The silence of the house feels oppressive now, broken only by the bellowing wind outside.

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