Page 25 of Perfect Stalker

“Oh, look at those poinsettias,” says Jenny, her earlier irritation momentarily forgotten as she rushes toward a nearby stall.

I follow closely behind, nodding at Andre and Daniil to maintain their positions. Jenny picks up a potted one, inhaling its fresh scent. “These encapsulate Christmas.” She closes her eyelids andinhales again. “It’s one of the few flowers that doesn’t make me sneeze.”

“Then we’ll take a dozen,” I say, pulling out my wallet. “They’ll look beautiful in every room of the penthouse.

Jenny starts to protest, but I silence her with a look. As the vendor tasks her assistant with helping Daniil take them to the SUV, Jenny’s gaze moves to a nearby stall selling homemade bath and beauty products.

“See something you like?” I ask, following her line of sight.

She shakes her head, a wistful smile playing on her lips. “Just admiring the sunflower basket. That’s my mother’s favorite. I might get it for her for Christmas.”

Without hesitation, I stride over to the vendor and select one of the baskets of sunflower products. When I return and present it to Jenny, her eyes widen in surprise.

“Ivan, you didn’t have to?—”

“I wanted to, and this can be a gift from both of us for your mother.” My words carry a second meaning—Iwillbe meeting her mother, because I’m going to be part of her life from here on out.

She doesn’t comment on that, but she doesn’t seem as resistant as I expect. “Okay.” Our fingers brush as she takes the basket, sending a jolt of electricity through my body. “It’s heavier than I expected,” she says with a smile, admiring the products. “Real glass jars, organic materials… Mom will love this.”

After I send poor Daniil, who’s just arrived from arranging the poinsettias, back to the SUV with the sunflower basket, wecontinue through the market while Andre trails behind. Daniil rejoins us as we’re pausing at a cheese stall.

The vendor greets us with a wide smile, gesturing to a wooden display stacked with cheeses in every size and shape. She looks intrigued when she leans forward to inspect a wedge labeled“Humboldt Fog—Goat Cheese with Edible Ash.”She wrinkles her nose, pointing to it like it’s a science experiment. “Edible ash? Who thought that was a good idea?” she asks, skepticism thick in her tone.

“You’ve never tried it?” I say, already knowing the answer.

She shakes her head, brushing her hair back behind her ear as the vendor slices off a sample. “Nope. I can’t afford fancy cheeses on my salary. I’m more of a...whatever’s on sale kind of girl.”

The vendor offers her the slice, but I step in and take it first, handing it to her myself. Our fingers brush, and I catch the faint hitch in her breath before she glances up at me. “Try it,” I say, my voice dropping just slightly. “You might like it.”

She hesitates, then pops the wedge into her mouth. I watch as her expression shifts—caution, then surprise, and finally delight. “Okay, wow,” she says, her voice rising. “That’s...creamy, tangy, and kind of citrusy. I wasn’t expecting that.”

“It’s the goat’s milk.” I step closer. “Humboldt Fog is layered, complex...like you.”

Her eyes narrow, though a faint flush creeps up her neck. “Did you just compare me to cheese?”

“Only the best cheese,” I say, smirking.

She rolls her eyes but can’t hide the smile tugging at her lips.

The vendor interrupts, handing me another slice. “This one’s Barely Buzzed—cheddar rubbed with coffee and lavender. It’s our best seller.”

I hand it to Jenny again, this time letting my fingers linger just a fraction longer. “This one is perfect for you.”

She hesitates but then takes the slice and tries it. Her reaction is immediate—her eyes widen, and she lets out a low, appreciative sound that makes my cock hard as I imagine her making that same sound in bed. “Oh… Coffee and cheese shouldn’t work, but somehow, it’s amazing.”

“Like certain combinations,” I say, my gaze holding hers. “They surprise you.”

She huffs out a laugh, shaking her head. “You’re impossible.”

“Perhaps, but I do have excellent taste.” I can’t seem to look away from Jenny as she reaches for her bag.

“I’ll buy this one,” she says.

Before her hand touches her wallet, I place mine over it. “No,” I tell her, firmly but quietly. “I’m buying it.” I turn to the vendor. “We’ll have a selection of all please.” I look at her. “Does your father like cheese, since we’ve gotten your mother a gift?” At her hesitant nod, I pick out one of the already arranged baskets. “This too.”

Once I’ve paid, and Daniil takes the packages when Andre grunts and gives the younger man a look, I turn to Jenny, taking her hand. “You’ll eat these without worrying about how much it costs. That’s an order.”

Her glare is sharp enough to cut glass, but she doesn’t pull her hand away. Instead, she lets out a frustrated sigh. “Fine, but only because it’s too good to pass up.”

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