Page 62 of Texting Dr. Stalker

Me:I rather like talking to you, so no.

X:You’re unlike anything I expected.

Me:You sound as if you’re disappointed?

X:Disappointed?

He sent another one straight away.

X:I think you mean in big fucking trouble.

Me:What sort of trouble?

X:I can’t believe I’m going to say this. Even thinking about writing it makes me break out in a cold sweat.

Me:You’ll definitely have to tell me now.

X:I watch you because I find you drop-dead gorgeous, smart, brave, and… Damn, this honesty clause keeps biting me in the ass.

Me:Go on………

X:The real reason I watch you is because. Fuck, it sounds so cheesy. If it doesn’t freak you out, it’s going to make you laugh.

Me:Try me.

X:I watch you because I have a crush on you. I think I always have. But now I’m ending this conversation before I say something else that gets me into trouble. I’m around if you need me. Message me if you’re struggling. Sleep well.

I fell onto my side in a dramatic swoon.

He has a crush on me?

How long had it been since I’d heard that word? When I was fourteen at school? Why did it deliver the same delicious shivers and tingles as it did back then, knowing a boy liked me?

He said he was in trouble?

What about me?

How had this happened?

How did I stop it?

Did I evenwantto stop it?

Snuggling on the couch, I drew the blanket up to my shoulders and shoved a cushion under my head.

I lay there in the soft light of the Tiffany lamp, rereading every message we exchanged.

And then, I fell asleep in the very spot where a man tried to kill me, all while thinking of the one helping me move on.

* 18 *

Zander

Barefoot and Masked

I WOKE TO SOMEONE SCREAMING.

The noise cut straight into my nightmares and yanked me from sleep so fast, my heart palpitated. Vertigo scrambled my eyesight as I got up too quick, sending me swaying sideways. I bashed my toe on the end of the bed as I bolted to my window.

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