Page 158 of Hayden's Stalker

I do, too. She’s kind of intimidating. I’m so curious about what government agency she worked for.

I chuckle but cut it off, not wanting to wake the woman in question.

You and me both. Thanks again for trying to keep Heather at bay.

I’ve been reading my book for about half an hour when my phone lights up with a text from Heather. I finish my chapter, then set my book down to see that I have two now.

I thought your date with April went well. Why don’t you give it another shot?

I think she really likes you. She talks about you a lot.

I snort as I read it and type back a reply.

Does she talk about me a lot because YOU talk to her about me a lot?

I add the thinking face emoji and hit send. I have zero doubt this is the case since I know full well that April isn’t messaging Heather to tell her how much she wants me.

Are you implying that I’m a gossip, Hayden Vega?

Heather sends through a GIF of someone looking deeply offended, and I laugh a little louder this time.

I would never. My date with April was enjoyable enough, but I don’t want to date her. I just want to focus on the tour, and I’ll think about dating when I’m back home in Chicago.

It doesn’t take long for Heather to reply, and my heart beats a little faster when I read it.

If it was enjoyable, I don’t see why you wouldn’t want to do it again. Unless there’s some other reason you don’t want to date April?

I type out and delete a reply several times before I come up with a response that I’m happy with.

No other reason. I like April, but I’m not attracted to her, and trying to force an attraction isn’t going to end well for anyone.

I’ve managed to read a bit over another chapter before Heather replies, and I blow out a breath of air when I read it.

I suppose that makes sense. I’d hate to see either of you get hurt.

I’m relieved that she seems to be dropping it for now, and I set my phone aside as I pick my book back up again. Eventually, Tati wakes, and I’m a little glad because the arm I have around her is going dead, and the hand I’m using to read my book is getting tired.

“What time is it now?” she asks.

“Quarter to nine,” I tell her as I set my book aside.

“Which means we’ll be arriving at the venue soon.”

“We will.” I kiss her and smile. “So I’d better keep you in my arms as much as I can until then.”

She smiles up at me. “Sounds perfect. I love you.”

“I love you, too.” I indicate to my phone nearby. “April sent me a text. Apparently, Heather has been texting her about us some more.”

“Oh, god. Just what I needed to hear,” Tati groans.

“She made some excuses for us. Then I got a few texts from Heather asking if I would consider another date with April,” I chuckle as I think about how persistent she was.

Tati shakes her head. “What did you say to that?”

“I told her that my date with April made me realize that I didn’t really want to date anyone right now. Just focus on the tour and see what comes up once I’m back in Chicago.”

“So you told her the selective truth, then?” Tati grins at me.

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