Page 101 of Done Waiting

“Anything for you, baby girl.Always.” With a smile and a wink, I turn and head up the stairs.

When I reach the top, I glance over the railing at her. Pulling my phone from the pocket of my sweatpants, I text Bryce. “Any updates?”

He responds in less than a minute. “No one knows where Ben is. He disappeared. Hasn’t gone to the class or the apartment.”

“What about their roommate, Chloe? Does she know anything?”

“Jason’s been monitoring her. I hacked into the police report. Seems Ben disappeared and didn’t tell her anything. She’s quite pissed about both her roommates abandoning her.”

“Anything on Ben’s phone number? Or how he got mine?”

“Not yet, Jagger. But I’m not giving up.”

I sigh. “I know you won’t. Thanks for all you do.”

“Anytime.”

Pocketing my phone, I hurry into the bathroom to get Maddie’s bath started, my thoughts on the text messages with Bryce. We’ve got nothing on Ben, but he obviously knows I have Maddie and somehow, has my phone number.

That gives him an advantage I don’t like.

40

THE STALKER

Maddie sits at one end of the tub, while I lay at the other end, giving her a foot massage. Her blonde hair is pinned on top of her head, a bath pillow behind her neck. She moans as I hit a spot on her foot, her expression one of pure bliss.

“You’re so fucking beautiful, Maddie Rose.”

Her eyes fly open, honey orbs glowing as they lock on mine. A faint blush colors her cheeks as a small smile curves her lips. “Thank you.” Heaving out a sigh, she says, “You’re the only one who has called me Maddie Rose since my dad died.”

“You don’t seem to mind.” My voice is gentle, prodding slightly.

“I don’t. It seems… right.” Her big toe trails down my chest. “You’re the only person who looks at me with genuine love and respect since he passed away.”

My heart squeezes inside my chest. I’m touched she said that, but I’m also aggravated that she doesn’t have people who show her how valued she is. At the same time, it’s an opening to inquire about the Ice Queen. “What about your mom?”

Maddie snorts. “She’s not in that category. My mom has never dealt with emotions well at all, including mine. It makes her great at her job, but it’s tough to have a mom like that.” Her face contorted with sadness as she whispered, “Most of my life, I sought her approval, trying to impress her. First, it was dance lessons and competitions, striving to be the best. When that failed and I got injured, I focused on school, earning excellent grades. I could’ve gone to college. I certainly had the grades for it. But… it felt like her dream and not mine, and the only thing she seemed to care about was if I attended a school she could brag about. So, I decided not to go. My dad supported it. She didn’t. It drove a deeper wedge between us.” Heaving out a long sigh, she continues. “She even blamed it on the guy I dated in high school breaking up with me. My mom said, ‘Guess you were only interested in following him to college. Now that he doesn’t want you, you’re giving up on your dream.’ It hurt and was complete bullshit. Yes, he was an asshole who hurt me, but I never planned my life around him.”

My muscles are taut, and I hate the Ice Queen even more. “Wow. That is callous. She didn’t know who you are.” My tone is soft, hurting for her.

Maddie shakes her head. “No, she never knew who I was. It’s sad. My dad knew me almost as well as he knew himself. When I told her I wanted to be a writer, she nearly had a stroke. It created even more distance between us.”

Releasing her foot, I lean forward, my hands going beneath her, lifting her onto my lap. “I’m sorry, baby girl.”

Her hands lock behind my neck as she tilts her forehead to mine. “I know you are.” She smiles at me. “You know me better than she does. Better than anyone.”

There’s too much pain in her eyes. I hate it and want it gone. “That’s because I’m your stalker, baby girl. I knoweverythingabout you.” Then I nuzzle her neck, causing her to giggle, sounding like the sweetest melody I’ve ever heard.

“You always know what to say to make me feel better.”

“I do. But not because I stalked you.” My head leaves her neck so I can stare into her eyes. “It’s because I love you.”

Her smile is genuine, reaching her eyes. “I love you, Jagger.” She presses her forehead to mine. “Has anyone ever told you how amazing you are?”

Just like that, my body stiffens. Maddie pulls back, her forehead creased from worry. She opens her mouth, but I hold up my hand.

“My mom used to tell me I was an amazing boy with a big heart. But my dad… looking back, I realize how little he complimented me. He used the excuse that he wanted me to keep striving for better when I don’t think he ever liked me very much.”

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