Page 50 of Done Waiting

“Funny. You let go of her so easily.” I glance up at him as he stares contemptuously at Ben.

“You don’t know a damn thing about her and me,” Ben spits.

Jagger smirks. “On the contrary. I know more than you think. A lot more.”

Jagger’s words seem to hit a mark. For the first time since I’ve known Ben, his calm façade shatters. His breathing is heavy as he glares at Jagger.

Then Jagger shoves me toward Ashlynn before taking a step forward. Ben does the same, the two angry men colliding on the dance floor. Chest to chest, they stare one another down.

Jagger is bigger than Ben, taller and more muscular.

But Ben looks equally imposing as he says something to Jagger that I can’t hear, spittle flying from his lips.

Jagger’s hands ball into fists, his muscles taut beneath his clothing.

I cringe as Ashlynn and I stand there, our arms around one another, waiting for one of them to throw the first punch.

Suddenly, Ben steps back, an arrogant smile on his face. Holding up his hands, he shakes his head, eyes menacing. “This isn’t over.” Backing up a few steps, his gaze moves from Jagger to me.

Then he turns, disappearing through the crowd.

What the fuck just happened?

Jagger stares after Ben, muscles taut, poised for a fight, watching as Ben disappears through the crowd and out the door.

Then his gaze flicks to me.

A smile spreads across his lips, his muscles relaxing. Wrapping his hand around my arm, he tugs me toward him. “Are you okay, baby girl?”

Rather than answer, I wrap my arms around his neck, my lips meeting his, and kiss him like my life depends on it.

Cheers erupt around us, bringing me back to reality.

Fuck. We are in the middle of the dance club.

Red-faced and breathing heavily, I pull away. “How about we get out of here?”

He winks. “I like the way you think.”

21

THE STALKER

My heart pounds inside my chest as I take Maddie to the spot that I hold near and dear to my heart, although I’ve never told anyone about it. This place holds the fondest memory during the roughest period of my life. Falls Creek Park.

Although I took her to the woods a few nights ago, that was different. It didn’t hold the significance that this place does.

My life was changed by a seemingly innocent, random incident years ago at this park, and it saved me, giving me hope. No one knows how close I was to suicide at that point. It’s a secret I’ve harbored from everyone. Not even my brother, sister, or best friend know.

I was saved here.

Pulling into a secluded spot in the woods, my gaze moves toward the playground and what took place there.

I shut my lights off but leave my truck running. I turn to her with a smile.

Maddie’s gaze moves to mine, the silvery moonlight slicing across her long blonde hair, the dash lights illuminating her face. She shivers lightly.

“Are you cold, baby girl?” I shift slightly, turning up the heat.

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