Page 48 of Mine to Keep

“Kidding.” I clutched my coffee so he wouldn’t take it away.

“I approve.” Darnell sipped his coffee, a happy expression on his face.

“Don’t go ordering wedding invitations.” Matt went to grab his own mug and joined us. “What Nick and I are or are not is for us to decide. And it’s too early for that conversation.”

“It’s almost noon.” Darnell’s brows rose.

“Shut up and drink your coffee.” Matt huffed as he took a sip.

I found myself wondering if Darnell was genuinely happy for his friend, or if it was all a show to make Matt think he was. Was Darnell his stalker? One thing I knew was, I’d find out for sure.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Matt

Nick had to get home,but he waited until dinner was over on Sunday night to leave. He told me to call him if anything worried me. I swore he said something about placing cameras, but I was hoping I was wrong. I walked him to his car after arguing with him for ten minutes about how unsafe it was. I could stay vigilant and also live my life. I was taking this seriously, but if I wanted to do something I would, and I’d be careful. Nick reluctantly agreed—not that I gave him a choice. I kissed him good-bye, and of course he made me go inside before getting in his car and driving off.

Monday morning I was more excited about seeing Nick than my session with JJ, but I wouldn’t let it hinder me from doing my job.

I got to my car, an extra pep in my step, my head in the clouds. That was my mistake. I didn’t hear anyone approach, but suddenly my body was pushed forward against my car, and I couldn’t turn around. My bag crashed to the floor as my arms were gripped behind my back.

“Why do you continue to break my heart?” With their other hand, they slammed a photo of Nick and me kissing good-bye Sunday night. “This is not allowed! End it, or I will.”

Their voice was altered, as if they were talking through one of those devices Ghostface had used inScream. When they released me I spun quickly, hoping to get a glimpse, but they were sprinting out of the garage.

Should I go after them?No, that would be dumb. I had to call Officer Mendez. The garage cameras must have caught something.

With shaking hands, I texted JJ that I’d be a little late. I called Mendez, but it went straight to voice mail.Why was I outside my car?I hurried in, locking the doors.

I tried to start the car, but I was vibrating with fear. They said they’d end it if I didn’t—what did that mean?

My phone vibrated with an incoming call. Nick. I cleared my throat and answered.

“Hello?”

“JJ said you’re running late. Why?”

Of course he’d jump to conclusions…except, he was right.

“I’m on my way now, I’ll tell you when I get there.”

“Mattie, are you okay?”

“Don’t call me that. I’ll be there soon.” I disconnected the call, shook my head, and turned the ignition in the car.

The drive was muscle memory, and that was good because my brain was not focusing. This person had never come near me physically. It had all been gifts and notes. This was an escalation.

I drove down the long driveway to the Saints’ home. Nick was waiting for me, and from the look on his face, he knew something.

“They touched you!” He rushed over to me when I got out of the car.

“You saw the cameras…I’m fine, really…don’t…” I didn’t get another word out because I was being crushed in his arms.

He cradled the back of my head with one hand, pressing it to his chest, the other wrapped around my waist. It was nice…perfect.

“I’m okay, Nick.”

“I will fucking kill them.”

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