Page 98 of Scandalous Secrets

“Maybe it’stoovintage.” She giggled and put her hand over her mouth.

I couldn’t help but laugh. This night couldn’t get any worse, but somehow it was just right. Monica wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me deeply. I so easily got lost in her. I had almost forgotten all about the fire in my kitchen or Veronica showing up here and being hauled off by security.

Monica pulled away and leaned her forehead against mine. “I’ll order beer with that pizza.”

It ended up being the best first date I had ever had. We moved the giant coffee table in my living room and lay down a large blanket to set up our picnic pizza and beer. We ate off paper plates and drank straight from the can, watching movies and laughing our asses off. This beat any fancy dinner and expensive bottle of champagne.

Chapter 43

Monica

Iwas running up the stairs to my apartment, his footsteps not far behind. I kept trying to yell for help, but nothing came out. It was a wonder my legs were even working, let alone sprinting as fast as they could. When I reached my apartment door, I felt him closing in on me. I tried one last attempt at a scream, but only a croak escaped my throat.

I opened the door to my apartment and flew through it, quickly slamming it behind me. I reached for the top lock, but nothing was there. I reached for the second lock, but again, nothing. There was no way of keeping him out. I could hear him just on the other side, twisting the knob slowly. I backed away into my small apartment, having nowhere to go.

The door slowly opened and I felt hands on me, shaking me. I fought hard, kicking and flailing my arms. I heard someone say my name. It was Troy’s voice.

“Monica! Baby! Wake up!”

My eyes shot open and Troy hovered over me, a look of concern on his face. I looked at him and then around his penthouse. I wasn’t in my apartment at all. No one was chasing me. It was a dream. I was safe.

“Take a deep breath,” said Troy soothingly as he rubbed my back. “It was just a nightmare.”

I did as he said, taking in a long breath through my nose and letting it out through my mouth.

“It felt so real,” I said softly, shaking my head.

“You were screaming,” he commented.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. Areyouokay?”

I nodded. I was now. Now that I knew I was safe with the man who loved me. I hadn’t had a dream about my stalker in several months. I wondered why it would happen now, after my night with Troy. It was probably because of the flowers, which I still had no explanation for. I knew my stalker was out on parole. Plus, I had a restraining order. It would be stupid for him to try and pull anything because he would go directly back behind bars.

“I’m fine,” I said.

“What were you dreaming about?” he asked, his eyes filled with worry.

“Being chased by him…”

“Your stalker?”

I nodded solemnly.

“I used to have these dreams all the time, but not for a while now.” I lowered my head. “I’m sorry I woke you.”

“Don’t be sorry.”

Troy pulled me to him, and I laid my head on his bare chest. Just listening to the sound of his breathing put me at ease as I nuzzled closer to him. We were on his living room floor, where we had our picnic last night. It had been the perfect first date. We ate greasy pizza and drank cheap beer, watching classic comedies in our pajamas.

Now, our pajamas were nowhere to be found, probably lost in this pile of blankets we were under. We got through a movie and a half before our hands couldn’t resist each other anymore. I could hardly resist him now. I propped myself up on my elbow and leaned in to kiss him. He gave me a sleepy smile.

“What time is it?” I asked, looking out the windows at the dark sky.

He rolled over and checked the time on his phone. “Five a.m.”

I groaned. We had barely gone to bed three hours ago.

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