Page 13 of Knot My Boss

“Fine,” Darby blurts.

“She has a stalker,” Kyle says softly.

“What?!” My too-loud statement has the entire dining room going silent as heads turn our way. It’s like a movie scene where a needle scratches across a vinyl record, halting everything. Darby sinks into her chair, trying to make herself invisible as her cheeks flush with embarrassment.

“Yeah,” Kyle continues. “Someone has been sending her all kinds of gifts. Flowers, chocolate, jewelry, you name it.”

My mouth opens and closes as sound refuses to come out. That is everything I have sent her. Did someone take my idea?

“The worst part,” Kyle continues as my mind races to catch up. “Each item has come with a creepy message.”

“I look forward to spending eternity with you,” I babble, unable to help myself.

“It’s you!” the table exclaims at the same time, drawing even more attention to our small group.

“Of course it’s been me,” I say, slightly offended. “She’s my mate!”

Chapter 9 - Darby

“She’s my mate!” the guy says, seemingly pissed as if we didn’t already know that bit of information.

“You are an asshole!” I yell, louder than necessary, as the weight of the past week falls off my shoulders like ashes blowing in the wind.

“Darby!” Dayton exclaims in surprise at my outburst.

“No!” I bark out, turning my head to glare at my sister. “He scared the fuck out of me with his creepy,unsigned, notes. I haven’t been able to leave the house, most days, my room. Heywood has been babysitting us, in case someone else showed up in person,” I continue to yell, giving the entire dining room a show.

Arek, as Kyle introduced him, stares slack-jawed at me as Declan approaches the table warily.

“Is, ah, everything okay over here?” Declan asks hesitantly.

“No, it is not,” I gripe. Declan’s lips twitch as he fights a smile.

“I told you so,” Declan says to Arek. Arek rolls his eyes in obvious annoyance.

“What is that supposed to mean?” I ask, and then change my mind. “Forget it, I don’t want to know.” I rise to my feet and throw my napkin on top of my untouched steak. “I hope everyone has enjoyed the show.” I turn away from the table. Several patrons quickly divert their gaze, while others openly mock me.

“Where are you going?” Dayton asks.

“Anywhere but here,” I snap, glaring at Arek before storming out of the dining room. I do my best to ignore the looks. Many of them range from amused to shocked. I swear I hear a woman mutter “atta girl” right before the restaurant door closes behind me.

Stomping away from Simmer Down, I take long, slow, deep breaths to calm my anger. The biting cold December air helps a lot. Needing to escape somewhere, I wander the streets of the quiet town. Snow has started falling, and before I realize it, I am standing in front of the gazebo, gazing at the pretty Christmas tree.

Squeezing around the tree, so I don’t knock it over, I pick a spot on one of the benches. Needing to talk to someone, I pull my phone from my pocket and dial Fiora.

“Hello,” she says, her tone off.

“Are you okay?” I ask, the dinner drama forgotten momentarily.

“I don’t think so,” Fiora responds.

Fiora

The ringing of my phone prompts me to pause just long enough to see who it is. My shoulders sag in relief when “Darby” flashes across the screen.

“Hello,” I say once the call connects, trying and failing to hide my emotions.

“Are you okay?” Darby questions.

---