Page 12 of Guarding Her Heart
When the final bell rings, I’m gathering up the last of my things when I feel my phone buzz in my pocket. I pull it out, expecting a message from Ethan, but instead, it’s an unknown number. A chill runs through me as I read the message:
Unknown Number: Stay away from him if you know what’s good for you. If you don’t, I’ll make sure to end it for you.
I stare at the screen, my heart pounding in my chest. Who could this be? And how do they know about Ethan and me? The warning is clear, and it sends a wave of fear crashing over me. My first instinct is to tell Brooke, to show her the message and get her advice, but something holds me back. I don’t want to drag her into this, not when I don’t even know what’s going on.
Instead, I quickly type out a response:
Jenny: Who is this? What do you want?
I wait, my breath held, but no reply comes. After a few minutes, I shove the phone back into my pocket, trying to push down the rising tide of panic. I can’t let this scare me—not now. Not when things are finally starting to look up.
But as I walk up to my apartment, I can’t shake the feeling that someone is watching me, that there’s a shadow lurking just out of sight, waiting for the right moment to strike.
I try to focus on the positive, on the fact that I have a date with Ethan tonight, but the threat lingers in the back of my mind like a dark cloud.
I take a long shower, hoping the hot water will wash away the unease that’s settled over me. By the time I step out, I’m feeling a little better, but the anxiety is still there, simmering beneath the surface. That message has got to be from Richard, right? I mean, who else would even care that I’m dating Ethan?
I check my phone again—still no response from the unknown number. Part of me is relieved, but another part is worried. What if this is just the beginning? What if this isn’t from Richard? What if whoever sent that message is planning something worse? A text message I can ignore. Ethan getting hurt because he’s dating me? That’s unacceptable.
I push the thoughts aside and focus on getting ready for tonight. I want to look my best for Ethan, to show him that I’m just as excited about whatever is brewing between us as he is. I choose a simple but elegant royal blue dress, one that makes me feel confident and beautiful. As I apply a touch of makeup, I catch my reflection in the mirror and force myself to smile.
I can’t let fear control me. Not anymore and not ever again.
When Ethan arrives, the sight of him standing at my door, looking as handsome as ever in a button-down shirt and jeans, instantly puts me at ease. His smile is warm, his eyes full of that same light I saw last night, and for a moment, all the worries melt away.
“You look amazing,” he says, his voice full of admiration as he takes my hand. “Ready to go?”
“More than ready,” I reply, my heart lifting at the sight of him.
We head to the restaurant at the Hibiscus Island Country Club. The atmosphere is perfect, the soft lighting casting a warm glow over everything. As we sit down and the conversation begins to flow, I find myself relaxing, the tension from earlier slowly fading away.
Ethan tells me about his day, about the excitement of moving forward with Hooplas, and I can see the passion in his eyes, the drive that’s been propelling him forward since he got back to Hibiscus Harbor. It’s inspiring, and it makes me want to be a part of that world, to support him in any way I can.
“Hey, man. I heard you were back.” A man in an expensive suit slaps Ethan on the back before they shake hands and do that man hug thing.
“Hey, Ian. How’ve you been? I haven’t seen you in ages.” Ethan says.
“I’m good. Glad you made it home in one piece.” Ian smiles as me. “Who’s this beautiful woman?” Ian takes my hand and kisses it.
“This is Jenny Dalton…mydate and if you don’t let her go, I’ll end you.” Ethan teases… at least I think he’s teasing.
Ian smiles, “Ian Gallo. Nice to meet you, Ms. Dalton.”
“Jenny, please. Nice to meet you, too, Ian.” I answer.
“Ian owns like half of Hibiscus Island.” Ethan offers, clearly trying not to sound impressed.
“Actually, I own the entire island and this country club.”
“Whatever, dude, she’s with me and clearly not impressed with your billions.” Ethan smiles.
“I would never, and you know that.” Ian says as Ethan nods. “Please, have whatever you want on the menu. It’s on me. It was great to meet you, Jenny.”
“Nice to meet you, too, Ian.”
He grabs Ethan’s shoulder, “Don’t be a stranger, man. Glad you’re home.”
“Thanks.” Ethan tells his friend as we watch Ian greet other guests in the restaurant.
