Page 25 of Big Easy
Maci grins. "You traded way up, girl. I knew you would eventually find a good man; a man who adores you. I'm still jealous I missed Noah getting his ass handed to him by Jaxson at the charity event."
I laugh. "It was priceless and one of the most gratifying moments in my life."
Stepping out of the dance studio, I wave to Maci as she heads off in the direction of her car, and I make my way to mine. "I'm going to stop at the store and pick up some wine before heading home to change and pack."
"All right girl, I'll see you later." Maci calls out as she slips behind the wheel of her car.
As I approach my vehicle, the eerie feeling I had last week of being watched creeps up my spine, and I quickly jump into my car and lock the doors. My hands shake as I fumble with my keys but manage to finally get them in the ignition. Once I start the car, I take a few calming breaths and make a mental note to talk to Jaxson about these feelings I have been having. Something tells me I shouldn't ignore it.
The same sense of unease still lingers on the drive to the store. Pulling into the parking lot, I make sure to take in my surroundings before getting out. Feeling stupid, I shake off my paranoia, cut the engine and climb out of my car. The bell over the door chimes, alerting Marty to my arrival. Marty is the owner of our local mom and pop liquor store. "Well, if it isn't my favorite nurse. How ya doin' darlin."
I smile at the old man. "I'm doin' good, Marty. How's things been?"
"I woke up to another day, so I'd say I'm doin' okay."
"I know that's right," I agree, making my way toward the back of the store where my favorite wine is shelved. Grabbing a bottle, I head back up front while checking the time.
"So, rumor is, you're seeing Jaxson," Marty's nosy behind starts fishing for news. I swear this whole dang town is nosey.
"Ya heard that, did ya?" I shake my head and chuckle.
Marty's bushy gray eyebrows perk up. "You're too dang pretty to not have a fella chasin' after you. That Jaxson fella is good people. I'm happy for ya, girl."
"Awe!" I place my hand over my heart. "Thank you, Marty."
He shrugs, placing the bottle of wine into a paper bag. "Just callin' it like I see it."
By the time I reach my apartment, I am a bit calmer, but the unsettling feeling remains in the pit of my stomach. Pulling out my phone, I shoot off a quick text to Jaxson instead of calling him since I know he is working.
Me: Hey. Just got to my place. I'm going to grab a few things then head your way.
After pressing send, I toss the phone back into my purse, then climb out of the car. On my way up to my apartment, I can't help but take stock of my surroundings. The sun has already set, and the parking lot is dark. I make sure to keep my keys in my hand. My dad makes sure to keep both my sister and me supplied with pepper spray. I keep one in my car, and the other is on my key ring.
Once I am inside my apartment, I breathe a sigh of relief. Maybe I'm overreacting.Get it together, Sutton.
Padding into my bedroom, I open my closet and grab the small travel bag I have stowed in the back. Setting it on my bed, I go about packing enough clothes to last at least three days. Knowing Jaxson, he'll want me to stay longer than one night. He has already declared I am to be in his bed every night. He seemed pissed when I mentioned I would stay at my place. I'd be lying if I said I didn't like his reaction.
Tossing a few pairs of panties, along with bras, into the bag, I make my way to the bathroom and collect my toiletries from beside the sink. Remembering my favorite pair of work shoes is in the living room, I search for them. Just as I clear the hallway, a figure standing by the front door causes me to halt, and a shriek to escape my mouth. My heart begins to beat rapidly at the sight of the person standing in front of me. "Peter. What are you doing? How did you get in? here?" My voice trembles as I take a hesitant step back.
"I wanted to see you."
"Peter, this is highly inappropriate and illegal. You can't break into my apartment. If you don't leave, I am calling the police."
"I didn't break-in," he denies as he takes a step forward. "I used my key." Peter holds up a silver piece of metal.
"How did you get that?"A lump forms in my throat.
"I made a copy. You left your keys out on your desk at work one day."
"Peter. I want you to leave. Now." I raise a shaky hand and point to the door behind him.
"If you really wanted me to leave, you would not have left your keys out for me to find."
"What? I don't know what you are talking about."
"I picked up on all your little clues, Sutton. All the times you smiled at me—that time when you touched my arm. I know you were just trying to keep us a secret from the people you work with, so you didn't get in trouble with your job. Now that man you have been seeing is trying to steal you away from me. He even tried to scare me away from you by coming to my house and beating me up. But nothing can keep me away."
"Peter, you need help. Now, I'm going to ask you one more time. Leave before I call the police."
