Page 44 of Saved from Obsession

I’m in full problem-solving mode, my mind ticking through all the things that could possibly go wrong while I’m gone. “Make sure you keep an eye on the batteries for the cameras. You should get an alert, but it never hurts to double check. And keep your tracker on all the time, okay?”

“Leo, take a breath.” Georgia is grinning at me, her gaze amused but affectionate. She fiddles with her earring, which is actually a tracker, before she says, “I’ll do all of those things. I promise. But you don’t have to worry so much. The stalker is gone. I’m in no more danger than anyone else.”

I have to take a few deep breaths to loosen the belt tightening around my chest.Damn.This intense fear and worry snuck up on me—I thought I was doing okay, but now I’m dangerously close to sayingscrew itand staying here, anyway. But if I do that now, Georgia will think I don’t believe in her,andI’ll be leaving Cole in the lurch.

“I just worry.” It’s a massive understatement right now, but I realize if I keep going on about it, all I’m going to do is end up freaking out Georgia.

“It’s okay.” Her hands come up to my cheeks, soft and cool and comforting. “I’m glad you worry about me.”

“Always, sweetheart. I don’t think I’ll ever not worry about you.”

“Leo…” Georgia stares at me, her lips parted, right on the cusp of saying something. But she hesitates, then leans closer to slant her mouth over mine. She keeps the kiss light at first, little flutters of her lips nibbling and teasing.

Then her tongue plunges into my mouth, and I take over the kiss. I taste her, tangle my tongue with hers, slide my hand into her hair to angle her head so I can take our connection even deeper.

I devour her mouth, showing her how much I’ll miss her and how much I can’t wait to see her again soon. When I swell under her, hard and aching, she rubs against me and I can feel her heat even through all the layers of fabric. If our clothes were gone, I could sink into her right here, lean her back against the couch cushions and plunge into her over and over until she’s crying out for me.

But I have to leave, and if I do what I’m imagining to Georgia, there’s no way I’m pulling myself away from her tonight. So I reluctantly draw back, taking in every detail of her face and body. Her kiss-swollen lips, flushed cheeks, dilated pupils, her chest pink and moving rapidly.

My voice is rough and strained. “This weekend. As soon as I get here.”

“Okay.” Georgia’s gaze meets mine, so full of emotion I can barely keep myself from blurting outI love youright now. “This weekend. I’ll be waiting.”

CHAPTERSIXTEEN

GEORGIA

There was a time I thought I’d be relieved toneverget another text or call again.

But now when my phone buzzes, my heart does a little skip of excitement instead of freezing in fear. Now, I know the only people contacting me are people Iwantto talk to. My mom. Hayden.Leo.

And it’s his message I’m most looking forward to seeing—letting me know he’s back in Sleepy Hollow from his job in Atlanta. I know traffic from JFK airport on a Friday afternoon has to be pretty terrible, so I’m going to breathe a little sigh of relief to hear that he’s back home safely.

Leo laughed when we talked on the phone last night, and I sternly told him not to go more than ten miles over the speed limit and to watch out for aggressive drivers. He said, “Georgia, I’ve been driving for over twenty years. I think I can handle it.”

“I know you can,” I told him somewhat sheepishly, “but I worry about you, anyway.” So I can’t stop a sigh of relief from escaping when I pull my phone out of my bag and see his message.

Just got back to B&A and headed to my apt.I’ve missed you.

Smiling at the screen as if he can see me, I send back a message.

Glad you’re home safe and sound. I’ve missed you a lot.

Three dots flash for a second and then his reply comes through.

I can’t wait to see you tomorrow. I’m going to take a quick shower, grab some food, and call you in an hour?

I pause by my car door to tap out my reply.

Perfect. Can’t wait to talk to you and see you tomorrow.??

My finger twitches over the screen, wanting to add three extra words. But I’m not telling Leo I love him over text before I’ve even said it to his face. Maybe this weekend will be the perfect time—I’ve been thinking about it for weeks now and each time I see or talk to Leo, it’s nearly bursting out of me.

As I unlock my car and slide into the driver’s seat, the screen lights up one more time.

Same. Talk to you soon.??

I tuck the phone back in my bag and turn on the car, ready to head back home. My chest is bubbling with excitement as I make the quick trip from Saratoga Springs to my rental house in Ballston Spa.Leo is coming to see me tomorrow. I know it’s been less than four days, but when I was used to seeing him literally every day, four days feels like alot.

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