Page 22 of Blindsided

Desmond thanks Detective Oliver while I silently watch these strangers go through my things. If I wasn’t numb to my emotions, I’d be cringing at them sifting through my underwear drawer. They’re being professional about it, but it’s still awkward.

It takes them a couple of hours to finish collecting what evidence they can. Desmond spent the majority of the time on his phone. What he could’ve been doing on there is anyone’s guess. I couldn’t keep my eyes off my things being put into evidence bags. It was a little surreal.

After the officers finally leave, we collect Sergio from Mrs. Esposito and head back to Desmond’s apartment.

“I’ve got guys scheduled to set up cameras at your apartment and change the locks again. Since I have no plans of letting you go back there ever again, I wanted to make sure we kept eyes on the place in case your stalker comes back.”

I raise my eyebrow at him. “You won’tletme?”

“Nope.” He shrugs without remorse.

“You’re such an overprotective grizzly bear.” I wrap my arms around his waist. I’m not mad about his decree. I have no desire to come back ever again, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to let him get away with being bossy.

Desmond squeezes me to his side. “Someone has to keep you in line.”

I pinch him, and he flinches with a laugh.

“I also had my assistant order you some clothes. They should arrive at my apartment tomorrow. You can borrow some of my clothes tonight.”

I sigh with relief. “Thanks for taking care of me, Des. I’d be a mess of emotions if it weren’t for you.”

“Nah. You’d woman up and get things done if you had to. Do you want me to call Mom and Dad? They’ll want to know what’s going on.”

“If you don’t mind. I don’t have it in me to answer all of Mom’s questions tonight. Plus, she’ll try to convince me to go home, and there’s no way I could say no right now.”

“I’ll handle it for you. I’m not ready for you to be out of my sight just yet. I’m perfectly capable of babying you the same way Mom would.”

I laugh as we get into the rideshare to go to Desmond’s apartment. I’m exhausted from this entire day, and all I want to do is talk to Matthew. I shouldn’t want that. Keeping my distance would be the smart thing to do. I just can’t seem to stop myself from talking to him. He makes me laugh without even trying, and after the threatening message from my stalker, I need a laugh more than anything else.

* * *

I pop my headphones into my ears and press Matthew’s name on my phone to video call him. I snuggle deeper into my bed while I wait for him to answer. It only takes a few rings before his face fills my screen. His dark hair is wet from what I’m assuming is a shower. My eyes track a water droplet as it falls down the column of his neck. What I wouldn’t give to be standing next to him right now.

“Tilly?”

I blink out of my trance to find his smirking face looking at me with amusement. “Hi. Sorry. How are you?”

“Good. Just finished a workout and am about to head to bed.” He frowns at me. “Are you okay? You look sad.”

“I’m… No. I’m not okay. Desmond and I went to my apartment today to pack my stuff, and my stalker had destroyed everything.”

“Fuck.” Matthew’s jaw clenches as his eyes flash with anger. Then he nods as if he’s made a decision in his head. “I’m coming to New York. I can get on a flight out tomorrow and be there by the afternoon.”

“Matty…” I shake my head. “You don’t need to come here. I’m with Desmond, and he’s helping me take care of everything. I’ll be okay. I’m just a little shaken, is all.”

“I hate seeing you like this, Tills. I want to be there.”

I smile at him. “This is enough. Being able to talk to you helps more than you think.” I’ll never tell him exactly what our calls have done for me these past few weeks. He does not need to know how much I’ve come to depend on talking to him every day.

“Are you sure? I’ve got plenty of vacation days. Desmond and I can entertain you until we find this bastard.”

“I’m sure. Although, I have no doubt you and Des would be the best entertainment I could find in this city.”

Matthew laughs like I hoped he would. It diffuses the tension in his body that I’m just now noticing is bare except for the towel that’s wrapped precariously around his hips. He props up his phone on his bathroom counter as he gets ready for bed. I have a full-body view, and I’m having a very hard time concentrating on our conversation.

All I want to do is lick those random water droplets running down his chest. I shiver at the thought.

“What’s that face for?” Matthew asks.

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