Page 35 of Just a Little Promise

He headed into her small kitchen area and opened up the refrigerator, scanning the contents. “How about I make you something that will be easy on your stomach, like some scrambled eggs and toast and some fruit?”

“Yeah, that sounds good, thanks.”

While she sat at the table, he whipped up a plate of food for each of them, essentially making breakfast for dinner. After they finished eating, she leaned back in her chair, smiling and looking so happy and content, her hand once again over her abdomen, as if she was already protecting the little life growing inside. But Tripp knew he couldn’t put off the inevitable any longer. He had to tell her the truth.

“Skye... something happened today. Right before I arrived at your apartment,” he said, meeting and holding her gaze. “I didn’t want to take away from the big moment, but now it can’t wait.”

That blissful smile she’d been wearing all through their meal fell away, replaced by a wary look in her eyes. “Okay.”

He exhaled a breath and explained about the sedan, and the fact that this had been the third time he’d been followed to her place by the same vehicle and sunglasses wearing driver. And how today things had escalated to aggressive and threatening.

She leaned forward and met his gaze, remaining silent so he couldn’t know what she was thinking. If she’d made the same connection he had.

“I think it’s your ex behind the stalking,” he said, because the actions were exactly that—harassment and intimidation, meant to make Tripp feel threatened. No doubt, Jack resented Tripp’s relationship with the woman he still considered his.

“But Jack lives and works in Boston,” Skye said, clearly trying to explain away Tripp’s theory because to believe it would mean her worst fears were coming true. “Why would he bother to harass you of all people?” she asked.

Because despite everything, a psychopath like your ex still wants you for himself.

But Tripp wouldn’t say it that way. Reaching out, he clasped Skye’s free hand, seeking both the connection he needed and to reassure her.

The truth was Jack’s attempt to frighten Tripp had worked. Not because he was concerned for himself, but her ex’s sole interest would be in Skye. To get to her, he needed Tripp out of the way before making a move on a defenseless woman. What the asshole didn’t know or take into consideration was the fact that Tripp wouldn’t be run off.

Even though his thoughts were all speculation, Tripp trusted his gut.

“Boston isn’t that far,” he reminded her, easing into the hard truths. “If it is Jack, he’s probably trying to warn me away from you.”

She yanked her hand free. “But—”

“Listen to me,” he said, his voice more serious than it had ever been. “You have no idea what he’s done in the past year since you moved to New York. Where he’s working or even where he’s living.”

“No, but him leaving his life? His home? It all seems... extreme, even for him. Especially a long year after our divorce has been finalized,” she said, still trying to be logical because logic would keep her safe. “It could have just been someone with road rage tendencies.”

“The same guy, the same car, three separate times? I doubt it.” He needed her to believe his theory if he was going to keep her safe. “It’s one man. And if Jack has discovered that you and I are involved, then he’s trying to send a threatening message.”

Her lips pursed, and her chin lifted obstinately. “I still have a protective order against him from before our divorce. It’s valid across state lines.”

As if a piece of paper would be enough to dissuade a determined, narcissistic man like Jack from taking what he considered his. Tripp understood Skye’s reasons for fighting him but she wouldn’t win. He’d rather be wrong than risk her and their unborn child in any way.

“If we assume he cares about the protective order, that’s even more of a reason for him to focus on me first and not approach you... yet.”

She rubbed her hands along her thighs, her face pinched with anger, and he watched her struggle with the possibility of her ex turning her life upside down again. “Even if it’s him, I refuse to let Jack rule my life again. I can’t live in fear any more, and I can take care of myself. Spencer made sure of that by teaching me self-defense.”

Tripp shook his head, both proud of and frustrated by her attitude.

His decision would not sit well with her and he braced for her anger. “I respect that but I’m not taking any chances with you, or our baby,” he said, his tone firm. Just the thought of Skye or the child inside her being hurt incited his rage and made him feel violent.

“What are you saying?” she asked warily, both fists clenched.

“First, I have a picture of the license plate number. I’m going to get in touch with Zach Dare and see if he can find out who the vehicle is registered to. I can’t do a thing without proof that it’s Jack. Based on the plates, the car wasn’t a rental, which gives us a shot of nailing him. But until I know for sure, I’m going to make certain that you’re safe. Which means I’ll be staying with you for the foreseeable future.”

She stiffened, her frustration palpable. “So, I don’t get a choice in the matter?”

“Of course you have a choice,” he said, crossing his arms over his chest. “My place or yours.”

His reply didn’t amuse her even a little. She looked upset, conflicted, then finally, resigned.

“Fine,” she said, her tone still defiant, which didn’t surprise Tripp in the least. “You can stay here.” She rose from her seat and took her plate to the sink. “On the couch,” she informed him, before stalking out of the room.

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