by J. Lea
Jude jumps to his feet. “You expecting someone?”
“No.” I get off the bed and head toward the bedroom door. With his raised hand, Jude stops me before I can run downstairs and moves to the windows, which are overlooking the entrance to the house. “What is it?” I don’t know why I’m whispering.
“I want to see who’s at the door.”
I roll my eyes. “I have a peephole, you know.”
“Let’s just keep you up here until I can determine whether you’re safe or not.”
“Okay, Mr. Careful. Is it safe or not?” I stomp my feet on the ground with my hands on my hips.
“There’s a female at the door, approximately your age, with short black hair. Do you know her?”
Rebecca. Shit. I forgot to tell her I’m home. “That’s my best friend,” I tell him as I run past him downstairs and throw the door open. Rebecca walks determinedly around me into the house, irritation plastered all over her face.
“Why did Max have to tell me that you’re home? I called his landline like you told me to because I wanted to know if there’s any news on Leo. I almost choked on my bagel when he informed me you’re no longer staying there. How can he let you stay here on your own after everything that’s happened? That doesn’t sound like Max at all. Did he lose his mind?” She stops her rant when she looks me over. “And what are you wearing?” I have no idea how she can catch a breath while sputtering words out of her mouth at the speed of light.
“What is wrong with what I’m wearing?” I look down at my grey yoga pants and a simple white V-neck. I have glasses on and my hair is in a messy bun. She knows this is my usual casual look to wear around the house.
“Out of everything I’ve just said, you only focused on the clothes? It’s Sunday, silly. We always hit the gym Sunday morning.” She rolls her eyes at me affectionately.
It’s Sunday? Dammit. It completely slipped my mind, and the partial reason for that is definitely one green-eyed private detective.
“So, why aren’t you still at Max’s? You know it’s not safe for you to be here alone.”
I’m not surprised Max didn’t tell her about Jude; she most likely didn’t give him a chance to speak. Before I can explain, I see her eyes widening at something behind me. Her mouth drops open. “Did you know there’s a guy standing in your kitchen? A very. Sexy. Guy. What the hell is happening?” she whispers, just as Jude walks up to us.
“Rebecca, if you let me speak for a second, I would’ve been able to tell you everything.” Grabbing her hand, I take her to the living room and beckon Jude with my head to join us.
“So, Rebecca, this is Jude. Jude, this is my best friend, Rebecca Huges.”
“Nice to meet you,” Jude grins at her as he shakes her hand, and I need to elbow her ribs to stop her from salivating all over him.
“Where did you find this fine specimen of a man?” she whispers into my ear when she finally breaks out of her trance.
“Jude’s a private detective Max hired to protect me. That’s why I’m no longer at his place.”
“He’s a private detective? Seriously? He looks as if he just walked off a cover of a fashion magazine.” I smile. That was my first thought when I saw him in that bar, too.
“He’s standing right here and can hear everything,” Jude muses, undoubtedly loving all the attention.
“Sorry, I’ve just never met a detective that looked like you, that’s all.”
Jude raises an eyebrow. “So, you’ve seen your share of private detectives?”
Rebecca stills and thinks for a second. “Well, not in real life, obviously. But I watch a lot of TV, and usually, they’re big fans of donuts. You don’t look like you’ve ever had one.” She waves her finger at his stomach where the outline of his ripped abdomen is clearly seen through the T-shirt he’s wearing.
Before Rebecca can make an even bigger fool of herself, I put my hand over her mouth and turn to Jude. “Can I have a few minutes alone with Rebecca?” Jude looks at Rebecca, me, and then nods.
“I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me.”
“Thanks.” Then, I drag my best friend to my bedroom where we can have more privacy.
Rebecca wordlessly drops down to the foot of the bed and I join her.
“I’m sorry for not calling you. I’ve had a lot of things on my plate the last couple of days,” I say apologetically.
“Mhm. And one of them is Tall, Dark and Sexy?” I chuckle at the silly lovesick expression on her face.
“Well, yes.”
“And the guy lives with you?”
“Until they catch Leo.” It still sounds weird saying it.
“How can you even sleep with that walking orgasm in the next room?” She fans her face and I laugh. If she only knew how difficult it was to fall asleep, tossing and turning for hours, until I saw no other solution but to pull my battery-operated friend out of the bottom drawer of my nightstand and thought back to the wild, passionate night I’d spent with him. I recalled his hands and his lips on my body, and it wasn’t long until I found my release, barely suppressing the moans. It did little to relieve the pent up sexual tension inside me, but it was a momentary relief and I could finally find some sleep.
“I don’t exactly have much choice.”
“He kind of makes me want to have a stalker of my own.” Her comment throws me completely off guard and I jump to my feet, drawing a sharp intake of breath. “What’s wrong?” Rebecca gets up to stand in front of me, her hand on my shoulder, concerned.
“Don’t ever say that! You have no idea how horrible it is being stalked. When you constantly hear someone’s footsteps behind you, when you know he perversely enjoys your paranoia, when you keep looking over your shoulder hoping you don’t see anyone behind you. This isn’t a game, Rebecca. Max is desperate, about to go insane with worry for my safety. Believe me, the last thing I want is a private detective constantly following me.”
“I’m so sorry. I don’t know why I blurted that out! I so wasn’t thinking clearly.”
“It’s okay. I know you didn’t mean anything by that, but it still hurt me. I’d give anything to go back to walking around freely and without worry, back then when a simple stroll down the street was the most normal and safe thing in the world for me.” I pull her in for a hug to let her know I wasn’t mad; she has guilt written all over her face. I know she was just joking.
“I promise to think before saying the first stupid thing that comes to my mind.”
“Deal.” I give her an honest smile to break the tension.
“So, this means our Sunday gym is on hold for the foreseeable future?”
“I don’t know. I kinda miss running. Perhaps we could still go for a run.”
“I doubt Tall, Dark and Sexy will be okay with that.”
“Don’t worry. I have an idea.”
I manage to convince Jude to let us go running, but under the condition that he comes with us. I think back to this morning when I found him working out in the living room, all sweaty and worked up, so I’m convinced he won’t be able to keep up with us. He must be tired; Rebecca and I are in shape and can run long distances without breaking a sweat. My dear friend insists Jude has to dictate the pace in front of us, but her wish doesn’t come true as Jude needs to have me in his sight the whole time and that’s why he stays behind us. Rebecca and I decide to challenge him by picking up the pace in the middle of our run, and surprisingly, Jude keeps up with us all the way back to the house. When we reach the front door, Rebecca and I are trying to catch our breaths while Jude looks extremely fresh and composed. I drop my hands to my knees to take deeper breaths.
“You’re crazy, woman. I almost kicked the can back there,” Rebecca whines and wheezes beside me.
“But it was worth it, huh?” I raise my head slightly to look at her. She’s still trying to compose herself and Jude is drinking from his water bottle. Something white catches my gaze when I look up to the front door. There’s a note stuck to the knob that
definitely wasn’t there when we left for the run. My breath hitches. I slowly walk to the door, take off my running glove, and spread the piece of paper open. Six words are written on it with big, bold black letters: GET RID OF LOVERBOY, OR ELSE… I cringe my brows together. He wants me to get rid of Jude?
“April?” Rebecca’s concerned voice attracts Jude’s attention, and his head snaps to me. He rushes over and tears the note from my hands.
“He was here again?” His eyes run over the message.
“What do you think he’ll do if I don’t send you away?”
Jude’s lips press tightly together.
“What are you two talking about?” Rebecca looks between us with worry.
Jude walks to the main road and looks around. I follow him and I see what he sees: a hooded figure at the end of the street, hands in pockets, looking suspicious. Jude immediately takes off after him.
“Jude, be careful!” I yell after him.
“Go inside and lock the door behind you. I’ll be right back!” he barks the order, not even stopping to look back. The man in the hoodie picks up his pace, too, and they disappear behind the corner. Was that Leo? Did he finally come out of hiding?
Rebecca drags me into the house. I’m on pins and needles, worrying about Jude. I can’t stop pacing the living room, biting my nails. We’re both quiet, anxiously waiting for him to appear on the doorstep. After an excruciatingly long fifteen minutes of waiting, loud knocking sounds on the front door. Rebecca and I both jump up at the noise and look at each other.
“Open up, it’s me,” I hear Jude’s strong voice. I’m unlocking the door and the next second, when I see he’s not hurt, I hug him without thinking.
“Did you find him?” I ask, tilting my head up to look him in the eyes, his arms still tight around me.
Jude shakes his head. “No, the fucker escaped among the trees in the park.” He’s not hiding his anger.
“Why would he assume we’re together?” I frown. “We never gave him any reason to come to such a conclusion.” I realize we’re still embraced, so I step away from the warmth of his body and the wonderful feel of the firm hold of his arms on me.
“He believes you belong to him and he’s jealous of everyone in your vicinity. He doesn’t want anyone close to you except for him.”
“But you and I are not together.”
“In his delusional mind, he doesn’t see that. He sees me hanging around you constantly, and he believes we are.”
Seven
April
Three days have passed since the incident with the note and Leo is still nowhere to be found. I have a sick feeling it’s the calm before the storm and that he’s planning something big.
After two staff meetings, and preparations for a new show, I’m finally home after a long day at work. Jude is all serious and focused, constantly on the phone. He’s irritated the security system still hasn’t been installed or the front door replaced. I also have a suspicion he doesn’t get much sleep.
I decide to take a shower before we have dinner. It’s been a few days of Jude being constantly at my side. I’d be lying if I said he’s not a major distraction for me. I can only pray they find Leo soon so my life can return to normal, where there’s no Jude and his tempting smell.
Wrapped in an oversize towel, I go to my bedroom to grab a fresh pair of panties. I pull my favorite pair out of the dresser – tiny, lacy and pink, and lined with black lace. I love lingerie; it makes me feel sexy and confident. I only allow myself one obsession, and that’s buying lingerie. If I see a nice pair of panties or a cute lace bra, I need to have it.
I dig through my underwear to find a matching bra, then slide open the door of my wardrobe. My job requires I dress professionally, but at home, I prefer wearing jeans, yoga pants, or sweats and tees, so I slip on a plain white tank top and yoga pants, then walk over to my dresser, facing the opposite bedroom wall. On it, I have a small box that holds all my precious bracelets. They’re my signature look and I never leave the house without wearing at least one on my wrist. Over the years I’ve collected all sorts of them, from silver and gold ones to woven ones, from rubber bands to pleated bracelets. I pull out three multi-color pleated ones and put them on my left wrist. My gaze catches on the one Jude gave me. I run my fingers gently over the metal. It’s so simple and reflects me perfectly.
I keep a few teddy bears and some toys on the dresser, in case Emmy comes to visit me, beside the box containing my bracelets, and a few framed pictures of my family. Before I head out of the bedroom, my gaze catches on a little black sphere tucked into the band of one of the teddy bears. I don’t remember seeing it before so I pick up the fluffy brown bear and pull the little globe out. I turn it around, inspecting it curiously.
“What the hell is this?” I murmur to myself as I walk into the living room, examining it.
“Huh?” Jude looks up at me from behind his laptop.
“Nothing,” I wave my hand at him and go to the kitchen to prepare something to eat, as I’m famished. I put the marble-sized globe on the counter and open the fridge door to examine the contents. There’s not much more in there than a bottle of ketchup and a few bottles of water. “Shit,” I grunt.
“What’s with all the swearing?” Jude says right from behind me. I straighten, bumping into his chest in the process. I don’t immediately step away; I inhale his clean, manly scent.
“We’re out of food,” I finally find words and turn around to look at his piercing green eyes.
“If you’re hungry, we can order in.”
“You’re not hungry?” I ask.
“Always,” he grins.
“What are you in the mood for? Pizza? Chinese?”
“I don’t care, you pick.”
Forty minutes later, we’re comfortably nestled on the couch. The TV is on, but neither of us are paying it much attention; we’re too starved.
“Want anything to drink with your pizza?” Jude gets up.
“Yes, please, a soda. Thanks.” I fold my legs under me, chewing pizza slowly and enjoying the delicious cheesiness.
“What the hell, April?” Jude raises his voice and appears in front of me soon after, looking royally pissed. He’s not holding drinks in his hands, but the little black globe I discovered in my room earlier.
With my mouth still full, I ask, “What’s wrong? Why did you bring this thing in here?” I was planning on throwing it in the trash, but I apparently forgot.
“Do you have any idea what this is?” he demands.
“I have no idea. I found it stuck on a teddy bear earlier. I meant to throw it out, but I got distracted. Why?” I bite into my last piece of pizza.
“This is a camera, April. And if we put one and one together, we can conclude it’s connected to your stalker.”
“You’re serious?” I exclaim in shock, straightening up. “You sure? Does this mean Leo has been watching me the whole time?” Chills run up my spine.
“I don’t know if it was Leo or someone else, but someone has definitely been watching you.”
“What do you mean, someone? Leo is the one with his bizarre obsession and threats.”
“Are you really sure it’s Leo who’s been making threats?”
“Of course I am.” Why does he doubt me? “Only he could’ve set up the camera. No one else had the access to my house.” I cringe at the thought of being watched for god knows how long, sick to my stomach. How long has the camera been there? Had he put it there even before we broke up or maybe when he broke in?
“April, I think your house isn’t very safe for you at the moment.” Jude kneels down in front of me, his finger gently lifting up my chin so we’re eye to eye. “The guys that are supposed to install security and build in a new front door are running late, so I’m going to have to put more pressure on them to come ASAP. But we’re going to have to search the house again more thoroughly for more bugs.”
“You think there’s more of them?” I feel nauseated.
�
�In my experience, there’s never been just one.”
“Where could I go? I can’t go back to Max’s house again. I don’t want to put him and his family in danger and he has enough on his plate as it is.”
“We’re going to a motel for a night or two.” I open my mouth to protest, but he stops me. “It’s a temporary situation until your house is inspected and the alarm is installed. I think it’s going to be good for you, if you lay low for some time. At least for a few days. That way Leo, or whoever’s been harassing you, will start panicking. And that’s when he’ll make a mistake.”
“Are you all packed?” Jude’s soft breath caresses the sensitive skin of my neck, goosebumps erupting all over my body. He apparently decided to stand right beside me, so I can smell him again. Damn him! He’s wearing an aftershave that has this distinctive musk smell that makes my insides melt. I want to close my eyes and bury my nose into his throat, inhaling him in and losing myself in his scent.
“I hope so.” I slowly turn around. “You didn’t exactly give me plenty of time.”
“The less time we spend here, the better. Come.” I grab my phone, but Jude’s long fingers wrap around my wrist. “Leave it here.”
I wrinkle my forehead. “I need it. I have a lot of work-related obligations.”
“That will have to wait for a while. Did you already forget you found a camera some Peeping Tom set up in your bedroom?”
“But—“
“No buts. The phone stays here,” Jude says firmly.
“What about my job? I can’t just up and disappear.”
“You’ll take a few days off. You have some vacation days stored up at work, right? You can use that.”
“Yes, but I’ve never done that before. I can’t afford to do that now! We’re in the middle of the season. It’s crucial for me to be on the set! My career will be at stake if I’m not,” I protest.