I exited the shower, and her face mirrored mine. She was in on my secret and she loved it. I dressed with her, and watched her blow-dry her hair for a while before going downstairs. Bo was my first priority. Once he was fed, I started breakfast for Katarina and me. She appeared in the kitchen and moved to the sink, cleaning dishes and wiping down counters. When breakfast was ready, we both ate in silence, thigh-to-thigh. I grinned over my coffee, and she did the same as she ate. I walked her to her car and watched her adjust her seat before I leaned in, giving her a very passionate goodbye kiss.
When I got to work, I saw Jessie’s minivan in the parking lot. I grabbed Bo and headed inside. When I got to my office, the door was open. I stood and observed a very nervous Jessie seated behind my large oak desk.
“Where are the kids?” She looked up, and her big green eyes jolted from the screen to me.
“Jason, we need to talk.” I walked into the room, scared from the look on her face. “It’s about your girlfriend. It’s about Katarina.” I rounded the desk to see what she found out. The screen was open to the reward page. I had already seen it when I did my original research the first day I recognized her. The site had upped the reward offering, wow. It was now $750,000 for her safe return. Owen Douglass was Katarina’s bodyguard; the body guard who pleaded with her to stay when her grandfather died. I couldn’t help but think that Katarina was somehow in danger from someone and that he wanted to find her first.
“She has family, Jason, family that misses her. Has she mentioned an Owen Douglass?” I was silent. I was literally stunned silent.
“Maybe she had a boyfriend or a fiancé. I think we should call him to let him know she’s safe.” She was rambling and fidgeting, and it appeared as though she was on a coffee high.
“No, Jessie, it’s not her boyfriend.”
“You don’t know, Jason. He could be worried sick, wondering what he did wrong.”
“Jessie, it’s definitely not her boyfriend. I know because I was her first.” I made eye contact with her. “At everything, Jessie, she was untouched before me.” There was no way anyone would ever know she was raped. It was private, and as well-known as Katarina was, I was not going to attach rape to her name. Her face grew angry.
“There are millions of twenty-something girls out there, and you,” she pointed a shaky finger at me, “you picked a virgin?! With your experience, you could have had anyone, and you chose her?” She looked at me as she grew visibly angrier, and then I saw the light bulb come on and her look turn towards realization. “You knew who she was before you pursued her, huh?” She stood, crossing her arms over her chest, and I wasn’t sure where she was going with this. “You are that desperate to punish yourself for what happened to Jacy. You pick the one girl who is unattainable.” She quieted, and I just stared at my furious twin sister. I wasn’t sure if she was mad at the fact I pursued a virgin, or if I pursued Katarina knowing I would get hurt in the end. I sent her a look of confusion. She was in her own world though, and continued her high-pitched ranting. “What’s worse is you let us fall in love with her. You let my kids and Janie’s boys fall in love with a girl who will disappear. Did you see them last night? They were all fighting for her attention, and you just sat back and let it happen.” I heard someone approach the desk, but I couldn’t break my eyes from hers.
“That’s enough, Jessie.” My dad stood there, his voice tired and angry. Jessie huffed and started to retreat from the office.
“If you don’t call this Owen Douglass, I will.” She spat her words out as she threw death glares at me.
My dad spoke before I had a chance. “You will do no such thing, Jessie. You will go home to your family and stay out of Jason’s business. He’s a big boy, Jessie, and he will take care of his own messes. Do you understand?” His voice was loud, and commanded even my attention. She tossed out a yes as she stormed from my office. I ran a nervous hand through my hair and glanced at my dad, who calmly took a seat across from my desk.
“Take a seat, son.” I did, and quickly clicked off the website. “Your mom and sister did some digging last night after we got home. It’s been a long, long night. Your mom is worried sick. She thinks she’s going to lose you again.” I placed my face in my hands, not wanting to deal with this.
“Do you think this Owen Douglass is the one who abused her?” I removed my hands from my face, stunned once again. “Son, she is very timid and jumps at the sound of a threatening voice or face. I have known for a while. It’s amazing…you know. You are always edgy; your looks and the sound of your voice, they take the breath out of everyone, but not her. She is drawn to you. She sees you as her protector, and your aggressive nature doesn’t faze her at all.” It was ironic to me too, but Katarina was still such a mystery in so many ways. I just stopped questioning and was grateful—grateful for her trust, and grateful for her patience.
“Owen Douglass is nobody to her, Dad. I looked him up months ago. He is her grandfather’s bodyguard. He looks intimidating, but my guess is he has never touched her abusively. She calls him Smith, and told me he withheld information about her grandfather, and I think she’s angry with him, but there’s no fear there.” I had a bad feeling about this in the pit of my stomach. What he did wasn’t nearly as bad as what I had done, but this morning was…perfect. I shook my head, “I am going to convince her to stay. I have a plan. It involves something I have never done before—groveling. I am going to buy her the most beautiful diamond ring, and then I am going to grovel. If that doesn’t work, I will have marathon sex with her until she’s too exhausted to deny me.”
He laughed and his eyes smiled. “Will you call your mom? She’s very worried. Also, you need to let Katarina know that your family knows about the reward, and that Owen Douglass is on their speed dial.” I nodded, and he got up from his chair and left the room. I picked up the phone right away.
“Hey, Mom.” She was sniffling. “Mom, Katarina’s really happy with me, and I am happy with her. You wanted this for me, do you remember?” There was more sniffling from her end. “I am going to do my best to keep her, so please, give me a few days before you or Jessie call anyone. Okay? I am going to be fine.”
“I love you, son,” was all I heard, and then she said her goodbyes.
I got to work, burying myself in animals. The day flew by. I checked my phone in-between every patient. Jenny had texted me multiple times, and had even tried coming over for lunch, but I kept my office door locked, knowing that if there was an emergency, Dad would let me know. She left a note with my dad stating she would really like to talk about the other night. I ripped it up and tossed it in my dad’s trash. He surprisingly didn’t say a word.
I texted Dave, letting him know I wasn’t going to make it to the gym today, and then I texted Katarina so she wouldn’t think I forgot to tell her.
Jason: Basketball after work, then going to check on a pregnant horse. Call me. I miss u☺
I almost didn’t send it. It was hard for me to express my feelings. It was by far the most hopeless and desperate I had ever sounded. Those were qualities she had never seen in me, and I was worried she would find me weak and unattractive.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
I spent the next two hours bouncing from jewelry store to jewelry store looking for the perfect ring. By the time I found it, I knew exactly what I was looking for, and had more education on the ring than the sales clerk. So I requested a new clerk. It was perfect, just like her. Strikingly beautiful, it had a large solitaire diamond in the center, and petals extending out filled with smaller diamonds. The small diamonds continued down the sides. The ring was in the shape of a flower. It was more than I planned on spending, but it was something I knew she would love, and I frickin’ beamed at the thought. I was quite proud of my purchase. By the time I left the store, it was after seven.
I flew to the Ronalds’ barn, anxious to get the appointment over with so I could see Katarina. When I got there, I passed my dad’s car in the driveway.
&nbs
p; I wished I knew why my heart was so achy. The uneasy feeling was making me agitated. I needed to get to my princess.
“Hey, Dad.” I tilted my head, giving him a questioning look. Bo came running over to me, and that’s when it hit me. He brought my dog, knowing I would have to stop by to check on the horse. He nodded at me when he saw me bend down to greet Bo.
“Your mom’s on her way; the Ronald’s have invited us to dinner.”
“I can’t stay, Dad. I just came to check on the horse. I have other plans.” He smiled, and I continued into the barn. Jenny was inside and sprung to her feet when she saw me. She was brushing the hay off her pants and running her fingers through her long hair.
“Hey, Jason, are you staying for dinner?” I ignored her and focused on the mare. “I have checked her all day and have charted her changes.” She frantically reached for the paperwork as I continued to probe the horse.
“I am glad you’re keeping such good track of the progress, Jenny. I’m afraid I can’t stay for dinner.”
“Please, you could invite your girlfriend. My parents are so excited to see you, and your parents already agreed to stay.” I looked up into her pleading eyes, and I incoherently nodded my head. I could never say no to Jacy either.
“Let me make a call.” I stepped outside the barn and pulled out my phone. I had attempted to call Katarina multiple times throughout the day, but she didn’t answer. I knew she never answered unless the phone was literally in her hands, so I tried again. The phone rang and rang, and I pictured her home alone with her crazy thinking and it drove me insane. I hung up and called again, and she answered on the first ring.
“Hello.” Her voice was numb, not excited to hear from me, and she didn’t sound sad that I wasn’t with her. It was impassive, and I instantly hated it.
“Hey, princess, what are you doing?” I forced myself to smile, picturing her naked on the other end. Ultimately, I would get through to her; I had to.
“Nothing, what are you doing?” Her voice was better. She sounded curious.
“Well, the horse looks good, but it’s late, and I’ve been invited to dinner.” I was trying to work out the part where she was invited, but she was too quick to answer.
“I think you should stay and visit. Jenny looks like a fun person.” What the heck? I am with her family; it’s not a date.
“Are you sure? I hate that you’re alone.” Please, Katarina, tell me you want me to come home to you. I need to hear those words.
“No, I’m not alone. I am at my apartment. Heather’s with me; I’m looking at her right now. She handed me the phone, actually.” She’s already left. My mind raced, wondering where Red was. And I had to remind myself I was setting Katarina free. She had to want me, to fight for me back. She had to be confident in her love for me. A couple phone calls or texts to find out Red’s whereabouts would ease my overly protective side.
“So, you’re okay?” I had the phone away from my lips and mouthed a greeting to Jenny’s mom and dad.
“Yes, I am fine. Don’t hurry. Take your time. I am going to stay here, tonight.” My heart dropped into the pit of my stomach, and I fought the urge to run to her side and toss her over my shoulder.
“Do you want me to come there when I am done here?” I berated myself as soon as the words left my lips. I was setting myself up for her to say no. That wasn’t who I was. I told her what I was doing, never asked. I was turning into Stewie, maybe I should call and ask him if there’s a gift for this kind of situation, because right now, I was that desperate.
“No, I will see you tomorrow for sure.” I felt vomit creep into my throat and looked down to see Jenny standing at my side.
“Tomorrow, then.” I wanted to say more, but she just hung up. I pulled my phone away from my face and stared at my phone in complete disbelief. Jenny put her tiny hand in mine, yanking me towards the house.
“Let’s go; I am starved.” She was giddy and had a firm hold on my hand. Bo walked by my side, his head hung low, and I hated myself. In fact, I hated everyone in that moment.
Jenny’s parents gave me a hug when I entered their house. My parents watched me closely as Jenny continued to make it clear she was interested in me. It didn’t bother me though, because I hated them in that fucked up, no-Katarina moment. I didn’t say a word throughout dinner, didn’t even listen to the conversation at the table. My mind was overly fixated on Katarina, and what I should have said before she hung up. I was the first to leave, sneaking out before dessert. My dad texted me when I was almost to Katarina’s apartment.
Dad: Jenny’s looking everywhere for you. Where are you?
I texted him back right away.
Jason: Sorry, got a lot on my mind. Tell her I missed saying goodbye and I will see her tomorrow.
He didn’t text back, but my phone rang right away. I picked it up before looking at caller ID.
“Hello?” It sounded more like a growl.
“Hey, Jason, this is Jenny. Is everything all right?” I cursed under my breath for answering.
“Everything’s fine, Jenny. I will see you tomorrow.” I hung up like an asshole before she could say anything else. I pulled in front of Katarina’s apartment, Bo’s head resting on my arm. It was like he could sense my pain. I stared at her car and debated on leaving a note. I sighed and rolled my head on my shoulders, completely exhausted. She was here, and hadn’t left for good. I had texted Brad before dinner, and he told me Red was out of town, so I knew Katarina was safe from him. I just wish I could sneak up to her window and make sure.
My muscles ached, my head pounded, and for some weird reason, my skin itched all over, and that’s when I convinced myself to call her. Her phone went straight to voicemail, so I hung up. If I wasn’t sitting right outside her apartment, I would think she was somewhere else with someone else. Fuck. The sound of my heart pounding against my chest echoed in the car. It was a possibility.
I took a deep breath and swallowed, and I scanned the parking lot for Heather’s car. I hopped out of my Jeep, flashlight in-hand, walked over to the little black BMW, and looked through the tinted windows. It had shopping bags all over the backseat, scattered and unorganized—definitely her car. I began to convince myself that everything I felt was my own insecurities, something I wasn’t used to. How do normal people deal with this? I was losing my sanity. This was a complete mind-fuck for me. What I needed to do was walk away, and then I would clear everything up tomorrow. Katarina was not only my love, but my obsession, and I had to remind myself she had no idea of the hold she’d always had on me. The times I marked my calendar for her dance shows. The times I would show up early. The times I’d stay for both shows. I always followed her to an ice cream parlor and watch her from my car as she ate sundaes with her grandfather, security stacked around them. My knee bounced uncontrollably as I slowly pulled out of her apartment complex. My stomach twisted in knots, and it felt like I was coming down with the flu.
I made it home, stopped in the garage to feed Bo, and then made the slow journey to my bed to collapse. The morning came too quickly and I overslept. My plan was to hit the coffeehouse before work, hoping she would be there.
It had been an entire twenty-four hours since I had seen her, and I needed a fix. I pulled into the parking lot at the coffeehouse, passing her as she pulled out. Fuck. I flipped the Jeep around and followed her, but the girl even drove fast. I lost her, and when I pulled into her work, she was already inside. I hopped out of the Jeep to have a little one-on-one, but the front door to the dental office was locked. I continued around the back of the office, stepping in bushes and around trees looking for a window. I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw her. She was carrying charts, walking fast. It appeared more like she was fleeing. I waited, and moments later I saw her figure again, but her face was hidden behind a computer. I stared at her body and my fingers twitched, aching to touch her. She moved again and I lost her. Shit! Pull it together, Riggs. If she found me outside her work window staring at her, she would f
lee. I went and sat in my Jeep. Bo just stared at me. People entered the dental office, but I never got back out. I was being paranoid and clingy, both unattractive traits. I drove to work in the pouring rain, swerving to grab my phone every time I heard a buzz from a text. But nothing was from Katarina. Dave, Jessie, my mom, and even Brad texted me, but I was in asshole-mode, and I couldn’t give a fuck what anyone wanted from me.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
The day went the same as the day before, minus Jessie being in my office when I arrived. I talked with my dad briefly, and I knew he was trying to gauge my sanity. I was calm, cool, and collected, but he was smart, and I knew he could see how miserable I truly was. I moped all day, carrying a fake smile. My sister, Jessie, met me for lunch. She apologized over and over for what she said the day before. Knowing how upset I was made her feel guilty, and I could tell she was trying to fix it in her head.
I left work and went to Jenny’s to check the horse. She kept calling my dad trying to get my attention. I had never wanted to deliver a horse this bad in my entire life. When it was finally over, I wouldn’t have to deal with Jenny anymore. My dad had other plans, so he couldn’t take my place. I thought about picking Katarina up and taking her with me, but I reminded myself I was giving her space.
I sat in my Jeep for a long time while looking at my phone, willing it to ring. It’s funny how life works. I was always the one in the relationship that couldn’t give a shit, but now Katarina held all the control, control I needed back and would have if she’d just call. I could seduce her over the phone. I was that good.
Mister Distraction Page 28