I pull my sweater tighter around myself and try to focus on whatever mindless movie Madison has chosen. But all I can think about is someone out there in the darkness.
Watching my house.
Knowing what I'm wearing.
Knowing where I live.
I should've told Sawyer the truth. I should've asked for help when he offered it.
Because I'm definitely not fine.
And now I don't know if it's too late.
Chapter 13
Alice
Thecoolairhitsmy face like a slap as I step out of the bank, pulling my coat tighter around me. The sky is that particular shade of gray that promises snow isn’t far off.
I should probably head straight home, but the idea of going back to my empty house makes my stomach tighten. Last night’s text is still fresh in my mind, the memory of those words making me glance over my shoulder more than once today. Every car that passed my house last night felt like a threat. Every shadow outside my window. I barely slept.
Instead of turning toward home, I point my car toward the gas station on the edge of town.
The digital numbers on the pump tick upward as I stand there, breath visible in the chilly air. The wind cuts right through my jacket, making me shiver as I wait for the tank to fill.
A patrol car pulls up behind me. I turn.
Sawyer climbs out, in his uniform, badge catching the late afternoon light.
My shoulders drop. I didn't realize how tense I'd been all day.
“You're gonna freeze while you pump your own gas?” he asks, walking over.
“I can handle it, you know,” I shiver, holding my coat closer to my body.
“Sure. But it’s a lot warmer in your car than it is out here.” Without waiting for an answer, he takes the nozzle from my hands, his fingers brushing mine briefly.
The contact is quick, but it sends a little jolt through me that has nothing to do with the cold. I roll my eyes but get back in the driver’s seat, leaving the door open so we can still talk.
“Are you always this chivalrous?” I tease, trying not sound like I’m shivering my ass off.
"Only for people who look like they're about to turn into icicles," he replies, glancing at me with a smirk. “Besides, somebody's got to make sure you don't freeze to death before winter even starts.”
"I wasn't going to freeze." But another shiver runs through me, betraying my words.
“You look like you’re about to shiver that coat right off, Alicat.”
The nickname makes me smile despite myself. “No, I don’t.”
“Whatever you say,” he chuckles like he doesn’t believe me.
My cheeks heat up, and I’m grateful he can probably blame the flush on the cold.
He finishes with the gas and hands me the receipt, but he doesn't step back right away. We're standing close enough that I can smell his cologne—something clean and woodsy. I have to resist the urge to lean closer.
“Did you have a long day?” I ask, noticing the tired lines around his eyes.
“Twelve-hour shift,” he nods. “But it’s been worth it. Day shift means I actually get to see daylight.”
