He spent a couple of days here with me, and now I can’t sleep without him. His presence makes me feel safe, and I hate that I’m dependent on that. Since when do I need a man to take care of me? I can do that myself.
But I feel like there’s a ghost in my room, standing in the corner staring at me. Trying to tell me something that I don’t understand. I’m a sitting duck just waiting for Evan to show up. I actually find it odd that he hasn’t come by to visit since the reception. He and Bill aren’t close, but my father told Evan to leave for my benefit. He’ll be back. He had already warned me that Kashton would be a problem once, and then he saw me there with him. Hand in hand, kissing, dancing. Evan will make sure to show his face soon.
But he’s not stupid. He’ll lie low for a couple of weeks and then pop back up when he thinks Kashton will toss me to the side. He’s relentless and I owe him. He’ll come to collect payment when I least expect it.
Getting up, I see the clock showing it’s a little after noon. I’ve been in bedrotting since Kashton dropped me off after our meeting at Blackout. I could grab a bottle and drink until I pass back out, but I’m actually hungry. I make my way to the kitchen and see I’m out of alcohol and anything to eat.
So I throw on a T-shirt and yoga pants and toss my hair up in a bun. Guess I’m going to the store.
I’m pushing the cart down an aisle when I hear my name.
“Miss Sinclair?”
Turning, I see a man I recognize. “Mr. Fells.” I give him a smile. “How have you been?”
He pulls me in for a hug and then smiles up at me. I’m five ten, and he’s maybe five eight. On the shorter side for a man and balding, but he’s so nice.
“I was just talking about you not too long ago.”
“Oh?” I arch a brow. Odd thing for him to say, but okay.
“Yeah. To your new neighbors. Have you met them yet?”
I shake my head. I’ve never met any of them. I stick to myself. “I saw that the For Sale sign was gone, but I haven’t seen anyone move in yet.”
“It sold to the Pierce family. You’ll love them.”
“Pierce?” I repeat, making sure I heard him right.
He nods. “Yes, Mr. And Mrs. Pierce. Such a lovely couple.”
I tilt my head to the side and nibble on my lip for a second. “What-what were their first names?”
“Kashton and Amber.” He smiles, proud of himself for remembering that information.
Motherfucker.
“Their children?—”
“It was great seeing you, Mr. Fells. I must be going.”
“Oh, yes. Yes. You have a great day, Miss Sinclair. It was great seeing you too.”
I wave him off and spend the next twenty minutes pushing the cart around the grocery store like I’m a mad woman, adding a few things to my shopping list that I didn’t have on it before. And then I’m hitting the liquor store on the way home to restock.
THIRTY-THREE
KASHTON
Istand in the kitchen at my house with my phone plugged in to charge. I officially own this house as of last week. Thankfully the family wanted to get rid of this as fast as I wanted to move in.
I’ve been staying here every night that I’m not with Eve. I’ve got eyes on her house at all times, watching over my girl. I’m giving her space. Or so she thinks.
Eve arrived home about three hours ago, returning from the grocery store.
Bill sent me a text yesterday that said it was done. Now all we do is wait for her to get her assignment, and she’s mine.
I pause the YouTube video I’m watching while I look over the three clothespins that are lined up on my counter. I’ve written on each one?—
