“Stalkers are hard to nail down. You report it, get a case, and they investigate. It’s an endless cycle of search warrants and requests for information; they can take weeks or months to gather that intel, and in most cases, those leads are dead ends. It’s not that cops are lazy, it’s that the procedural shit takes too much time. They can’t do anything until there’s enough to build a case, and stalkers are good at covering their tracks.”
Casper is good at gathering intel.It might not be legal, but I don’t need a clean case. I just need confirmation on who it is.
I scrub a hand down my face. “How did you deal with this with Jordan?”
“It sucked.” He groans. “But I had her hidden for a good amount of time; that made it easier for me to breathe. You’re dealing with a different animal, a stalker who knows where his prey is. He’s tormenting both of you.”
My jaw clenches.
“If you haven’t gotten anything since Bozeman, maybe she’s right and it was just some obsessed client or a rival artist or something.”
I wipe some of the condensation off the cold amber bottle. “Maybe.” I don’t buy it.
“I’m really sorry you’re dealing with that shit. Don’t let it drive you crazy.”
Too late.
Camden rolls his shoulders. “How’s it going otherwise? Between you two?”
I smile. “So fucking good.”
“I don’t really have to ask, but . . .” He raises his eyebrows.
We exchange glances, letting the breeze do the talking. The water slaps against the wooden posts beneath the platform, causing it to creak. I don’t answer him.
“Yeah, I thought so,” he says. “I’m really happy for you. I know this is something you’ve wanted for a long time. You deserve it, especially after Piper died.”
I nod. “How are you and Jordan?”
“Great.” Cam looks around and lowers his voice. “We haven’t announced anything yet, but we found out last week that Jordan’s pregnant.” He gazes up at me, already proud.
I pause mid-sip and my brows shoot up. “Holy shit. Cheers.” I hold out my bottle, and he clinks his to it.
“Thanks.” He smiles bigger than I’ve ever seen. “Weird, right? I’m going to be someone’s father.” He shakes his head in disbelief.
“It’s terrifying.”
“I feel so damn lucky. I never thought I would have a life like this.”
I peer out over the water and smile. Camden and I are opposites in almost every way; we’ve always respected but never truly understood one another. Until today. We’ve found common ground in the prospect of permanence and family.
“Yeah, I know what you mean.”
After a few beers, we head back up to the house. Kelly’s eyes find mine from across the room, and it’s subtle, but I see the look.
“Another message?” I sign from across the room.
She nods.
“It’s my house, Logan. I miss my space, my stuff.” We’ve been arguing for the last ten minutes, and I’m digging my heels in.
His knuckles bloom with white as he grips the steering wheel.
“I love being with you, but it’s been so long since I’ve been home. If I keep hiding at your place, I’m going to lose my mind.”
He exhales slowly through his nose. “And what about your stalker? Your ex? Just going to leave the welcome mat out for them too?”
I cross my arms over my chest and angle my body in my seat. “I need my own space.”
