“If you are, just be careful.”
“Do you think I’m evernotcareful?” I place my hand on my hip and scowl.
“I know you are an independent woman and don’t need a man’s help. But, Cressida, I still care about you and never want anything to happen to you.”
“Thanks, but I’ll be fine. I always am.” I smile, and he gives me a disbelieving look in return. I don’t mention the small threat that Soren made because I’m always careful when it comes to Oliver, but I can’t lie and say it didn’t shake me up a little bit.
Our marriage was over years before we got divorced. We knew it was never going to work, but we tried to stay together for Oliver. Doing the right thing for our son is the one thing we will always agree on.
We change the subject, and he tells me about Oliver’s day before he says he has to go. I stand on the stoop, watching him leave for a few minutes before I finally head inside.
I’ve been single for two years now, and I haven’t really moved on. A part of me is scared to because I don’t want to bring strange men around my son. He already has a great father, so I don’t want or need someone stepping in when it’s not necessary.
When I step back into the kitchen, I find Oliver already cleaning up after dinner. He’s a perfect mix of Noah and me. He has Noah’s eyes but my almost-black hair. He also has the kind of smile that makes my heart happy whenever I see him. If I’m having a bad day, I picture his bright grin, and it instantly improves.
I approach and wrap my arms around his small body. He’s getting bigger and bigger every day, it seems. I can’t get over the fact that I’m raising a little man, and he’s going to be amazing. He has excellent manners and does well in school. I didn’t realize how lucky I could be until I had him.
While Oliver is used to being around Noah’s side of the family, he’s not as familiar with my side. We try to make it out to see my family at least once a year, but we haven’t visited them in more than a year because I’ve been so busy with work, and they live on the other side of the country and hate flying.
Noah’s family spoils Oliver because he’s their only grandson. Noah is the oldest of his siblings and was the first to have a child. It doesn’t help that he is also the favorite among his side of the family. I wouldn’t be surprised if they leave everything to Oliver. He does no wrong in their eyes, and a part of me loves that. Loves that he has a connection with people who are alwaysgoing to have his back. A lot of people in this world don’t get that luxury.
“I missed you today, buddy.” I hold him a little tighter.
“I missed you too,” he says with a squeeze that is almost too big for his little arms.
“How was school?”
“Good. I got an A in math. Dad thinks I’ll be an amazing banker.” He laughs.
“Only if that’s what you want,” I tell him, knowing he’s always wanted to be a banker like his father.
“My teacher asked me how you are.”
I lean back and look down at him. “What do you mean?”
“He said he loves your writing and is sad he hasn’t seen anything from you in a while.”
I smile as I brush Oliver’s hair away from his face.
“Tell him I’m working on something big,” I reply, then kiss his cheek. “Now, bedtime.”
“Can I playFortnite?” he begs.
“No. You know you’re only allowed to play that game on the weekends.” I shake my head at him.
“Okay,” he says, but it is tinged with disappointment.
I watch as he sulks off up the stairs to his room, then I check my phone and see an email from a name I know well.
Good afternoon, Miss Knight,
I have concluded that you won’t stop harassing me until you get what you want. So, I will give you the interview you have been requesting.
Under one condition…
From,
The Man You Stalk
