“Thanks. I’ve been hopeful, but didn’t want to get my expectations up.”
“I think you’d make an amazing deputy.”
“Thanks,” he said, then gave her another kiss. This time on the lips.
“I’m going to follow you home. Okay? We can talk more there.”
“Thanks. I’m pretty shaken up.”
“Understandably. I’ll see you in a few.”
As she pulled the car out of the lot with Tyler’s truck behind her, she glanced in the rearview mirror to watch the sheriff’s cars leave right after them, lights flashing. She’d have to make a formal statement sometime that week, but for now, the ordeal was over. Her entire body was shaking, and she found it hard to drive. Perhaps she should’ve asked Tyler to drive her car for her. But somehow she made it home and pulled into the driveway.
In the house, the kitten ran into her arms and she scooped her up, kissing her little ears. “I’m so glad to see you.”
Tyler followed her inside, locked the door behind them, and then she fell into his arms. She had no strength left. He carried her and the kitten to the couch and laid her down on it. Then kissed her forehead and stroked her hair back from her face.
“I’ll make you some hot chocolate. You’re cold as ice.”
As she lay there, listening to Tyler working in the kitchen, relief washed over her. It was finally over. She didn’t have to worry about Hilton coming to her house, following her home, showing up at school. He was in custody. Hopefully, he’d be charged and sent to jail for a long time, but even if he managed to worm his way out of the consequences, she’d finally stood up to him and had Tyler by her side to help her do that. If she ever saw him again, she knew how to react — with immediate action. She wouldn’t be his victim again.
Chapter Twenty-Six
A week later, Jessica hung up the phone with the sheriff. The prosecutor had charged Hilton with aggravated stalking. They said there was plenty of evidence and that he’d likely be denied bail due to the circumstances. She could relax.
With a sigh, she collapsed onto the couch. Her throat tightened, and she fought back the tears. Tyler was helping decorate the small Christmas tree she’d bought at Walmart. She told him what the sheriff’s office had said.
He reached for her hands. She gave them to him and he pulled her onto her feet, then wrapped his arms around her.
“That’s great news. Does it help you feel better?”
“I’m so relieved. I kept worrying that they’d let him out. He’s really good at talking his way out of things—that’s why I stayed with him for so long. He can convince you that you’re making things up or exaggerating them. And then he’ll trick you into apologising for something he did. It used to drive me crazy.”
“Well, you’re free of him now. He won’t be getting out of prison for a long time.”
“We hope…”
“Yes, we hope.” He grinned and kissed her on the lips. “Now, how about this tree? What should we do?”
“I was thinking red and gold for a colour scheme, although I’ve only got about a dozen ornaments.”
“That’s perfect because at this size, I don’t think it would hold any more than that. You really found the smallest tree you could.”
She laughed. “I know, but I just couldn’t carry the large one by myself.”
“Next time, you’ll have to let me come with you.”
“Next time?” She quirked an eyebrow. Was he really planning the following Christmas together?
“Yes, next time.” He tightened his grasp around her waist and kissed her again, this time more slowly, lingering with his lips on hers.
She pulled away from him and continued decorating the tree, her lips still tingling from his touch. “You know, I’m kind of messed up because of Hilton. He’s made me question my judgment when it comes to men.”
His eyes narrowed. “Yeah, that makes sense.”
“I’m sorry. I really can’t help being cautious.”
“I understand. I don’t think there’s anything I can say to reassure you, so I’ll just have to prove it to you.”
