It’s after eleven when she finally steps out onto the sidewalk. I watch as she locks the door behind her, and once she heads toward the intersection, I follow her at a safe distance.
Laurie waits for the traffic light to change, then crossing the road, she keeps glancing at the SUV.
I pull my phone out and send Little Ricky a quick text.
Adriano: Hang back. She’s aware of you.
Little Ricky: I saw. BTW, you look creepy, dude.
I slow my pace, letting the distance between Laurie and me grow so that if she looks back, she won’t notice she’s being followed.
She wraps her arms around herself and speedwalks all the way to the railroad station.
When an icy breeze picks up, I take in the pant suit she’s wearing.
My eyes narrow on her back as she hunches her shoulders, rubbing her hands up and down her biceps.
Knowing she’s cold makes me feel irritated.
For a second, I play with the idea of closing the distance between us so I can give her my jacket.
But it would give my presence away, and I’m not ready for that to happen.
At the station, the bright fluorescent lights shine a spotlight on her pale face, the only color the shadows beneath her eyes.
She looks fucking exhausted.
I lean against a pillar and pretend to be busy on my phone while I watch Laurie take a seat on one of the benches.
Besides the two of us, there’s a man who doesn’t even glance at us. He looks asleep on his feet.
My phone vibrates in my hand, and I open the text.
Little Ricky: The area is quiet. No sign of trouble.
Adriano: Thanks.
Looking at Laurie again, I see she’s pulling her phone out of her bag, and when she checks it, a smile tugs at the corner of her mouth.
A moment later, she seems to send a voice note as she says, “Hi, friend. I’m waiting for my train. My bitch of a boss wants the projections done by next week.” A burst of incredulous laughter comes from her. “Can you believe that? Ugh, sorry for complaining. I wish I was in Belgium with you. Tell me something good.”
Her voice is soft, sweet enough to make the possessiveness I’m already experiencing grow at a rapid pace.
After sending the message, Laurie continues to look at her phone, then scrunches her nose. “Jesus, why did you evenbother to reply, Mom?” A heavy sigh escapes her while a fragile expression crosses her beautiful features.
The next second, I think Laurie’s playing a voice message because I hear a woman saying, “Hi, bestie. I just checked the time and see it’s almost midnight by you! Isn’t it dangerous for you to be out so late?”
Laurie’s features soften again. “I’m okay. Don’t worry about me.”
Her phone begins to ring, and a stunning smile spreads over her full lips.
Fuck possessiveness. There’s no word for what explodes through me as I stare at the breathtaking creature who will belong to me.
“I just sent you a voice note… No, don’t stress.” Another musical chuckle escapes her. “I’m fine… My day sucked… I snuck out of the office and got manhandled by an overgrown ape before almost being run over by a car… No, I’m fine. I promise…. Oh, yeah, Heather’s being extra bitchy lately… Ugh, I wish we could win the lottery and buy an island where we can sip mimosas all day long.” More laughter bubbles over her lips, which makes a rare smile tug at my mouth.
Christ, she’s exquisite.
When the train finally arrives, I wait for Laurie to get on before I follow. She takes a seat near the door, and as I pass her, I keep my face turned away.
