12. Chapter 11
Chapter 11
Blake
I mmediately after dinner, my dad locked himself away in his office. Which wasn’t like him. I grabbed a sweater and went out back to take a walk.
Fresh air and exercise will help me work off my anxiety. I walked along the side garden path to the front of the house. The burst of color and floral scents of the spring blooms always soothed my nerves. I was finally feeling better when I stepped around the corner and spotted the dark sedan parked near the circular driveway.
My heart beat a little faster as I approached. Not because I wanted to see AJ, but because it reminded me I, we, needed protection. I told myself I wasn’t disappointed when the man who got out of the car and turned towards me had longer, lighter colored, wavy hair.
It shouldn’t have surprised me; John said someone else would be here in the evenings. The guy introduced himself as Jaden and asked if everything was okay. His voice was deep like AJ’s, but it didn’t sound the same.
“Just taking a walk,” I answered.
“Okay, let me know if you want to leave. Or if you want company, I’d be happy to walk with you.”
He’d be happy, my ass. His job was to make sure I didn’t leave the house unattended.
“Thanks, but I think I’ll go back inside.” Seeing my bodyguard negated the calming effect of the garden. Maybe I’ll take a long hot bubble bath and have a glass of wine .
Half a bottle later, I stepped out of the now bubble-less, tepid water and dried off. Much better . I corked the wine and blew out the lavender vanilla candle after putting on my favorite pajamas. After putting the leftover wine in my mini fridge, I grabbed my text book and got under my down comforter.
I must have fallen asleep because my book fell to the floor when I sat up in a panic a few hours later.
It was a dream . The faceless man wasn’t real. I’m okay .
I padded down the stairs and peeked out a front window. Jaden leaned on the hood of his car, stretching his arms over his head. His presence was comforting after my nightmare.
Everything’s okay . It was just a dream. No one is trying to kill you .
I told myself the whole thing was just a stupid prank. Tomorrow, one of Dad’s friends will own up to it and we’ll have a good laugh.
I'd have to force mine, because I didn’t think this was funny. Not one bit.