Chapter 26
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.”
“How will you do that?” she asked.
“Time… It’ll take time. But before you know it, you won’t be able to live without me.” He winked.
She laughed. “You’re very confident in yourself.”
“I know. It’s one of my best qualities.”
She hung an ornament, then stood back to survey her work. “Thanks for all your help. I really appreciate it. I appreciate you.”
“You’re welcome. You know, I’ve been thinking—you should probably get a big dog. This little kitten really isn’t cutting it as far as guarding the house.”
They both looked down at Moon, who was fast asleep on her back beside the couch. Her little pink nose pointed at the ceiling, and her paws hung as if suspended above her pink belly.
“She’s not much of a guard cat. But she sure is cute.
” Jessica had fallen in love with the kitten, but maybe he had a point.
A dog might help her feel better. Since she was renting, she couldn’t just keep accumulating pets.
“I’ve always wanted an German Shepherd. I think they’re such beautiful animals, and we had one when I was a kid.
But I’m renting this place, and I don’t know if I should get more animals.
What if I have to leave here? I won’t be able to find a place that will let me bring a cat and a dog. ”
“That’s a good point. But if you stay here, you definitely have the yard for it, and it’s already fully fenced.”
“I’ll think about it. It might help me feel safer, after everything that’s happened.”
“You’re safe now,” he said, gazing into her eyes. “I’ll make sure of it.”