Chapter Eight #2
Kissing the top of her head, I head to the kitchen, but not before I check the living room window, my eyes roaming the street. I don’t see the SUV or anything else suspicious. After double checking the door is locked, I grab two bottled waters from the refrigerator.
Once I’m back in the bedroom, I notice she hasn’t touched her food. “You don’t like lasagna?”
Nodding, she pats the mattress beside her. “Of course I do. I’m waiting for you.”
There’s that feeling again, warmth spreading through my chest. She’s perfect, and I’m the lucky bastard who gets to keep her.
Taking my seat beside her, we dig into our dinner. She turns the television on, but the volume is low so it’s only noise in the background. We talk about the manuscript she edited today, and my boring day at the office.
Once we’re finished eating, she throws the containers in the bag, dropping it on the floor.
I lean against the headboard, extending my arm, and she snuggles into me.
It doesn’t take long for her to fall asleep.
She doesn’t stir as I get out of bed to turn the light off.
I set the alarm on my phone to wake us up in the morning and lay it on the nightstand.
Slipping back into bed, I pull her into my chest, burying my face in her neck.
“Gabriel.” She sighs.
“Sweet dreams, baby girl.”
When I wake up, Brooke isn’t next to me. The smell of coffee in the air has me easing out of bed. After a stop at the bathroom, I head towards the kitchen. I stop dead in my tracks.
The fucking queen has returned, dressed in a black pencil skirt, white silk blouse, and black heels. She tied her hair in a bun and my eyes wander her slender neck.
“Somebody’s dressed to kill this morning.” Sauntering over, I cage her in with my hands on the counter at her hips.
She kisses me softly, holding her coffee mug in front of my face. I accept, letting the warm liquid slide down my throat with appreciation.
“I have to go into the office today for our monthly staff meeting.” She rolls her eyes.
“You seem excited.” I grin, taking a step back.
She reaches into the cabinet to retrieve another mug, pouring a fresh cup of coffee. She hands it to me, taking her mug back. “Honestly, they’re boring. It could easily be done over a zoom call, but boss man wants to see our pretty faces, I guess.”
Chuckling, I lean against the counter, admiring how gorgeous she truly is. “Are your meetings the same day every month? I’ll be sure to put them on my calendar, so I’ll know.”
“No. He usually sends us an email a couple of days before.” She looks annoyed and I smile. “If you haven’t noticed yet, I’m a planner when it comes to my work.”
“I know, baby. I don’t like things sprung on me either. I have a calendar and Barbara fills in everything.” Finishing my coffee, I sit the mug in the sink. “What time do you have to be there?”
She places her mug next to mine, turning off the coffee pot. “I have to leave in ten minutes. You don’t have to rush. Leave whenever you’re ready and lock the door behind you.”
She trusts me in her space, and this feels like a milestone for us. Pulling her hot little body against mine, I grin. “Let me know when you get back. I’ll pick you up, and we’ll stay at my place tonight.”
“Sounds like a plan.” She lifts up on her tip toes, sealing her lips to mine.
Sinking her fingers into my hair, I groan, pushing her against the counter. “Text me when you get to the office. Let me know you made it there safely.”
She smiles against my mouth. “I will. You do the same. My safety isn’t the only important thing, big guy.”
My eyes close at her words, grateful her feelings echo mine. “Have I told you how incredible you are lately?”
She grins wickedly, her hand trailing down my abs until she’s cupping my cock through my sweatpants. “He does a pretty good job reminding me.” Lifting my arm, she steps away, heading for the door.
My body tightens and I swallow, willing my cock to calm down. She grabs her purse from the side table, unlocking the door and twisting the handle. She finds my gaze, and the little minx winks seductively before saying, “See you later.”
Grinning like a fool, I head to the bedroom to get dressed.
It’s going to be a long ass day.
My phone rings as I’m getting ready to pick up Brooke.
Glancing at the screen, it’s Eric. “Yeah?”
“Johnson’s having you and Brooke followed.” His matter-of-fact tone has me on guard.
“Tell me everything.” Pacing the living room floor, I wait for him to give me the details.
“A black sedan followed you yesterday. I checked the plates, but nothing suspicious came back. The same black sedan followed you home today. I was in the middle of watching CCTV footage, seeing if I could identify the driver when Trevor called. Another black sedan followed Brooke home this afternoon. He said judging by her demeanor, he didn’t think she noticed.
It’s the same SUV you saw in front of her house yesterday.
Same plates which are registered to Marie Johnson, his soon to be ex-wife. ”
My body goes rigid. He’s lost his business and now his wife. This motherfucker is out for revenge. He’s off his rocker if he thinks I’m at fault for his bad fortune.
This has gone too far.
“Eric, Brooke had a staff meeting at the office today. These meetings are once a month and never scheduled on the same day. They couldn’t have known unless they followed her this morning too.” The blood heats in my veins as tension coils inside me.
I won’t have her in danger.
“I know. We don’t have enough evidence to go to the cops, unless you want to handle it a different way.” Eric knows I like to do things the legal way to keep any backlash from my company. But he knows Brooke is important, and she’s to be protected at all costs.
“Tell Trevor he’s not to take his eyes off Brooke for any reason from here on out. I want her watched at all times. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir. I’ll do some more digging and get back to you ASAP.”
“Thanks.” Ending the call, I sit on the couch, scrubbing my hands down my face.
Fuck!
I can handle myself, but I won’t allow him to hurt Brooke.