8. Violet
VIOLET
I bite my lip as I stare at the back of Sebastian’s house from my spot in the woods.
Drew senses me. I know it with bone-deep certainty.
Even though his light is out and I can’t see him any longer, I remain in this spot, breathing in the cool night air.
August is one of my favorite months in Vermont.
Warm days giving way to cooler nights.
Perfect weather for watching the man I'm destined to marry.
Every detail since I followed him home replays through my head like a movie.
After Drew entered his house—technically his brother’s house—I rode my motorcycle down the road to a small, barely noticeable access road that led to a small parking lot.
It’s a familiar location that I’ve been using for weeks.
It’s remote, private, and surrounded by woods.
At night, there’s nothing but complete darkness out here.
I cut the engine and took off my helmet. Shaking my hair out, I wound it back into a bun, then put the helmet on top. I can’t have any stray hairs falling into my eyes and impeding my vision. Not when I’m about to see him.
I got off the bike, putting my keys inside the pocket of my hoodie. I used the flashlight on my cell phone to locate the narrow path in the woods, then began walking to the familiar destination.
The cool air seeped through my hoodie as I moved, but I barely felt it.
Not now.
Not when I’m so close to getting everything I want.
I glanced up at the sky. Stars twinkled brightly, guiding my way to the man who’s secretly owned my heart since the day he caught me before I fell.
Even though he disappeared before I could get his name, I’d never forgotten him.
But when I saw him in the hospital again, I knew it was fate. All those years we spent apart were a test of my loyalty. I passed, and now I was being rewarded.
He was the one I was destined to be with.
The love I’d always wanted but never had.
Maybe it’s because I had to grow up too fast.
Born to wealthy parents who cared more about careers than children, Callie and I were raised by nannies.
Most were only there for the paycheck.
I learned early that if I wanted to understand people, I had to watch them.
Patterns rarely lie.
The trail was faint, more suggestion than path, but it’s like muscle memory at this point. I looked at my watch, mapping the time.
Branches brushed against my arms as I moved, stepping carefully so I didn’t snap twigs or make any unnecessary noise.
By the time Sebastian’s house came into view through the trees, my breathing was steady and controlled.
Lights glowed from inside, warm and inviting.
I stood behind the thick trunk of a pine and settled there, eyes fixed on the windows.
Drew moved through the house like he was safe.
My lips curved slightly. He isn’t. Not from someone finally seeing him. Understanding him. Wanting to make him happy. Loving him the way he should be loved.
I took my helmet off, holding it in my hand so I could see him better.
I watched as he disappeared from one room and reappeared in another, pacing slightly. He was agitated, arms flailing as he spoke to his brother and—
I squinted.
Is my future husband fighting a feline?
He pointed at it while it sat on the chair. The cat stared at him judgmentally, its ears twitching as if it were plotting revenge.
Interesting cat. I liked it already.
Clearly intelligent. Also judgmental.
I huffed out a laugh as Drew moved to the living room windows and stared out at the street.
My car isn’t there, sweetheart.
He spun around, gesturing as he argued with his brother and the cat some more. I watched through the large windows on the backside of the house as the cat’s tail flicked, then it lifted its paw and began licking it.
Drew faced the cat again.
It froze, slowly looking up.
Stop messing with that cat. It looks like it’ll get revenge while you’re sleeping.
Then the cat turned, staring directly into the woods. Right at me.
I lifted my hand and waved.
Its ears twitched.
Then it lifted a paw and started licking it, already bored.
Drew turned to Sebastian. His expression was a mixture of shock and fear. Seconds later, Drew stalked to the patio door and flicked the light on. He scanned the patio, the backyard, and the tree line by the woods before he turned back to his brother.
After his brother went upstairs, Drew checked the doors to ensure they were locked.
Cute. Locks are easy for me to get around.
Then he disappeared down the hallway to his bedroom.
The light flickered on, and there he was, framed by the doorway for a beat before he moved further inside his room.
My mouth went dry as he started unbuttoning his shirt.
I shifted slightly, watching him.
As always, his room was neat and organized. Just like him.
Come on, Drew. Take your clothes off.
As if he felt my stare, he froze.
Then his head turned sharply toward the window. His chest heaved before he slowly moved closer to the glass.
My breath stuttered. Not because he could see me. I knew he couldn’t. Not with the cover of darkness outside and the huge tree shielding me from view.
Because he felt me. Sensed me.
My pulse ticked up, sharp and electric.
Something in him knew I was out there.
Interesting.
I stayed perfectly still, letting the darkness swallow me whole.
After a moment, he stepped back from the window.
The tension in my chest eased, replaced by something warmer. Something satisfied.
He was already reacting. And I haven’t even started what I have planned for him yet.
My gaze traced the house.
Doors. Windows. Blind spots.
Nothing had changed.
A small breath left me, almost a laugh. His bedroom is on the first floor, practically inviting me inside.
Drew stripped down to his boxers. I sucked in a breath.
He was… magnificent.
I stood on my tiptoes, lifting the visor of my helmet, wishing I could see more.
When he shut off the light, I heaved out a sigh, disappointed I couldn’t see him anymore.
But I didn’t leave.
This was just the beginning.
I look at my watch.
It’s go time.
I quietly move through the backyard, sticking to the shadows.
I slow, steadying my pulse, my eyes on his window.
The grass barely whispers beneath my boots as I step closer, anticipation curling through me.
I pause just beneath his window, listening. There’s nothing but silence.
I rise slightly, just enough to peer inside.
There he is, lying on his back, the covers pulled to his chest.
I study him, watching his chest rise and fall.
He sighs, then adjusts his position.
I freeze, then relax when he doesn’t turn toward me.
I linger for a few more minutes before I step back.
That’s enough for tonight.
Even though I’m desperate for more.
I slip through the yard, back through the woods, and to my motorcycle.
A smile curls my lips as I start it and head for home.
Watching Drew only makes me want him even more. But I’m too methodical to be rash and ruin everything. As much as I want to crawl in bed beside him, doing so would only make him scream, waking up Ivy and Sebastian.
As I pass Sebastian’s house from the street, I blow a kiss at it, picturing Drew tossing and turning, wondering if I’m still out there.
Watching and waiting.
Soon, Drew.
You won't even realize I stopped lurking outside.
One day, I'll simply become part of your life.