Chapter 11
The new year passed with Hayden and Whitney riding the bliss of their new life together. Whitney, having gained several new clients, was working from home on her laptop. Her phone buzzed with a text. Thinking it was Hayden, she picked it up, a smile on her face. Her smile quickly disappeared.
”Where are you, Whitney? Bitch, are you with him? I know you’re with someone new. Slut. Always screwing around on me. You belong to me. Don’t you know you have always been mine? No one else can love you like I love you.”
Whitney read the text again, her face turning pale, her stomach falling to the floor. Feeling her lunch coming up, she scrambled to the sink and threw up, her body retching painfully as she emptied the contents of her stomach into the sink. Running the water, she washed away all evidence of her sickness and reached for a paper towel to wipe her mouth. How can Paul still affect me this way?
Since her move to Primrose, she hadn’t so much as heard a peep from Paul. And now this. Her head started to ache, and she walked over to the couch and sunk into the cushions. Closing her eyes, she tried to ward off the anxiety attack, which was rapidly building inside her. Does Paul know about Hayden?If so, how does he know?All my social media is private, only friends can see my posts. Perhaps I need to double check my settings. A mental checklist rapid firing in her mind.
Just then, her phone rang, startling her and causing her to drop it onto the cushion next to her. Recognizing the number as the property manager for her apartment building in Toronto, she answered it.
“Hi James! How are you?” she greeted, trying to steady her building anxiety.
“I’m fine, but I’m so sorry to tell you that your apartment was broken into last night.”
“What?” Whitney asked in disbelief as she rose from the couch and started pacing, her stomach aching painfully again.
“Yeah, one of your neighbours noticed your door unlatched this morning. It was scraped up, looking like it was pried open. She reported it to me, and I called the police. They’re up there right now. Are you at work right now? Were you gone over the holidays? I haven’t seen you around the apartment for a while.”
“I’ve been in Manitoba for the past two months,” Whitney answered.
“Oh, that explains it. Whitney, this is a secure building, so I have no idea how someone could just break in. I’m going to go through the surveillance cameras with the police.”
“Okay, I will fly out as soon as I can.”
“It’s not good Whitney, the apartment is trashed,” he answered with sincere sadness in his voice. “Let me know when you’re coming.”
Whitney hung up the phone and stood there, holding it in shock. First the text, then the call about her apartment. Without question, Paul had something to do with the break in. She felt it in her gut. She needed to get to Toronto as soon as possible. With shaking hands, she dialed Hayden’s number at work.
“Hastings Hardware.”
“Hayden?” she asked, her voice cracking with emotion. “It’s Whitney. I need to fly to Toronto. Something bad has happened.”
* * *
Hayden and Whitneyexited the plane at Pearson International Airport and made their way to the luggage claim. Whitney had been quiet the entire flight, and Hayden ached painfully for her. He could see the worry in her eyes and wanted desperately to take this burden from her. Finding out what had happened, he immediately made arrangements so he could go with her. Whitney should not have to her deal with this alone and the thought of her ex-husband threatening her made him want to act as a protective shield around her. Paul would not get near Whitney.
They retrieved their luggage and hailed a cab to take them to their hotel. After dropping off their luggage, they headed to her apartment.
The property manager for her building met them at the front door of the complex. “Hey Whitney.” he greeted, giving her a quick hug. “I’m so sorry you had to rush here under these circumstances.”
Whitney gave him a sad look and gestured to Hayden. “James, this is my boyfriend, Hayden Hastings.”
The men shook hands and James guided them to the elevator as he updated them on the situation.
“I’ve not touched anything. The police have dusted for fingerprints, looked for any evidence they may need, and did everything they can do right now. Your apartment just needs to be cleaned up. I’m not sure what your plans are for your lease coming up?” James asked, pressing the sixth floor button.
“I will not be renewing.”
“Okay, then painting and patching will need to be done so I can rent it out on February 1st. I changed the locks, so here is the temporary key for you,” he said, handing it over. “When you’re done, you can just drop the key in the office mailbox.”
They walked down the hall together and Hayden took Whitney’s hand in his, giving it a supportive squeeze, letting her know he was with her through this. Whitney glanced up at him, so much emotion in her deep brown eyes.
“Let me know if you need me,” offered James, turning to head back downstairs.
Whitney turned the key and opened the door slowly, apprehensive of what she might find. Immediately, Whitney gasped and her hand came over her mouth in shock. On the wall were the words, “Stupid Bitch.” written in spray paint. Her couch was turned over, the cushions ripped and shredded, their stuffing strewn about the apartment. The bookshelves toppled and her books were torn and thrown around the room. She walked over to her kitchen and all her dishes, glasses and serve ware were smashed, piles of glass all over the hardwood floor. Her coffee pot was smashed, as were her small appliances she had on the countertop.
Hayden looked around in horror at the rubble that was left of her apartment. Rubble being the only way to describe the disaster before them. Whitney silently picked up a piece of a decorative glass bowl and looked at it sadly, then threw it aside in the pile of glass on the kitchen floor. Hayden felt tears prick his eyes, as all he could do is watch her, taking in all that she owned broken and destroyed. The scene was devastating, and Whitney was somber in her perusal of the damage. She walked slowly down the hall, stepping carefully over piles of her belongings to what he assumed was her bedroom. She stopped and stood pale faced in front of her bed. Not until he reached her did he see what she was looking at. Written across her headboard in spray paint was the word “SLUT”. At that moment, Whitney crumpled to the floor, her knees giving out on her. Loud, frantic sobs, escaping her throat as her body convulsed with each piercing wail of anger, utter devastation manifesting outward with her other worldly cries. Hayden went down to the floor with her and lifted her into his lap, cradling her as she let go. She turned, burying her face in his shoulder, the sobs wracking her body violently. Hayden, shaken himself, couldn’t hold back his own tears as he held her, so confused why anyone would do this to her.
* * *
Hayden and Whitneyhad been in Toronto for four days, cleaning, painting, and repairing all they could. Exhausted and with the final inspection done by the Property Manager, Whitney held a box of items she managed to salvage and took one last look at her apartment. A place she loved for the past five years and now it was time to say goodbye. Carrying her box of books and keepsakes that survived the ransacking of her apartment, she took one last look around, then closed and locked the door to her old life.
“Are you okay?” Hayden asked, putting his hand on the small of her back.
“I will be,” she said, giving him a half smile. “These past few days have been a lot to deal with.”
Hayden acknowledged her, leaning down to give her a chaste kiss and rubbed her back supportively.
When they had arrived and had seen the devastation, they paid a visit to the police station to give a statement and press charges against Paul. Whitney reported the threatening emails and texts she received from Paul and applied for another order of protection. They had already matched his identity with the surveillance camera and a warrant was out for his arrest. There was nothing more she could do for now but hope they would be able to apprehend him.
Hayden grabbed the box she was holding, and they made their way to the elevator. Setting the box down at his feet while they waited for the elevator, he pulled her into him for a hug as he rubbed her back and kissed her head affectionately. The elevator dinged, and the doors opened, and a tall, lanky man walked out. He wore a black bomber style winter jacket, a toque slung low, his head was down. Hayden caught his eye, an unsettling smirk on his lips. He nodded, acknowledging Hayden, their eyes meeting, then looking down quickly, he stuffed his hands in his pockets. Hayden grabbed the box and took a double take at the man now opening his apartment door, two doors down from Whitney’s old apartment. Something about him felt suspect. His dark eyes, piercing, almost sinister. His smirk, not friendly, but showing a meanness that made Hayden’s gut ache. A deep uneasiness enveloped him by the brief encounter as he followed Whitney into the elevator and to the waiting cab outside the apartment building.
* * *
Back in their hotel room,Whitney climbed into bed next to Hayden and nestled into his chest, her hand resting on his stomach.
“You’re quiet. Something on your mind?” she asked, noting his mood change since they left her apartment.
Hayden took a moment to think through her question, then replied. “Yes, it”s probably nothing, but do you remember that guy that got off the elevator when we got on at the apartment building?”
“Vaguely. Why?” Whitney asked, popping her head up to meet his eyes.
“There was something about him that seemed off.” Hayden commented, furrowing his brows. “Was he a neighbour of yours?”
“No, I knew all my neighbours. I had lived there for five years and knew everyone. Perhaps he had just moved in?” she suggested with a shrug, as she laid her head back down and nestled into Hayden.
They both lay there a while in quiet contemplation, but Whitney could feel Hayden was still tense and deep in thought. Breaking the silence, Hayden asked. “Do you have a picture of your ex, Paul?”
“No, but I bet he has social media.” she answered, sitting up and grabbing her phone. She combed through her phone for a few minutes and turned it to show Hayden. The profile picture of Paul before him. He had greying hair, thinning on top, and looked tall, thin and lanky in build. He enlarged the picture and surveyed his face for a moment. Dark eyes stared back at him, the same dark eyes he saw earlier today. He looked at Whitney, her eyes curious and imploring him for answers. Hayden looked up at her, his face paling as he spoke. “Whitney, Paul lives two doors down from your apartment. We need to call the police.”
* * *
Paul was arrestedthat night and Whitney got the call that he was brought into custody. Through police questioning, they found out Paul had acquired the apartment two doors down from Whitney through a sublet and had been there since August of last year. He had been tracking her every move and when the police arrested him, they discovered hundreds of pictures of her taken as well as a notebook recording her movements. He had been stalking her and although they were not 100% sure of his intent, they found tape, rope, and tranquilizers in a duffle bag in his closet, which pointed to a potential abduction or worse. Whitney was instantly sick to her stomach.
Knowing he was now behind bars, Whitney was ready to go home. Her new home with Hayden.
Whitney walked into their house carrying her box of items from her Toronto apartment, and Hayden carried in their luggage. He tossed his keys on the island and put down the suitcases. Whitney put down the box and sighed.
“Come here.” Hayden gestured, tapping his chest.
Whitney walked into his strong arms, so warm and comforting. She sighed again, feeling the weight of the emotion from the past week lifting off her shoulders. A chapter had been closed in Toronto and now a new chapter was officially opening. A feeling of love and gratitude swept over her, and she looked up at Hayden, meeting his concerned eyes.
“Thank you.” she said. “I don’t think I could have dealt with everything if I didn’t have you there with me, holding me up. I love you so much.”
Hayden offered her a tired smile and leaned down to tenderly brush his lips to hers. He was undoubtedly exhausted and the realization of what she had put him through over the past few days sat heavy on her heart. The events of the past week, and her past in general, was a lot to deal with. Knowing that this incredible man who she was in a new relationship with would literally drop his life to come to her rescue when she needed him, was overwhelming. Was this all too much for him? Would he wake up one day and say, I can’t do this anymore?That it’s all too much. Part of her had faith that he would never do that to her, but part of her felt insecure and questioned if he could handle it. Would he one day walk away? The thought of not having him in her life made her emotions overflow and a cry inadvertently escaped her throat.
Startled, Hayden looked down at her, searching her face. “Are you okay?” He asked, brows furrowed with concern.
“Yes, just overwhelmed.” she replied. “Can I ask you something?”
“Yes, of course, anything.”
“I know I bring a lot of baggage with me, and I know this entire situation is far more than most can handle. Although you’ve been amazing through everything, I need to ask, aren’t you scared?”
He looked into her eyes, searching for the meaning behind the question. “Yes,” he confessed, “but not for the reason, you may think. I’m not scared of your past, any scars you carry because of your past, or helping you process through the events of this past week. Do I wish it never happened to you? Yes, of course. I wish you didn’t have to go through what you went through.”
“Then what scares you?” she asked, needing desperately to know.
“I’m scared of losing you,” he answered, his voice rough around the edges. “Knowing Paul had intent to abduct and physically harm you, or worse. That’s what scares me.” Whitney searched his eyes, seeing the fear within their depths. “Whitney, if something ever happened to you, if someone ever hurt you, I ….” he trailed off.
“I know Hayden.” she finished, wrapping her arms around his neck and silencing him with a kiss.
In that moment, nothing more needed to be said. Hayden was accepting her past baggage and there was nothing he wouldn’t do to keep her safe.
* * *
“You’re the best!”Ever exclaimed as Whitney passed her a plate with a cinnamon bun from the Eazy.
Whitney smiled, holding her own plate as she settled into their leather couch opposite from Ever. “How is the bed rest thing going?” Whitney asked, licking cream cheese icing off her fingertip.
Ever rolled her eyes and gave her an exasperated look. “It’s exhausting. But anything to keep these two cooking.” she said, rubbing her growing belly.
Whitney smiled, taking a bite of her cinnamon bun.
“So, I heard you had quite the impromptu trip to Toronto.” Ever mentioned. “Are you going to tell me about it?”
Whitney put down her plate on the coffee table and looked up at her friend’s curious eyes. “Where do I begin?”
Despite being so close to Ever, Whitney had never shared details of her past marriage with her. It was not that she didn’t trust Ever, but regaling her past was something uncomfortable to discuss and honestly something she didn’t want to relive, even if it was part of her story.
“Start from the beginning.” Ever replied.
Whitney sighed and spent the next hour opening up to her friend. As she did, she could slowly feel a weight lift off her shoulders. She shared about how she met Paul, their brief courtship, quick marriage, and the hardest part, the abuse. Sharing with Ever and seeing her reactions and wide-eyed compassion comforted Whitney, and she knew she was doing the right thing by telling her. Perhaps this was part of the healing process.
Concluding with the events of this past week, contemplative silence fell on the pair, Whitney knowing there was nothing more to tell and Ever rendered speechless.
“So, Paul is in jail now?” Ever asked. Whitney nodded. Ever let out a breath she seemed to have been holding and reached out to take Whitney’s hand. “Now that I know everything, I think I have a better understanding of you, to be honest.”
“How so?” Whitney asked, her eyebrow raised in question.
“I always felt like you never gave any of the guys you dated a chance,” she explained. “You would regale me with all your tales of dating, but no one was ever quite good enough. You always found fault in them before they got too close to you.”
Ever had hit the nail on the head. Whitney’s marriage had made her fearful, and even though she believed in marriage and had an incredible example with her parents, the thought of getting too close to someone or letting them in was terrifying. Until Hayden, of course. A reflective smile came over her as she thought of him. Hayden, just by being himself, was helping her to heal from her past. Erasing all the bad memories of her previous marriage and making her consider a future with him.
As if reading Whitney’s thoughts, Ever asked. “Have you and Hayden talked about the future?”
“No, not really, not yet,” Whitney replied.
“What are you waiting for?” she asked. “Anyone with two eyes can see that you are perfect for each other.”
Whitney knew Ever was right. She needed to confirm that she and Hayden were on the same page and the only way to do that was to bite the bullet and bring it up herself.
* * *
Hayden peekedinto the main bedroom ensuite to find Whitney soaking in the free-standing tub. Two years before his parents passed away, they renovated the house putting in the new kitchen and his mother’s dream bathroom with a huge shower for his dad, and at his mother’s request, a big soaker tub.
Whitney had her blonde hair piled on top of her head in a messy bun and her black-rimmed glasses on, which she seldom wore, but he thought were sexy as hell. She held a romance novel in her hand and was encased in luxurious bubbles. The room was steamy, and the smell of lavender tickled his senses. The heat of the tub gave her an ethereal glow, and her milky skin was rosy and flushed. The swells of her breasts peeked out of the bubble filled water, instantly making him aroused at the sight of her. She looked gorgeous and he couldn’t help but stand there, admiring her as she read her book, not noticing him standing at the entrance.
Finally, she looked up and her lips curved into an amused grin. “How long have you been watching me?” she asked, putting her book down on the vanity stool at her head.
“Long enough.” He replied, leaning against the vanity counter and resting his hands on the countertop.
Whitney’s eyes trailed down his body, stopping at the noticeable tent in his pants, and she rolled her eyes.
He flashed her a sexy grin, making her laugh. Her eyes turning serious as she pinned him with her gaze. “Hayden, do you mind if we talk seriously for a moment?”
Hayden furrowed his eyebrows and propped himself onto the countertop to take a seat.
“We need to talk about the future.” Hayden nodded and met her gaze. “Where do you think our relationship is going?” she asked boldly, diving right in.
Hayden looked down, folding his hands in front of him. His pause making this important conversation draw out as he attempted to formulate the right words. How can I fully express what I want with Whitney, without scaring her or making her feel like I’m wanting too much too soon? Looking up, he investigated her deep, imploring chocolate eyes and all he could do was speak from the heart and hope for the best. He cleared his throat and nervously confessed. “I want forever with you.”
“What does that mean, exactly?” she asked, needing clarification on his vague answer.
“It means that I can see you and I together in 50 years, a beautiful marriage and a beautiful life.”
“Really?” she asked, looking at him and wrinkling up her nose. “50 years? I’m going to be so old and wrinkled.”
“Old and cute,” he corrected with a laugh, making her smile. “When I think of us and where this relationship is going, all I can think is that I want everything with you. What that ends up being, only time will tell, but what I can tell you is that I am 100% all in on this relationship.”
Whitney smiled and crooked her finger, motioning him to her. He crouched down and leaned in to kiss her lips softly.
“What do you want from this relationship?” he countered, brushing a wet strand of hair from her face.
“The same as you. And your hot body, of course,” she replied, giving him a sexy wink.
Hayden fell back on his butt laughing, then rose from the floor, reaching behind his back to pull off his shirt. “Got room for me in that tub?” he asked as he popped the button of his jeans and pulled them down, along with his boxers. Standing before her, naked and ripped with muscles, she licked her lips. “Always room for your sexy ass,” she replied, batting her eyelashes at him.
He turned around and pointed at his taut backside. “You mean this one?”
Whitney laughed and slapped his butt with her wet hand, making the smack echo off the walls of the bathroom. She moved forward, making room for him to slide in behind her. He climbed in and lowered himself into the warm tub, his weight almost making the tub overflow. He leaned back on the tub incline and Whitney leaned back against him, her arms reaching behind her to encircle his neck. He ran his hands over her extended arms and down the side of her breasts and ribs making her shiver. He kissed her cheek as he wrapped his powerful arms around her naked body.
“Does it scare you that I want everything with you?” he asked, nuzzling her neck.
“No.” Whitney answered quickly. “I’ve always believed in love and marriage, and it has always been something I’ve wanted. Having all of that with you doesn’t scare me at all.”
He smiled, her comment all the permission he needed. “Operation Forever” was officially activated.