Page 14 of Big Easy
SUTTON
"Will I see you back at home later, or are you staying with Jaxson again tonight?
" Maci asks as I slip my four-inch heels into my duffle bag.
We just finished pole class, and I am changing out of my shorts and sports bar into a pair of jeans and a tank.
It's been almost two weeks since the trip to New Orleans and I have been spending all my free time with Jaxson.
"I'm staying with Jaxson. I mentioned staying at my place for a few days since we have been spending every free minute we have together, and I figured he could use a break, but he's about to blow a gasket at the notion."
"That man has it bad for you," Maci giggles.
"I know." I beam. "The feeling is mutual."
"I am really happy for you, Sutton. You deserve a good man like Jaxson. You deserve to be happy. I don't care what people say about Jaxson and his club. Any man who can put the kind of smile on your face that you've been sporting the past several weeks is more than okay in my book."
Sitting on the bench beside Maci in the locker room, I put my arm around her. "Thanks, Maci."
Maci grins. "You traded way up, girl. I knew you would eventually find a good man; a man who adores you. I'm still jealous I missed Noah getting his ass handed to him by Jaxson at the charity event."
I laugh. "It was priceless and one of the most gratifying moments in my life."
Stepping out of the dance studio, I wave to Maci as she heads off in the direction of her car, and I make my way to mine. "I'm going to stop at the store and pick up some wine before heading home to change and pack."
"All right girl, I'll see you later." Maci calls out as she slips behind the wheel of her car.
As I approach my vehicle, the eerie feeling I had last week of being watched creeps up my spine, and I quickly jump into my car and lock the doors.
My hands shake as I fumble with my keys but manage to finally get them in the ignition.
Once I start the car, I take a few calming breaths and make a mental note to talk to Jaxson about these feelings I have been having.
Something tells me I shouldn't ignore it.
The same sense of unease still lingers on the drive to the store.
Pulling into the parking lot, I make sure to take in my surroundings before getting out.
Feeling stupid, I shake off my paranoia, cut the engine and climb out of my car.
The bell over the door chimes, alerting Marty to my arrival.
Marty is the owner of our local mom and pop liquor store.
"Well, if it isn't my favorite nurse. How ya doin' darlin. "
I smile at the old man. "I'm doin' good, Marty. How's things been?"
"I woke up to another day, so I'd say I'm doin' okay."
"I know that's right," I agree, making my way toward the back of the store where my favorite wine is shelved. Grabbing a bottle, I head back up front while checking the time.
"So, rumor is, you're seeing Jaxson," Marty's nosy behind starts fishing for news. I swear this whole dang town is nosey.
"Ya heard that, did ya?" I shake my head and chuckle.
Marty's bushy gray eyebrows perk up. "You're too dang pretty to not have a fella chasin' after you. That Jaxson fella is good people. I'm happy for ya, girl."
"Awe!" I place my hand over my heart. "Thank you, Marty."
He shrugs, placing the bottle of wine into a paper bag. "Just callin' it like I see it."
By the time I reach my apartment, I am a bit calmer, but the unsettling feeling remains in the pit of my stomach. Pulling out my phone, I shoot off a quick text to Jaxson instead of calling him since I know he is working.
Me : Hey. Just got to my place. I'm going to grab a few things then head your way.
After pressing send, I toss the phone back into my purse, then climb out of the car.
On my way up to my apartment, I can't help but take stock of my surroundings.
The sun has already set, and the parking lot is dark.
I make sure to keep my keys in my hand. My dad makes sure to keep both my sister and me supplied with pepper spray.
I keep one in my car, and the other is on my key ring.
Once I am inside my apartment, I breathe a sigh of relief. Maybe I'm overreacting. Get it together, Sutton .
Padding into my bedroom, I open my closet and grab the small travel bag I have stowed in the back.
Setting it on my bed, I go about packing enough clothes to last at least three days.
Knowing Jaxson, he'll want me to stay longer than one night.
He has already declared I am to be in his bed every night.
He seemed pissed when I mentioned I would stay at my place.
I'd be lying if I said I didn't like his reaction.
Tossing a few pairs of panties, along with bras, into the bag, I make my way to the bathroom and collect my toiletries from beside the sink.
Remembering my favorite pair of work shoes is in the living room, I search for them.
Just as I clear the hallway, a figure standing by the front door causes me to halt, and a shriek to escape my mouth.
My heart begins to beat rapidly at the sight of the person standing in front of me.
"Peter. What are you doing? How did you get in?
here?" My voice trembles as I take a hesitant step back.
"I wanted to see you."
"Peter, this is highly inappropriate and illegal. You can't break into my apartment. If you don't leave, I am calling the police."
"I didn't break-in," he denies as he takes a step forward. "I used my key." Peter holds up a silver piece of metal.
"How did you get that?"A lump forms in my throat.
"I made a copy. You left your keys out on your desk at work one day."
"Peter. I want you to leave. Now." I raise a shaky hand and point to the door behind him.
"If you really wanted me to leave, you would not have left your keys out for me to find."
"What? I don't know what you are talking about."
"I picked up on all your little clues, Sutton.
All the times you smiled at me—that time when you touched my arm.
I know you were just trying to keep us a secret from the people you work with, so you didn't get in trouble with your job.
Now that man you have been seeing is trying to steal you away from me.
He even tried to scare me away from you by coming to my house and beating me up. But nothing can keep me away."
"Peter, you need help. Now, I'm going to ask you one more time. Leave before I call the police."
"I'm not leaving without you, Sutton. Don't you see? We can finally be together." Peter takes another step in my direction.
"You're crazy." My breath hitches and there is no denying the terror in my voice.
"I am not crazy!" he yells, spittle flying from his mouth. "Why does everyone keep telling me I'm crazy?" Peter's eyes fill with rage.
Just then, my eyes catch sight of a flash of light coming from under the coffee table.
It's Maci's cell. The screen lights up with an incoming text.
What the hell. Why is Maci's phone on the floor?
Suddenly, a heavy ball of dread settles in the pit of my stomach.
Oh, God, what has this man done with my friend?
My gaze flicks over to the sofa and that's when I notice Maci's purse laying open on the floor with some of its contents spilling out.
Knowing I need to keep my cool, I turn my full attention back to Peter.
"Peter." I place my arms out in front of me and try to talk soothingly.
"Look. Maybe I gave you the wrong idea. That's my fault, okay.
I was just trying to be nice to you. Why don't we go for that coffee now and talk about it?
" If I can get Peter to agree to leave the apartment with me, then I have a chance of getting away.
I continue, "Remember you mentioned taking me to a coffee shop you like? We can go there."
Peter nods. "Yeah. Yeah, let's go there. See! I knew I could get you to go out with me. I just had to get you alone and away from that biker." Peter's tone turns serious. "That man is bad. He is no good for you, Sutton."
I nod. "You're right, Peter. I see that now.
I'm just going to get my purse, so we can go.
" On shaky legs, I back out of the living room and down the hall to my bedroom.
When I step in, I waste no time rummaging through my purse for my phone.
Just as I am about to dial 911, Peter's voice rings out behind me.
"What are you doing? Give me that," he demands, his face turning red as he lunges for the phone.
Sidestepping him, I run out of the room and down the hall.
I don't make it far before I am tackled from behind.
We fall to the floor with him on top of me, and the phone is knocked from my hand.
"Get off of me!" I scream as I struggle against his hold, but his weight is too much for me.
"Stop fighting me. I don't want to have to hurt you, Sutton," Peter grunts. His face is red, and the stench of his breath makes me want to gag.
"Help! Somebody help!" I scream once again at the top of my lungs.