Page 9 of Shadowing Charlotte

Chapter nine

Charlotte

I didn't see the Camaro all morning, so I hadn't expected to spot him leaning against the side of the next building, another cigarette in hand.

When he tried the vape and his face lit up with delight, I felt victorious. But, when he made a comment about wanting to dive in the trash and retrieve the spit-covered cigarettes, I wanted to smack him upside the head.

Any normal woman would be running from him, screaming out for someone to call the police. Clearly, I wasn't normal. Instead, my dumb ass suggested that he buy me lunch.

I crossed the street toward the little restaurant, not bothering to glance back at him. I knew he would follow me. He couldn't help himself.

We were seated on the outside patio and handed menus as I glanced at my phone. I had thirty-eight minutes until I had to be back at work. "So, what is 'Hewart'?" he asked. He looked at the building across the street as he pushed his hood back, his dark hair falling haphazardly over his brows.

"Hewart Press. It's a publishing house." I replied, looking up at the waitress and ordering a BLT and a Pepsi.

He nodded at the waitress, informing her he would have the same.

I shouldn't have been offering him more information about my life, but I couldn't help it.

Something about him drew me in. He was easy to talk to; it didn't hurt that he was handsome. "I'm Charlotte, by the way."

"I already know that…" The corners of his mouth twitching in amusement.

"Usually, when someone gives them your name, you give them yours," I stared at him expectantly .

"And if I give you my name, Princess, what's to stop you from giving it to the police?" he countered.

"As you said, if I haven't told anyone yet, what makes you think I'm going to?" I asked smugly. He'd seemed so certain of himself just the other day. Now that I'd asked for his name, there was doubt in his blue eyes.

He said nothing, taking another puff off of the vape, the sweet smell filling the air around us. "It's still illegal to vape within fifteen feet of an entrance," I informed him with a small smile.

"Sue me, Princess."

"Stop calling me that!" I snapped.

"Are you not? Spoiled little rich girl from New Haven…" I glared at him, crossing my arms over my chest. I couldn't deny that he was right. My father had money. I'd gone to a private high school. By all common definitions, I was exactly that. Still, his assessment stung.

"You have no idea who I am…" I replied, my cheeks burning with anger.

"Sweetheart, I know exactly who you are.

Handed life on a silver fucking platter.

A poor little rich girl with a life so hard she sneaks out to quarries and drinks herself stupid.

" I saw red, his assumption hitting me like a speeding car.

The moment the waitress set the sodas down, I threw my drink in his face, jumping from my seat.

"Just because you've watched me through windows for two years doesn't mean you know shit about me, you fucking creep! Stay away from me, or I will call the cops," I threatened. This time I actually meant it. Without another word, I stormed from the cafe, leaving him drenched in soda.

As I crossed the street, I reached into my bag, cursing under my breath when I remembered I'd given him my vape. God, I was so fucking stupid. Why did I think having lunch with him could have been a good idea? Why had I even given him the time of day? He was a fucking stalker, for Christ's sake…

I stomped back to my tiny office, slamming the door shut behind me. Sinking into my chair, I shoved my glasses back on and engulfed myself in reading for the rest of the afternoon.

When I finally clocked out for the day, my stomach felt like it was devouring itself.

I didn't get to eat during lunch, which only brought me back to what that asshole had said to me on the patio.

Climbing into my Jeep, I planned my drive home, making a mental list of the food I needed to buy at the grocery store.

I was still pissed at… Fuck, I still didn't know his fucking name!

I tossed my purse into the passenger side, stilling. On the leather seat, there was a brand-new Elf Bar and a card .

Sorry, princess.

Tongue pressed against my teeth, my hands shaking, I pulled the silicone tab out of the vape and inhaled deeply, letting the nicotine ease the tension I'd been carrying.

He had some fucking nerve… Still, he'd apologized, something I'd never expected.

Shaking my head in self-disgust, I put the Jeep in drive and pulled out of the parking lot.

I drove the entire way to the grocery store without bothering to turn on the radio, lost in thought. He'd stalked me. He knew where I lived. He'd insulted me, and still, I wanted to see him again, if only to unravel the riddle he presented—my own private puzzle to piece together.

Arms loaded, I struggled with the grocery bags as I entered the code on the lock and stumbled into the house.

The kitchen light was on. My body went rigid, the blood draining from my face.

The jar of jam cracked as the bags fell from my hands.

I shouldn't have been afraid. He'd never threatened me.

But, after I'd thrown my drink in his face, I didn't know whether I'd pissed him off or not.

He bought me a vape… He apologized… I reasoned as I slowly approached the kitchen, my heart settling in the base of my throat. On the kitchen counter was a dozen cases of fucking Pepsi. I couldn't contain the giggle of disbelief that spilled from my lips. What the absolute fuck?

Shaking my head, I dug into my bag and pulled out my phone. If he wanted to play, I could, too. "Daddy?" I exhaled a long breath the moment my father answered the phone. "I have a question…"

For the rest of the week, I didn't see the stranger once. Whether he was still watching me, or avoiding me altogether, I couldn't be sure.

Mirium, one of the girls who worked in the reception office, had invited me to come out for drinks. I couldn't tell her no. It had been far too long since I'd allowed the world to slip away.

Curling my hair, I danced in the mirror, smiling at my reflection. I knew I looked hot. The blue dress I'd picked barely covered my ass, my heels sky high.

The Uber arrived at ten thirty. Before I climbed inside, I glanced down the street, both relieved and disappointed that the Camaro was nowhere to be seen.

"Eden?" the driver asked, glancing at the address on his phone screen .

"Yes." I pulled the door closed and settled back in the seat. I didn't want to think about him anymore. Strong drinks and music would chase all thoughts of him away.