Page 23

Landon

I maybe got an hour of sleep last night. I knew realistically that the door was locked, and that Kate was as safe as could be in my arms, but the chill running through my veins screamed at me to stay awake all night. I put all my effort into making my body her fortress and held on tight. I know she could sense my restlessness just as much as I could sense hers. If I had it my way right now, I’d sow myself onto her like Peter Pan’s fucking shadow.

I don’t know what is going through Trevor’s head, but I can say for certain it isn’t good. I sigh and look up at the chem board at the front of the class. I couldn’t tell you what the hell the professor is talking about, nor do I care today. I made Kate promise me that she would stay near groups of people today and text me when she made it to her classes. I hate that it probably only put her more on edge than she already was, but unfortunately, I am not that shadow, nor is she Peter fucking Pan.

Alexis throws a wadded up piece of paper at me to snap me out of my stupor. She’s sitting a row down and over to the right from me. She snickers quietly when I startle in my seat. Apparently, I was nodding off. I settle back into my chair and attempt to listen to the lecture.

I check my phone and sigh in relief to see that Kate made it to her creative literature class alright. She’ll be there until two and then will be back at the library for a quick shift from three to five to fill in for another student who couldn’t make it. I told her to say no, but she is a people pleaser that has a hard time telling people no when they ask for help. Melissa won’t be there, so that bothers me a bit. She’s like a mini German Shepherd if you mess with her people. I like her, and she got major points for making Kate call me last night.

I throw out a group text to Mason, Tommy, Jameson, and Gabe to see who all happens to be on campus. All of them but Tommy are. I quickly give them the gist of the situation. They are all shocked that Trevor’s pulling this kind of shit. I know Gabe’s already aware of everything thanks to Melissa, so he’s more than happy to swing through the library the first hour since he needs to actually study, and Jameson says he’ll stop in between four and five to check in after his last class of the day. The only reason any of this is possible is because Coach moved conditioning to a morning session before everyone’s classes started. According to Mason, Trevor was already there and sweating his ass off when the rest of the team arrived.

I am beyond thankful for these guys. This way I don’t make it as apparent that Kate has eyes watching out for her, and it hopefully won’t feel like I’m crawling up her ass and setting up camp. Also, Trevor would most likely just expect me to be watching and not necessarily think much of the others if he runs into them. Hopefully, I’m just being paranoid.

I get home around four and start scrounging up essentials for dinner. Kate’s had a rough couple of days and I want her to not have to worry about dinner. She’d probably fuss at me about resting my ribs, but they’re honestly doing okay. I’m just a bit sore like I expected. I decide a chicken alfredo sounds simple and comforting. I pop the top off a beer and start cooking the chicken around four-thirty.

Buzz.

Jameson: So, the fucker is sitting at a table outside scrolling on his phone. He wasn’t there when I went in about ten minutes ago, but I saw him as I was coming out. I stopped by and said a quick hey, and he made it apparent that he was waiting for Kristy to get there from her last class and should be there any minute. He almost seemed nervous. I’m gonna grab a coffee real quick and make my way back through to see if he’s lying. I’ll keep you posted.

Me: Thanks man, I appreciate it.

I clench my jaw and fight the urge to hop in my truck and go camp out at the library, but I know she doesn’t want to feel like someone is breathing down her neck constantly.

I set back to turning the chicken. Man, I wish I could talk to Kate’s dad right now. He’d know what to do. He’d also have his hackles up just like me which would make me feel way less paranoid, but after Jameson’s text, I guess it might be warranted.

Buzz.

Jameson: It’s been ten minutes, I’m strolling back through and surprise, surprise, no Kristy yet. He didn’t notice me this time coming through, so I’ll go study by the fountain where I have a view. I’ll make sure she gets to her car okay and step in if he seems to bother her. Don’t come. Let’s let him think nobody is watching. I wanna see how this fucker thinks.

Jameson had my reaction pegged there. I set my keys back down on the counter and swig my beer. Do I tell her that he’s watching her? No, I don’t want to freak her out if by some chance Kristy does show. Jameson has a good idea though. I’ve got my eye on the time and tense when five o’clock hits. I start the water for the noodles and stir the alfredo into the diced up chicken. I add a couple of herbs and a dash of red pepper flakes to add a hint of heat.

Buzz.

Jameson: She didn’t see him when she came out because of a group of students in the way, but I’m on the move. He’s fucking following her, Landon.

My stomach sinks.

Me: Do not let her out of your sight.

Jameson: I won’t. She should be in her car in less than ten minutes. I parked the row over from her, so I can see everything clearly. Hopefully this group of students are heading to the parking lot too.

Me: Jameson, that girl is my world.

Jameson: I’ll make sure she’s safe.

Me: Thank you, and be careful.

Ten minutes isn’t a very long time, unless you are waiting and holding your breath to find out if the love of your life and friend make it to their cars okay. What if he tries something stupid? Fuck! I run my hands through my hair. What if he hurts her? I haven’t told her I love her. I grind my molars. What if he sees Jameson and hurts him and then hurts her? I eye my phone. It’s been eight minutes since Jameson’s last text. They should be getting to their cars now. I roll my eyes to the ceiling and pray for God to help them both be safe. I blow out a long breath. Nine minutes...

Buzz.

Buzz.

Buzz.

Jameson. I pick up that fucker as fast as my fingers can manage.

“You’re both okay?” I pant out and run my fingers through my hair again.

“He’s following her back to your place! I’m a couple cars behind. He hasn’t seen me. This is unbelievable man. I’ve never seen him so focused on anything, and I’ve known him for three years now. Something’s not right. He’s not right. And whatever is going on in his head is escalating quickly. I don’t like it.”

“That makes two of us,” I grit out between my teeth as I shut off the heat to the now done noodles. I feel like I’m going to throw up. “Thank you so much for keeping an eye on her. I owe you one.”

“You never have to thank me for this. I hate that you were right. Between all of us, we’ll keep an eye on her. He hasn’t pulled anything to nail him yet though. God forbid it even comes to that, but from what I just saw, how he stalked after her… It gave me the chills, man. He wants her. I don’t think he’s going to just stop.”

“How close are you?” I ask, grinding my knuckles into the countertop to tamp down the urge to hit something.

“She just turned down your street. He just flipped on his blinker and is getting ready to turn. I’ll continue behind him until I see that he’s going to keep going or I know she’s inside.”

“It’ll be weird if I’m waiting outside for her, won’t it?” I ask as I peek out the peephole of the door.

“Might tip him off that we’re on to him,” Jameson quips, and I sigh. He’s right. I pinch the bridge of my nose with my thumb and forefinger.

“I can see her walking up to the front door. He’s pulling over and parking on the side of the road across the street. I’ll pull into your parking lot and see how long he decides to sit,” Jameson reports.

The key in the door has me moving back out of the way and Kate frowns when she notices me wild eyed and waiting. I hold up a finger for her to wait. She nods and sets down her stuff as I push the door closed with a thud, lock it, and check out the peephole to see his silver car across the road and up to the right a little.

“Thanks, man. She’s in. I’ll check in with you in a few.” I hang up. Kate’s got a confused look on her face. Rightfully so.

“Landon, what’s going on? Why were you waiting for me at the door looking all wired? And who were you telling that I’m home?”

“He’s outside.”

Kate’s eyes go wide and she turns her head to look at the door as if she could see him through it.

“He sat outside the library and waited for you. He followed you all the way to your car and then followed you back here. He’s parked across the street right now watching the apartment.” Kate’s lips tremble and tears well in her eyes, but I won’t keep this from her.

“Jameson noticed him after coming out of the library. Trevor told him he was waiting for Kristy, but she never showed. Jameson agreed to wait and watch from a distance to make sure you were okay. He’s parked in our parking lot to see how long Trevor sits outside.”

“I need a shower,” she says and nods at me as she storms off for the bathroom. I sigh and resign myself to give her a few minutes to let out all the emotion she thinks she’s sparing me from. I know that what I just told her rocked her world and she needs a minute to adjust.