The problem was, her dad would know something was wrong, even if Chrissie and Forrest gave an explanation. He was very astute, even before her mom and sister died. Chrissie wouldn’t be able to hide the truth, and she didn’t want him getting angry.
She glanced behind her again. Drake was now hovering in the doorway of a closed store, staring right at her. God, he was scary when he was like that.
What did he want from her? Why was he so obsessed with her? Surely, any decent guy would understand that she wanted nothing to do with him by now. Even stupid people could understand.
Drake wasn’t stupid, that much she knew. But the way he was ignoring her was frightening.
Forrest’s arm tightened around her shoulders.
“We’ll be out of here shortly,” he murmured. “Unless he can get a cab quickly, he won’t be able to follow us.”
“What am I going to do after that? I can’t stay at your place tonight.”
“You might have to. Drake knows better than to do anything while I’m around.” Forrest looked at her, and Chrissie saw something warring in his eyes. “I would feel more comfortable with you around me. At least I would know that you’re okay.”
His dark hair was falling over his forehead. Chrissie wanted to reach up and brush it away. She always wanted to know if his hair was as soft as it looked. Even now, her fingers were itching to find out.
Forrest cleared his throat and looked away, his arm loosening about her shoulders.
“Cab is here. They’re normally pretty quick.”
“What? Oh.”
He was right. The taxi had turned up faster than she expected. Forrest urged her into the backseat, following her and settling beside her. Chrissie caught sight of Drake, still staring at them. But it looked like he had gotten closer.
Who knew that the star quarterback would turn into a creepy stalker? Chrissie didn’t know what she had done to deserve this, and she didn’t like it.
Hopefully, Drake would be getting hell for this tomorrow. The players were supposed to behave appropriately whenever they were out in public, and Drake was certainly not being appropriate. Even with the many times he had gotten into trouble, he just kept going. It was like everyone was expected to put up with the bad boy and his behavior.
What were they going to say now he was going after one of the staff? Chrissie hoped someone would listen properly.
Her phone was buzzing in her purse as the taxi started to move. Chrissie fished it out, and saw a message from Rita.
Did you get back okay? Drake’s gone, and I don’t know where he is.
Chrissie glanced at Forrest, who was staring out of the window, and quickly responded.
He was following us. Forrest said he would take me to his. Sorry.
Rita’s reply was almost instant.
None needed. Stay safe. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.
“Who’s that?” Forrest asked.
“Rita.” Chrissie put her phone away. She didn’t want him to see the saucy emojis Rita had put on the end of the last message. “Just letting her know I’m going in another direction. I feel bad leaving her and the others like that.”
“They’ll be fine. Daniel’s going to keep an eye on them.” Forrest grinned. “He’s a bit of a charmer, and the ladies seem to like him.”
Chrissie couldn’t help but giggle.
“Well, June does like a bit of a dad bod.”
“Now I’m not going to ask how she found out about that.” Forrest turned fully to face her. “Your friends will be okay. You’ll be okay. Then I’ll drive you back home in the morning.”
“How are we going to explain that to Dad?”
“You let me deal with that.”