Page 24 of Christmas Stalking

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“You knit too?”Marly asks excitedly. I glance up to see she’s poked her way into another one of my boxes, having found a starter knitting kit I bought a while back.

I thought I might try it out, but that was two years ago and it’s still in its original box. I tossed it in with all my other stuff when I was rushing to move, thinking maybe this time I could actually give it a go.

“No, I don’t knit. I’ve thought about it.” I’m always interested in trying to create things with my hands. Some things I’m great at, others—like cooking—I suck at. That applies to building any type of furniture as well.

“I can teach you!” Marly is about to literally burst at the seams. I know how much she loves to knit. She even gave me a blanket she made that is now draped over my sofa. She does beautiful work.

“I mean, if you really want to, we can give it a go one day.” For some reason, I’m pretty sure I’m going to be terrible at this, but she’s bouncing on her heels at the idea of teaching me, so I can’t say no.

“One day? Why not now?” Marly is already putting her coat on.

I want to keep painting ornaments and decorating. I haven't been excited about the holidays since I lost my parents, but now I can’t help but think about Christmas morning with Marly and Jackson. A big reason I’ve been able to bond so quickly with them is because they also lost their parents. I loved how Jackson really took Marly under his wing to take care of her. It just lets me know that one day he’s going to be a good father.

I had Nina, but she’s a bit prickly. I never even thought once to invite her over for the holidays. The first few years after my parents passed I spent with some friends, but I felt odd, like I was intruding on their family event. I’m sure it was my own insecurities, but I often thought I’d see pity in their eyes when they looked at me, so I stopped going.

I wonder if Ted and David would want to join us too. They could bring Fluffy. He’s adorable. Maybe Jackson and I could get a dog or maybe a cat at some point. I could knit a little cat sweater to suggest the idea to Jackson.

“Okay, I’m down. Let’s do this.”

“Oh, we’re already doing this.” Marly pulls her keys out of her pocket before unarming my alarm. “I’m going to run home and grab some stuff. Also some food. You’re a terrible cook.”

“Hey, I can order takeout like no one else.” Well, I used to. When I lived in Soho, there were so many options to pick from.

I’m still learning what is around here, which isn’t a ton. Marly’s and my houses are a bit outside the city. Jackson’s is a lot closer with more options. Not that we ever need takeout. The man cooks like a trained chef.

“It’s cool. I got some stuff. I’ll be back in a little. Put the alarm back on.” She points to the screen as she opens my front door, sounding just like her brother.

“I know.” I get up to lock the door and arm the system behind Marly, but my phone goes off, distracting me.

I’m guessing it's Jackson wondering why my alarm turned off and I haven’t put it right back on. Which I was about to do. When I grab the phone, I see Nina’s name on the screen. I debate not answering it, but I can’t be rude. She’s been a bit much lately, but since I lost my parents she has been the one constant in my life. I owe her for that, at least.

“Hey,” I say when I answer.

“We have a problem. Do you have your go bag ready?” She sounds panicked, which isn’t normal for her. Even when things are crazy, she always keeps her cool somehow. It’s impressive.

“My go bag? Seriously?” When I moved, she told me I should always keep a piece of luggage ready to go at any minute in case I needed to get out quickly. “Nina, I promise I’m safe. If you met my boyfriend, you’d understand.” I laugh.

“Oh, I’ve met him, Annabella. Your fiancé!” He called me his fiancée? For a second, I forget about Nina’s worried tone. “This is not good.” My chest grows tight. She’s really freaking out.

That panic I haven’t felt in weeks starts to rise inside of me. I try to remember where I put my meds. Then it dawns on me that they are in the bathroom under the sink. I hid them. I was a bit embarrassed to tell Jackson about them. He already worries over me. I didn’t want him to know that ever since all this started, my panic attacks have come back. I had them when I first lost my parents, but I’d gotten them under control.

“Why isn’t this good? Jackson owns a security firm. I’ve never been safer.” I don’t want to leave.

“You don’t think it’s weird? This man showing up in your life suddenly and him being all over you? Then in a matter of weeks he’s got you under his thumb. You think that’s a coincidence?” I shake my head, even though she can’t see me, not wanting to believe anything she’s saying.

“No, Nina, Jackson is sweet and protective of me.” He has a whole life here. That would be a lot to fake and play out.

I think back to his place. While it is beautiful, it is rather bare when it comes to personal touches. Still, he has workers and a sister that lives next door. Then again, she too hasn’t lived there long, and Knight Security is in multiple states, from what Jackson told me. Who else would be able to break into my old place, past my old security other than someone who is the best at it?

“Protective or obsessive and controlling?” she fires back. I’m obsessed with him too, so I’m not sure that one counts.

“You don’t understand—”

“I bet he knows your every move and has said all the right things. You have to get out. You have no idea what he’s capable of.” He does say all the right things. Is it terrible that I don’t care if Jackson is obsessed with me? I don’t consider it controlling how he watches me. I think it’s sweet. He’s protective and enjoys checking in on me. I’m sure a therapist would have a field day with that, but I don’t care.

“Nina, he’s so good to me.” It’s not him. It can’t be.


Tags: Ella Goode Romance