Chapter 5

CHAPTER FIVE

brIDGER

Jennie stares at me with bright eyes and pink cheeks. Confirmation that she knows I see she likes me. Well, the me that makes content online. The way I see it, there’s no reason why the two of us shouldn’t feel each other out and see if there’s more between us than the flirtatious banter we’ve shared back and forth for months online in my comment section.

“I’m unsure what to say. I mean, I assumed Slick might have someone tailing me. I just never imagined it would be you.”

“This stalker situation. Any idea who is behind the emails? Crazed fan? Ex boyfriend with an ax to grind?”

Shrugging, she shakes her head slightly, appearing completely lost. “Wish I knew.” Her voice comes out small and timid.

“Had to ask. I’ve been digging and the only thing that makes sense right now is your ex.”

“Stan?” she scoffs. “He wouldn’t.” Her brows knit in confusion as the gears in her head turn.

“May not be him.” I attempt to ease her worry, but I doubt I’m doing a good job since lines appear on her forehead and her lips stay turned down in the world’s bleakest frown.

Silence stretches between us out here in the North Carolina wilderness. The space between us is heavy and tension filled with the danger of her stalker looming around us.

Worrying her bottom, her teeth graze the delicate pink skin I’d love to have a taste of. I shouldn’t be so damn tempted to kiss her, but fuck if I don’t want her to trust me to protect her.

I’ve noticed biting her lips is a habit of hers. I picked up on the minor detail from watching the replays of her reading excerpts from her books until I passed out last night.

“Listen.” I begin to reassure her she doesn’t need to stress, but the sound of a twig snapping in the distance interrupts me. We both swing our heads in the direction the noise came from. I automatically move in front of her, blocking her from a would-be attacker as I reach for the gun I have tucked in my rear waistband.

“What’s happening?” she hisses.

“Keep quiet,” I grit out the words between my teeth. Someone could be listening and watching us. I use all my senses to survey the scene around us, but her safety is my first priority.

Minutes tick by and I release my grip on my gun and relax as I spot a couple of squirrels chasing each other through the trees. I observe Jennie as her gaze drifts off to the thick woods beyond the deck we’re standing on. She sucks in a deep, shuddering breath before turning her attention back to me. Her gaze hardens as she picks up her abandoned mug from the railing.

“I need a refresh,” she tells me, attempting to sound unrattled, but there’s vulnerability laced in the edge of her tone. “Would you like some coffee?”

“Coffee would be perfect.” I follow her through the back sliding glass door and into the small kitchen that mirrors the one in my cabin next door.

“So…” she hedges. “What’s with the mask this morning?”

I chuckle, understanding her curiosity, especially given the situation. “Was hoping to film some content.”

“Ah,” she notes, seeming to accept my explanation.

“You said you don’t think it’s your ex sending the notes and flowers. What about anyone else you’ve dated or hung out with recently?”

“Stan is the last person I went out with. That’s been gosh. Possibly a year ago that we ended things.”

“You don’t date?” I arch a brow.

“Not really. I mean, sure. I’ve tried some of the dating apps but mostly it was creeps wanting nudes or one-night stands, so I never met up with any of the matches I made.” She hands me a fresh cup of coffee. “What about you? Anyone special?”

“Nope. Recently divorced.”

“I’m sorry,” she tells me over the brim of her own mug as she takes a sip. “Did you want any cream or sugar?”

“No. I take it black like my soul,” I joke and am rewarded with her smile.

“Good to know.” she laughs lightly, seemingly fighting the urge to roll her eyes at my comment but failing miserably.

I sip on my coffee as silence settles between us. I can’t help but wonder what she’s thinking right now. Is she scared? Is she disappointed now that she’s met the man behind the mask?

“You get there’s nothing to worry about,” I attempt to break the silence, trying to lighten the serious mood crossing her features as she peers into her coffee cup, searching for answers to questions I wish I could answer for her.

She gives me a half-hearted grin. One that doesn’t quite reach her eyes before she nods, likely trying to convince herself that she’s safe with me. “Right,” she murmurs, her voice hardly audible over the loud whirl of a helicopter flying overhead.

I place my mug on the counter. “Stay put.” I move to glance out the back door at the sky as the chopper flies past us. “Medics,” I tell her. Her shoulders visibly relax. “You do understand I’ll do everything in my power to keep you safe. No one is going to even get close. Not on my watch.” I take a step towards her, wanting nothing more than to take her in my arms and comfort her.

She holds my gaze. I can sense the uncertainty there, but I note a glimmer of hope sparking in her gorgeous brown eyes.