Chapter 12 Followed and Watched
I jumped up and down after reading the email again and again.
Soon, Vincent shut the stove off and joined me in jumping up and down.”
“I don’t know what’s happening, but I like the smile on your face.” He said with a goofy smile.”
I chuckled, getting closer to him, “It’s my sketches, they accepted it. The company wants me to come in tomorrow for finalizing the deal.“]
“This is the best day of my life!” I screamed and jumped on Vincent. He didn’t hesitate to catch me and hold me close to him.”
I looked straight into his eyes and I saw sincerity of his emotions.”
His truth.
And mine came rushing in.
I couldn’t help but lean in, my eyes closed and lips puckered.”
His lips was exactly as I imagined, soft, but demanding.
The kiss was everything I needed at that moment. Hot. Unbothered and he poured everything into it.
I almost lost myself into him when I remembered the terms of our situation.
abruptly snatch myself from his arms, wiping my mouth aggressively. “Oh my God, I am so sorry, Vincent. I didn’t mean to.” I looked down, not feeling very confident.
His eyes widened, “I’m sorry too. I’m really sorry, I don’t want you to think that I wanted to take advantage of the situation, Les. I’m really sorry.”
I chuckled nervously, “It’s fine. Let’s forget it ever happened.“}]
He looked like he got punched in the guts by my statement, “Right… forget it ever happened. That great.” He chuckled dryly. “Come on, let’s eat.“[
Without another glance at me, he left to set the table, leaving me to awkwardly fidget with my phone as I re–read the email.
I couldn’t believe it, but here I was, standing in their beautiful lobby, waiting for the CEO to confirm what I already hoped was true.
I finally met him.E
“Ms. Lesley, he greeted, rising from his chair to shake my hand. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person.“}]
I returned the handshake. “Thank you, Mr. Daniels. It’s a pleasure to be here.“}
“Please, call me Robert,” he said, guiding me to a seat. “I’ve had a chance to review your sketches, and I must say, they’re impressive. You’ve got an eye for detail, and your designs are exactly what we need for our upcoming projects.“}
I couldn’t stop the smile that spread across my face. This was it. This was the moment I’d been waiting for, the one where everything felt like it might finally go right.
“Thank you,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’m so glad you like them.“}]
Robert’s expression softened, and I could see the genuine admiration in his eyes. “We’d like to move forward with you, Ms. Carter. We want you to continue working with us and help us bring these designs to life. You’ve got the vision we’re looking for.”
I blinked, stunned by his words. “You… you mean it?”
“Absolutely. We believe you’ll be a great fit for this project. We would like you to come on board and work with our team full–time, starting as soon as you’re available.“{
I smiled, “Thank you so much,” I finally managed to say, “I won’t disappoint you.“]
“We know you won’t,” Robert said, smiling as he handed me a contract. “You’ll be joining us at a very exciting time. The team is eager to get started.”
I took the contract, still on cloud nine. It felt like the first good thing to happen to me in ages. I was finally being recognized for something I loved, something that wasn’t tied to Trenton or anyone else. This was my achievement.!!
After a few more details were finalized, I walked out of the building, my mind full with plans and ideas.
I had done it.”
I was starting a new chapter in my life.
But as I stepped onto the road, I noticed something that made my heart skip.
I felt eyes on me.
I quickly brushed it off.
It was probably nothing.
Just someone passing by, maybe someone recognizing me, a simple coincidence.}]
But the feeling didn’t go away.
In fact, it intensified.
! glanced around, trying to shake off the unease, but I couldn’t ignore it.”
Love Wants Me Back
Someone was watching me.
Shaking my head, I brushed it off.
It was just paranoia.N
Everything had been going so well, why should I ruin it by overthinking?
I decided to stop by the diner on the corner to grab some food for Vincent and me.“]
He had been so patient, so kind to me since I moved in, and I wanted to do something nice for him.
As I pushed the door opened, in the corner of the diner, was a figure in a black hoodie. He was seated alone, and I swear I saw him glance in my direction before quickly looking away.
I told myself it was nothing. It had to be.N
The man didn’t even appear to be eating. He just sat there with his head low.
I forced myself to turn away and focus on the diner staff, who were going on about preparing my orders. I tried to breathe deeply to calm myself.N
But the man in the hoodie didn’t leave. And as I turned to grab the bags of food, I noticed he had gotten up from his seat and was standing near the door.
My heart skipped.
Was he waiting for me to leave?
I quickly paid for the food, grabbed the bags, and turned toward the exit, my eyes darting toward the man one more time.>
I didn’t give him the chance to follow me. The door swung open, and I practically rushed outside.
I needed to get home.
I needed to feel safe again.”
By the time I reached the front door of Vincent’s apartment building, I didn’t stop to breathe until I was inside. I slammed the door behind me, my heart pumping at full strength.
I leaned against the door, trying to steady my breathing.
Someone was watching me.§
Someone was waiting for me.§
I wasn’t sure who, or why. But I knew this was just the beginning.