Page 19 of The Watcher's Bride

Chapter 13

Nora

What is wrong with me?

My gorgeous neighbor has made it perfectly clear that he wants to be with me. He makes me laugh, feel safe, and is super-hot. We had a great not-date together, and the first thing I do when I get home is put on a goddam sexy show for my stalker. I must be sick.

But I can’t deny that him watching me turns me on like nothing I’ve ever felt before.

Perhaps it’s the fact that there’s a wall and several inches of glass separating us. He can’t touch me, he can only watch. I’m the one in control.

With his eyes hungrily watching my every move, I feel like a sex goddess.

It’s been four days since Max took me out after work. Since then he’s shown up every night to walk me home. I think he didn’t buy my story that the masked man he saw was just a customer and he wants to protect me, to make sure I make it home safe. I appreciate his efforts, I really do, but I’m sure he’d be horrified to know that not only does my masked man know where I live and watches me at night, I’m also encouraging him.

Why is it that the second I get home I put on my little sordid show for my watcher?

True to his word, Max hasn’t touched me since that first night, though I often want him to. The sexual tension is still there, but he’s been a perfect gentleman, or at least as much as Max can be. Little does he know that his dirty promises that get me all hot and horny simply fuel my boldness for my nightly performances.

A knock at my door lets me know Max is ready and waiting for me. He’s started walking me to work too. Often, he’ll come in and read a book while I work. I think if it weren’t for my insistence that he can’t sit there all night, he’d stay for my entire shift, much to Mike’s chagrin. The two are still locked in a pissing contest.

“Hey, beautiful, ready to go?” Max asks with a slow grin that makes me melt.

“Yep,” I reply breezily.

We chat amicably during the journey. At one point, as I’m crossing the road, I don’t see the cab that comes speeding around the corner. Before I can even react, Max has grabbed my hand and pulled me to safety.

“Jesus, Nora, are you okay?” he asks, his brow furrowed and concern in his eyes.

“Yes, I’m fine, thanks to you,” I reply, shaken but otherwise fine.

He doesn’t let go of my hand as we continue to walk. I don’t try to pull away.

It feels right.

“I’m just gonna hang around for a bit. That book I was reading yesterday just got to a good part and I wanna see how it turns out,” he says as we enter the warmth of the library.

“Sure,” I reply with a knowing smile. I’m well aware this is simply the charade he puts on each day to have an excuse to stay longer. However, I’m pleased to note that he does genuinely seem to enjoy reading and it wasn’t all talk to try to get in my pants. “I’m on reception to start with, so I’ll be there if you need anything.”

The library is busy today and I barely have time to stop. Finally, when the customers have slowed to a trickle, I look up and notice the time—I’ve been here over five hours already. Since he never leaves without saying goodbye, I look over to where Max usually sits in what I’m now thinking of as our spot. Sure enough, he’s still there, though he’s finished his book and is simply watching me.

“We talked about not sitting here all night, mister,” I chide gently as I go over.

He shrugs. “You were busy. I didn’t want to interrupt, and I wasn’t going to leave without saying goodbye. I do have to go soon, though. I’m afraid I won’t be able to walk you home tonight, something’s come up,” he says apologetically.

“Oh, nothing serious I hope,” I say, worried that his grave tone means he’s received bad news.

“No, the opposite, actually. Some ex-Army buds are in town and want to meet up,” he offers.

“Oh, that will be fun! Are they here long?” I ask, wanting to know more about his past.

“Just tonight, otherwise I’d have walked you home first or arranged it for a day you’re not working nights. I’ll pay for a cab to take you home,” he generously offers.

“Don’t be silly, I’ll be fine walking home alone. I was doing it without any problems before,” I say, waving away his concern.

“That was before you had me. It’s not safe.”

“He’s right.” Mike’s voice snaps our attention to my colleague, who’s sidled over unseen during our conversation. “It’s not safe.”

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