Page 14 of Jessica's Hero
Heart pounding, I move through the rest of the house with my new canister of pepper spray clutched in one hand, the stun gun in the other. I nudge open doors with my foot, leaping back like a startled cat just in case someone jumps out at me. I peer under each bed, feeling much like I used to as a little kid, back when I was convinced there was a monster lurking beneath the mattress, waiting to eat me.
It takes me about ten minutes to make a full circuit of the house, and by the time I finish, I’m breathing like I just completed a marathon. Adrenaline is pulsing through me and cold sweat has soaked through my shirt. When I try to hang up my purse, it almost falls onto the floor because my hand is shaking so badly.
I check the front door once more before I collapse onto the couch, feeling completely drained.
How am I going to do this every day? Especially given that it’s winter and it gets dark so early? And what about tomorrow, when I’m supposed to go to Shea’s for reality-TV-night? I won’t get home until well after ten. Which means I’ll be creeping through my house, half-convinced an intruder is waiting for me…
My heart lurches at the thought.
I could cancel. Stay home with all the lights on.
But I really don’t want to. I’ve been looking forward to Monday night all week. I don’t want to sit on my couch all alone, feeling scared and disappointed with myself.
So I’ll just suck it up. It’ll be okay.
I hope.
Leaning forward, I grab the fireplace remote and click it on, then sag back against the cushions. I pull the throw off the back of the couch and tuck it around me, bundling myself up in the thick fleece fabric.
As I stare at the fake flames in the fireplace, I use the box breathing technique to try to calm myself down. Four in, four hold, four out. Then again. And again.
By the time I get to the tenth round, I almost feel normal. Or at least, not on the verge of a heart attack. I feel composed enough to consider a shower, or maybe search for something to watch on TV.
Then my phone chimes, the sudden sound sending my heart flying into my throat.
As I grab my phone off the coffee table, I scold myself for being so jumpy. It’s just the phone, for crying out loud. What am I going to do, panic every time a phone rings? That’ll go over well when I’m back at work tomorrow.
I look at the screen, expecting to see Nora’s name there, or possibly Thea’s. But instead, I see the name of the person I’ve been thinking about for days. Fantasizing about, if I’m being honest with myself—imagining scenarios where things were different and the first man I’ve been interested in over a decade actually felt the same way about me.
Kane.
My heart makes a foolish, hopeful leap before crashing back down to harsh reality.
I’m sure he’s just texting to check in. To make sure the security system is working as it should. He’s just being a conscientious police officer. There’s nothing more to it.
Then I read his message.
Hey, how’s it going? Are you back from coffee with Nora yet? Is everything okay at home?
Even though I know he’s just being nice, I can’t help the rush of pleasure that comes from reading his text. Not just because he’s thinking about me, but he remembered my plans for the day. He cared enough to remember.
I smile as I type out my reply.
Yes, just got home. Everything looks good. How’s your day going?
Three dots blink for a few seconds before his response appears.
It’s good. Just taking care of some projects around the house. I might head to the rock climbing center later to meet up with a friend. Nothing too exciting.
There’s a brief pause, and then another message blinks onto the screen.
How was last night? Being back at your place? Did your friend come over to keep you company?
For a second, I blink at the message, not sure what he’s talking about. What friend? Last night I was alone, trying to concentrate onTenebris Veilwhile jumping from fear every time I heard the smallest sound.
Then I remember. Kane looked so worried yesterday about me spending the night by myself, I told him I’d invite a friend over to make him feel better. Which I didn’t.
But I’m not going to admit to making it up, so instead I come up with a vague response.
