Page 14 of To Love a Monster
“You sure?”she teases.“Because the last time you said that, I got seventeen texts about a mud stain you thought was a boot print from your forest boyfriend.”
“Okay, shut up.”
She laughs, then softens.“Seriously, though ...everything good?You’re sounding a little spun.”
“I’m fine,” I lie, curling my fingers around the mug.“How are your parents?”
“Still refusing to retire.I swear they’re going to die at their desks.”
I hum.“Well, you know what they say, do what you love and you never have to work a day in your life.Some people find joy in the grind.”
“Yeah, yeah,” she says, tapping keys in the background, “Anyway, I’m calling because I have an update for you.That listing just outside town finally sold.”
My pulse stutters.“Wait, what?”
“You remember the one I told you about?Off Pineridge?Near the south end of the woods?”
I nod slowly.“Yeah ...no one’s lived in that place forever.”
“Exactly.It was put on the market a year ago.Then outta nowhere there was a cash sale.No contact info.Just a PO box and a basic-ass name on the paperwork.Could be your tall, dark and handsome.”
“Hmm, maybe...”I say, but already I know it’s him.It’s got to be.He’s definitely not just passing by, he’d need to sleep somewhere and there’s nothing around the town for miles.
“You okay there?”Tess asks.
“Of course.I’m just curious,” I reply quickly, a little too quickly perhaps.
There’s a soft laugh on the other end.“Curious enough to pay your forest boyfriend a visit?”
“Stop calling him that,” I mutter, but my tone’s more playful than angry.
“I’ll stop when you stop obsessing.”she teases.“If you’re going to hunt him down, I expect a full report.All the details.Height.Muscles.Eyes.Complete vibe check.”
I roll my eyes, but I’m already pulling on my boots.“You’re ridiculous.I’m not going to just rush over there and introduce myself to the weirdo who went out of his way to creep me out.And we don’t even know if it’s him.I’m just going to walk past.See if I can catch a glimpse.”
“Hmm mm.Sure.I’m serious, Lil.If he’s hot, I’m living vicariously.”
I laugh and promise to call her back later.Before the line goes dead I’m already halfway out the door.Time to take a closer look at where he’s been hiding out when he’s not actively stalking me.
****
The sun’s bleedinginto gold as I near the house.I tell myself that it’s normal to be curious about who your neighbors are.I am totallynotattempting to stalk my stalker.The house looks older than I remember.Gray siding, chipped paint, a porch that dips slightly on one end like it’s sighing under the weight of secrets.The curtains are drawn but I swear I saw something shift behind the fabric.
I step closer, my breath catching.And just for a second, I’m considering making my way up to the front door and demanding answers as to why the hell he followed me, how he got my number and how he knows my name.I almost do, but I’m stopped when I hear a voice from the other side of the fence.
“Hey, there.”
I jerk toward it, startled.A guy stands nearby with a travel mug in one hand, he’s tall and broad with a friendly smile.“Didn’t mean to scare you,” he says, raising his hands.“Just visiting for a couple weeks, I’m staying in the place next door.”
“Sorry.I’m a bit jumpy lately.I’m Lila.”I shake my head and give him a weak smile.
He steps forward, offering his hand across the short gate.“Carl.”
We shake.His grip is warm, firm, not rushed.He feels grounded.Like a guy who doesn’t second-guess his decisions.Then, with a glance toward the gravel drive, he points.“You’re staying up there at Montgomery place?”
I nod, brushing my hair behind my ear.“Yeah.Just for a while.Art retreat.”
His eyes flick down, then back up, curious but not leering.“Nice.You’re a creative.I like that.”
