Page 41 of Lost on Ice
“What should I do tonight?” I ask the cops. “Is it safe to stay here?”
“It’s up to you what you’re comfortable with,” one of them tells me. “We’ll have a patrol in the area, so I doubt they’ll try anything again tonight. I’d recommend installing extra security to this unit as soon as possible, though, to prevent them from trying to get back in later.”
A shiver runs up my spine, but I fight to keep my voice steady. “Yeah. I’ll definitely do that.”
They ask me a few more questions and take my information before making their way back out of the apartment. Before I can close the door behind them, Sophie’s frantic voice comes from down the hall.
“Abbie! Wait, we’re here!”
I yank the door open again and Sophie and Carter come rushing into the apartment. They head straight into the living room and scoop Chase up between them, hugging him and showering his face with kisses.
“Oh, my baby,” Sophie gasps. “You’re okay! Mommy was so worried!”
Guilt wraps around me like a barbed-wire coil and squeezes me until I feel like I’m suffocating.
“I’m so sorry, Soph,” I say, coming up next to them. “I didn’t mean to put Chase in danger. I thought I’d left this all behind in Harrisburg and that it would end when I moved here, but it’s followed me home…”
“What has? What are you talking about?” Sophie asks. She doesn’t sound angry, just super concerned as she squeezes Chase against her.
“I had a stalker in Harrisburg,” I admit, tears filling my eyes again. This time, I’m not able to fight them and they run down my cheeks. “They just sent me messages, and it never went further than that. I didn’t expect them to follow me here or to go this far. I’m so sorry. I never meant to put Chase in any kind of danger…”
“Oh, Abbie,” Sophie murmurs, wrapping one arm around me and hugging me tight as she continues to cling to Chase with her other. “When are you going to figure out that you don’t have to go through things alone?” She pulls back and gives me a firm look, her eyes flashing with determination. “You can’t stay here. I know you don’t want to wake Vivianne or your dad, so you and Lilah will come stay with us…”
Her offer is kind and generous, but I shake my head, cutting her off. “No, that would only put you and your family in more danger. He doesn’t know where you live and I intend to keep it that way, especially since this person is clearly following me. Besides, Lilah just got settled into her routine, and we went through so much upheaval in Harrisburg that I can’t do that to her again. I’ll change the locks and I already was planning on getting additional security for the apartment. It’ll be fine.”
Sophie doesn’t look convinced. “Are you sure? What if that’s not enough to keep whoever this person is from breaking in again?”
I’m not sure how to answer that question, but I don’t want her to worry or stress over me. Still, I can’t deny that I’m scared. What if new locks and a few cameras aren’t enough?
“I’ll stay here.”
Stunned, I blink over at Jake, who’s still sitting on the pull-out bed with Lilah asleep in his arms.
“What?” I gasp.
“I can sleep right here.” He pats the thin mattress. “Besides, I’ve overstayed my welcome at your guys’ place anyway.” He looks pointedly at Sophie and Carter.
My defenses go up in an instant. Does he not think I can take care of myself and my daughter?
“Absolutely not,” I snap. “That’s not necessary at all.”
He arches a brow and levels me with an irritated look. “Look, Abbie, this isn’t just about you, okay? Lilah is at risk here too. Don’t you think someone would think twice about messing with a guy my size? Just think of me as some sort of big guard dog if that makes you feel better.”
Before I can reply, Sophie adds, “He has a point, Abbie. You need to think about Lilah’s safety too. If you aren’t safe, neither is she.”
I suck in a deep breath. Damn it. I can’t deny the truth of that. Ultimately, I need to put Lilah’s well-being first. If something were to happen to her…
God, I’d rather die.
“Fine,” I mutter, meeting Jake’s gaze. “You can stay.”
And while my chest is heavy and I’m terrified of what this might cause to happen between Jake and I, I can’t deny that the biggest thing I’m feeling — at the thought of him staying here — is relief.
Chapter Fifteen
JAKE
Everything feels so wonderfullyhazy and magical. I’m sitting on a beach and the ocean breeze is fluttering my hair. Where am I?
