Page 23 of Stopping Short

“So, you thought it was ok to break into my house?” I blink at him like he’s insane. There’s no other logical explanation for this.

“I didn’t break in. The front door was unlocked.” He lifts his shoulder in a shrug like that makes it all ok.

“Yes, because I invited someone to come over but I knew they might get here while I was in the shower. That way they could come in if they got here before I was out. It wasn’t unlocked so you could invite yourself in.”

“You really shouldn’t leave your door unlocked. Anyone could walk in.”

“Clearly! Now, get out of my room!” I yell, losing all patience with this man.

“Harper…”

“Get out of my room so I can get dressed. You can wait in the living room and I’ll talk to you when I'm finished. Got it?”

“Fine.” He lets out a sigh as he exits my room.

As soon as he’s gone, I slam my door shut and lock it. Then, I grab my phone and dial Jackson’s number.

“Hey, I'm almost there.”

“Jackson,” I whimper, losing all control of my emotions. Knowing Evan just walked in here makes me feel violated. Like he’s somehow stepping over a boundary I didn’t realize existed.

“What’s wrong?”

“I just got out of the shower and Evan was standing in my bedroom,” I whisper.

“Is he still there?”

“He’s in the living room. I told him to leave my room so I could get dressed. I was only in a towel when I found him.”

“Ok. I'm about two minutes away. I’ll deal with him and get him to leave… Are you ok?”

“I'm scared,” I admit, hating how vulnerable I feel.

“We’ll figure it out, Boots. You know I’ll take care of you. I want you to get dressed as quickly as you can. Then, stay in your room. Don’t come out until I tell you to. Got it?”

“Yes,” I whisper, already searching for yoga pants and a sweatshirt. I'm terrified Evan will get annoyed with waiting for me and try to get into my bedroom before Jackson gets here. I don’t trust Evan or what he might do. He crossed a boundary by walking into my house uninvited. I’ll never trust him again.

Chapter 16

Jackson

“I'm putting you on speaker phone while I get dressed.”

“Ok. Are you still in your room?” I ask softly. The last thing I need is Evan hearing my voice and getting angry.

“I went into my bathroom. I figured having two locked doors between me and Evan was a better idea than one.” Her voice trembles the smallest amount and it breaks my heart. I’ve always hated seeing her scared and right now she’s terrified.

“Smart girl. I’m pulling into your driveway now. Tell me when you’re dressed. I'm not coming in until you are.”

“Ok, why?”

“Because if something happens and I tell you to run, I want to know you’re fully clothed.”

“What… What do you think could happen? Why would I need to run?” Her voice takes on a frantic tone.

“I don’t think anything like that will happen, Harp. I just want to be prepared for all possibilities. I'm not taking any chances with you. Not you. Never you.”

The words settle into my heart and I realize just how true they are. Even though I don’t think Evan’s a dangerous person, I know without a doubt, I’d lay down my life to save Harper. I’d endure any pain or misery for her.