She pulled away, holding her breath, not able to wrap her head around the events of this morning the entire drive home. The moment she was back in her townhouse, she pulled out her phone and shot a text to Eddie.
I went by your house to talk to you. Your parents told me you were at work. I also got your package this morning. I can’t accept this. I also thought I made myself clear last night. Nothing is going to happen between us, Eddie. You have to stop sending me gifts.
The fact that the guy lived with his parents didn’t escape Libby’s attention. What self-respecting grown man lived at home even if they did have a luxurious house with servants?
Five minutes later, she received a response.
Oh, good. I’m glad you got my gift. I hope you liked it. I’m sure my parents were delighted to meet you. I don’t blame them. I’ve told them how beautiful and sweet you are. I get that it embarrasses you to receive gifts. You’ve probably never had a boyfriend who could afford to treat you like you deserve. I can’t say I’ll stop sending little tokens. I enjoy buying things for you. But I’ll give you the space you need to think about us. I know it’s overwhelming. I didn’t mean for you to figure out how much money I have so soon. It’s intimidating. I get that. I’ll give you some time. Love, Eddie.
Jesus, this man was infuriating. Libby wanted to throw her phone against the wall. She dropped onto the sofa and leaned back, closing her eyes. She’d never met anyone in her life who wouldn’t take no for an answer.
At least he seemed inclined to leave her alone for a while. Hopefully, he would realize she wasn’t interested. What else was she supposed to do?
Chapter 20
Libby didn’t contact Jason all day. She knew he was angry when he left, and she needed to give him space. She kept herself busy doing things around the house until five, and then she drove to his house and waited for him to get home.
Was she just as bad as Eddie? Stalking Jason? She shoved the thought from her head. There was no comparison. What she had with Jason was incredible. She cared about him far more than she should have after such a short time.
When she let herself think about it, even his Rambo persona was sexy. The man was possessive. The fact that he’d wanted to hunt Eddie down was attractive, though she wouldn’t tell Jason that, nor would she ever agree to let him fight her battles.
Jason pulled into the driveway just after six. His brow was furrowed, but his lips were curled up in a partial smile as he climbed from the SUV and met her gaze. “Hey.”
She had climbed out of her car and approached him. When she got close enough, he pulled her into his embrace and held her tight. He nuzzled her neck and kissed behind her ear, making her shiver while at the same time calming her nerves.
When he pulled back and met her gaze, he was smiling broader. “Sorry about this morning.”
She shrugged. “My fault. I’m sorry, too. I don’t like people to do my dirty work. I’ve fought my entire life to take care of myself.”
“I get that.” He brushed a lock of hair from her forehead. “How’d your day go?”
She sighed. “Long story.”
“Let’s go inside. You can tell me while I make you dinner.”
She nearly cried. At least he wasn’t still furious. He even held her against his side as they walked to the front door.
Five minutes later, he had her seated on a stool in his kitchen while he took out ingredients to make burgers.
She relayed the morning’s events in great detail, including the part about Eddie’s parents and his texts. She even showed Jason her phone so he could read the texts.
He leaned over her cell as he read. “Jesus.”
“Yeah. That’s what I’m thinking.”
“You might have to get a restraining order if this guy doesn’t back off.”
She blew out a breath. “Hopefully it won’t come to that.”
Jason met her gaze. “Don’t freak out on me, but I’d like you to let me put a tracking app on your phone.”
“Why?”
“Just in case. Peace of mind. If anything happens to you, at least I’ll be able to find you.”
“You don’t think Eddie would force me to go out with him or something do you?”
Jason shrugged. “I can’t begin to know what’s in this guy’s head. Don’t want to find out the hard way. Humor me for a few weeks until this dies down, then you can take the app off if it makes you uncomfortable.”
Libby handed Jason her phone. “Okay.” It certainly couldn’t hurt. It wasn’t as if she went to secret places without Jason. If it made him feel better, it was the easiest way to keep from rocking the boat. Plus, she had to admit, it made her worry less, too.
“Done.” He handed it back. “You can easily remove it any time,” he reminded her.
“Thank you.”
He didn’t say another word about her mom or Eddie, and they had a relaxing evening eating and then moving to his room to watch television on his bed.
“When are you going to get living room furniture?” she asked as she snuggled up against his chest.
“I don’t think I will. Not if I can count on evenings spent like this.” He trailed a hand up her side and cupped her breast, making her arch. So much for watching TV. She’d much rather have this gorgeous man strip off her clothes and remind her how damn good they were together.
Chapter 21
Two weeks later…
“Love what you’ve done to the place,” Tank stated sarcastically as he entered Jason’s house. He was holding a case of beer so Jason decided against growling at him.
Kraft shouted from the kitchen area across the room. “Hey, man, at least he finally got a kitchen table so he can host
