I yawn and glance at the clock. The lack of sleep caused by my nightmares is normal. Still, I decide to try to get a few more hours if I can. I place my head back on the pillow and close my eyes, willing my mind to give me a break from being chased, only to remember the way Corvin had kissed me.
Fuck. What am I going to do? Corvin is my best friend, and while I’ll admit he’s gorgeous and any other time I would jump with joy to have him make a move on me, I can’t dismiss Stuart. He’s a good man and I’m happy with him. Sure, it’s early days still, but besides Corvin he’s the only man to have made me smile in a long time. Ever since my stalker has been following me at least.
We have a date set for tonight and though it’s probably a bad idea, I decide I need to tell him. I can’t let the kiss with Corvin fester inside my mind until it’s all I can think about. If Stuart is the man I hope and believe him to be, he’ll talk it through with me until I understand what I’m feeling. He might not like the results the talk brings, but he won’t do anything crazy. He’s not my stalker after all. At least… I don’t think he is.
The stalker’s obsession with me is all-consuming. I should run, but I won’t. I’ve been running long enough. If he shows himself, I’ll be ready and waiting. In the meantime, I’ll work through the conflicted thoughts raised by the unexpected kiss from my best friend and my new relationship with Stuart.
After getting a few more hours rest I get ready for my date with Stuart. When it’s time to leave I sneak out. I know it’s childish of me to do it, but I don’t want to have to confront Corvin and my feelings for him until I’ve sorted things out with Stuart.
Stuart is waiting for me in the restaurant parking lot and we walk in together. We order food and awkward silence settles between us. I can only take the quiet for so long and I blurt out, “Corvin kissed me.”
Stuart’s brows rise in surprise. “Okay.”
“I didn’t plan it. It just happened,” I rush out the words and somehow he understands them.
“Calm down. I believe you. But I think maybe you’re feeling a bit guilty, am I right?”
I nod and sigh in relief. “Yes. I don't know how I feel about the kiss, not really, but my first thought was of you.”
“Tate, Corvin is your best friend. I’d be lying if I said the thought of him finally coming to his senses and taking you from me had never crossed my mind. But I know we’re just starting this thing between us and there will be hiccups.”
What he says makes sense and I begin to relax. We enjoy a nice meal, but I can tell something is on Stuart’s mind. I take a sip of water then clear my throat. “What’s up?”
“Nothing.” He sighs at the disbelief on my face. “Okay. It’s not really a big deal, but I’ve been promoted.”
“Stuart! That’s wonderful news. Congratulations.”
“It is wonderful. But the promotion is at another office. Across the country.”
“Oh.” Why am I so disappointed at his success? Maybe because you thought you’d finally found someone who wanted to stay with you.
“I know we’ve only been dating for less than a month, but I was hoping you’d want to come with me.”
“I—Stuart, I can’t. There aren't any openings at any of the other offices for my position. And even if there were, I like it here, at this office and in this city. I can’t leave for something that may or may not last, especially when it’s still so new.”
“I understand. Can I ask you to think about it? Really think about it and then give me an answer.” I see the hope in his eyes that I might change my mind, so I nod even though I already know my answer will stay the same.
“When do you go?”
“Uh, I leave next week. The position has been open for a while and they need me there as soon as possible.”
“Yeah. Makes sense I guess.”
We continue eating in silence.
Chapter Nine
I can’t believe that asshole Stuart gave Tate hope, especially after his confession about Corvin, then crushed it the way he did. He had to know Tate would never just leave his life behind for someone he’s been dating for such a short time. And even if he tried, I’d quickly put a stop to that. I should have worked harder to get rid of Stuart sooner, but I thought I’d have more time to poison Tate against him.
I guess there’s good news in that Corvin has finally shown his true feelings for Tate. He may yet prove to be the man for Tate. I’ll find out soon enough, but first I need to take care of the man currently seated across from Tate.
I wait impatiently for them to leave the restaurant and for Tate to get into his car before I confront Stuart.
The surprise on his face as I approach shifts into a smile and he reaches for me, pulling me in for a hug.
“Not ready for our date to be over?” he asks, the words a low whisper in my ear. I shiver in disgust, but he mistakes it
