“No. I did.”
Haley tossed her notebook on the couch and crossed her arms. “Well, I’m bored. And I’m getting cabin fever. I don’t want another sandwich for dinner.”
“Then call for pizza.”
“What if the pizza guy leads the stalker to the house?” She arched her eyebrow.
“Then I’ll meet him a few streets over and pick up the pizza there.”
“So you’ll leave me here alone and unprotected.”
Jayden pressed his lips together and aimed the remote at the TV. He clicked it off and slowly turned.
“Are you being irritating for a reason?” He stood.
“I’m not trying to be irritating, Jayden. I’m just frustrated.” She sighed.
His expression softened and he sat next to her on the couch. “I’m sorry. I know this must be difficult.”
“It’s four o’clock. Can we not even go to the park for a walk? Anything to get out of this house.”
He opened his mouth and Haley knew he was going to argue. But then he promptly closed it.
“Let me call Braxton.”
“For what?” She frowned.
“I want him in place for backup. He’ll stay far enough away that he won’t be noticed if the stalker is around. He might even be able to identify who it is.”
“Did you ask Braxton for help?” Kate hadn’t said anything when they were in the kitchen having coffee that morning. After the dead pig, Braxton and Kate had arrived at the house fifteen minutes later.
“Barrett did. Braxton said he was wanting to join the Guardians since his move to Arkansas. Barrett said this would be a good way to break him in to see if he can handle it, or if he’s a good fit.”
She nodded. Braxton would make a great addition to the Guardians.
“Why don’t you get ready and I’ll give Braxton a heads up.”
“Okay. But where are we going so I know what to wear?”
“How about something nice but comfortable.”
“Okay, that I can do.” She stood and he grabbed her wrist.
“Oh, and Haley, don’t wear those red heels.”
She frowned. “Just in case we have to run?” The thought of being chased sent a chill parading down her back.
“No. I can’t seem to concentrate when you have those damn heels on. It makes me think of you naked.”
#
The sun was just going down and the buzz of the nightlife was just starting up. As with any college town, the crowds were worse on the weekend, with students and people visiting.
Jayden held Haley close while keeping his instinct on high alert for anything that seemed out of place. But with a crowd of college students it was hard to see anything out of place. He eyed a guy with a large red Razorback hat passing by with his group of friends.
Music wafted through the streets as people of all ages milled around.
Jayden glanced around seeing if he could see Braxton watching them. But the guy was a regular chameleon. This was saying something for a two-hundred-plus Were with sleeve tattoos and blue hair.
He’d have to let Barrett know that Braxton had his vote of confidence as a Guardian.
He glanced down at Haley who was snuggled close to his side. Her firm breast was pressed into his chest, making walking with an erection very difficult. She had one arm around his waist, her finger hooked in the belt loop of his jeans.
She looked gorgeous in a white tight skirt and fitted yellow shirt. She wore jeweled high heels that sparkled with each step she took. He’d even worn that damn pink shirt that she picked out, just to make her happy.
“What?” She caught him looking and frowned.
“I told you not to wear heels.” He arched his brow.
“They’re not heels, they’re wedges.” Her lips turned up into a pretty smirk.
He couldn’t resist. He bent his head and kissed her.
When he pulled away her eyes were glossed over, the same way she looked after he made her come.
He growled.
“Maybe you were right. Maybe we should just stay home.” Her raspy voice shot straight to his dick.
“We have all night for that. First I need to get some food in you.” He grabbed her hand and started walking. “You’re going to need all the energy you can get.”
She chuckled.
#
“We’re here.” He guided her up to the steps of the cozy restaurant. He’d asked Kate where to take Haley and she’d recommended the upscale restaurant.
“Wow. This is beautiful.” Haley glanced around taking in the modern but elegant layout of the restaurant with its dark interior and soft lighting. Each linen-covered table had a fresh bouquet of spring flowers in white and yellow and pink.
Jayden pulled out her chair for her to sit. He eased into the chair across the table from her. He suddenly wished he had taken her to a less swanky restaurant that had a booth and he could sit next to her.
“Have you been here before?”
“No.” He reached for his water.
Haley grinned. “Dana is always complaining how she wished her boyfriend would take her here. She is going to be so jealous when I tell her.”