Chapter 75 Stalking
Richard's POV
Okay, I'm not ashamed to admit I've been stalking my little dancer all morning. I tried to watch her while she slept last night, but she didn't come home until close to 3 am! I was close to sending out a search party for my girl when she finally stumbled up the drive.
Where the hell had she been all night long? She'd shown up half frozen to death and I swear she looked like a zombie. I was half tempted to go up to her and pull her in my arms, just to bring her back to life, but I knew now wasn't the time. I watched as she moved without even knowing where she was going up the steps to her aunt and uncle's house. There were no lights on, which hopefully meant they were all asleep.
I watched from a tree, through a second story window as my girl did a nosedive onto her bed, not even changing out of her clothes. She was practically shivering to death. I need to get her a winter coat ASAP. I want to take her shopping as soon as she agrees to be my wife... And probably her sisters too. Mostly Charlie, she's the one who is mostly neglected.
Even if I went home, I knew I'd never fall asleep. I've been too worked up with my argument with my parents. They are both trying to keep her away from me! So it was much better to keep watch and make sure Beth doesn't touch a hair on her head.
I followed her to work. She looked exhausted... And still freezing. I want to warm her up in the best way... But I'd be sent to jail for public indecency. That will have to wait.
I saw Hailey taking care of my girl, and it warmed my heart. I'm gonna have to do something nice for her for taking care of my girl all this time. She's been the one solid thing in Josie's life, other than her sisters. I can tell how much they care for each other. I would never take that way from them. I only want good things in Josie's life, and Hailey is definitely good for my little dancer.
And then I watched that jackass stroll in, and the look on Josie's face for half a second was hopeful... Was she hoping it was me coming in to see her? I hope so. I like to think she was hoping I'd come in and kiss her the way I've been dying to. I promised I would, after all. And I have every intention of keeping my promise.
I watched as she played indifferent to her ex... Or, soon-to-be-ex, I smirk. I'm not even feeling guilty. The bastard deserves what was coming to him. I'm surprised he had the nerve to even show up in person. I guess she didn't send the text she'd been contemplating... Shame.
“James, what are you doing here?” she asked, pretending she wasn't mad as hell... But she needs more practice. I could see her seething from here.
“Well, I haven’t seen you in a while. I was wondering if you’d like to go out tonight?” he asked with a bright, stupidly hopeful smile on his face. If he's hoping to get lucky again, he's outta luck.
“No. I don’t think I can do that, James.” I'll give her props for her composure. She's not gone all off on him... yet. But I'm waiting for the show.
“Baby... Is something wrong?” the idiot finally realizes there is something wrong. I wonder if he's always this observant, or is he just so self-absorbed that he doesn't know when she's faking or not happy.
“Oh, you mean like the fact you’ve been caught sleeping around again when you promised you’d stop?” She finally gave up pretending that things were fine and faced the problem... Him.
“I... I don’t know what you are talking about... I don’t know what you’ve heard, but it’s lies,” he lied.
“Really? And what about all the videos and pictures Rick showed me yesterday?" She practically snarled at him.
And then he went off on me. Not that I give a shit. He can curse me to hell for all I care, as long as he didn't take it out on Josie. She didn't deserve to feel guilty. I'm not even mad at her for throwing me under the bus. If that's what she has to do to get out of this hell of a relationship, by all means, use it.