Afraid in the Dark (Stalker Series Book One)

by Rita Hestand

  "I'm not hollering for commitment or a ring from you, but without either, I won't commit body for sex. Why do men want to grope women and insist on more before a woman is ready? I was in a relationship before that he demanded sex. We weren't engaged, we'd gone together for four years and he still hadn't committed to me. It's not that time has so much to do with it, Dex. But commitment does. And I really don't think we should have sex until we are committed. And frankly we haven't known each other long enough to commit. You're a very aggressive kisser, and any girl would respond to that. It's natural. But there has to be limits and good sense."

  "What you want me to do? You want me to get down on my knees and pop the question?" He frowned and looked away from her, as though considering her words for himself.

  "Of course not, it's too soon for that too."

  "Aw…I'm so sick of that excuse!" He boomed and got up pacing about her apartment. "Alright, you are right about that. I won't push you, but the way you kiss me back, keeps telling me we are there. You said you wanted me as much as I want you. What's to stop us? We are adults, aren't we?"

  "An unwanted pregnancy, for one." She blushed, she could feel the heat on her cheeks. She sighed. "I'm sorry Dex, if you want more, maybe we should reconsider our feelings. I know I get carried away. And I'm sorry if you think I've led you on about this. But I did tell you quite frankly that I wasn't going to have sex with a man without commitment."

  "You don't mean that." He stood up now and came toward her. "It's an excuse. But why? You want me, deny that?"

  "I don't deny it. I'm human. But, I'm afraid I do mean it."

  "You think sex is wrong before marriage?"

  "Yeah, I kind of do."

  He paused introspectively. "Well, I guess in some ways it is. But it's something we should talk about. I mean one of us could have a sexually transmitted disease or one of us could be very kinky. How do we know if we don't try it out."

  "Try it out? Now there's an expression. Like trying on a new dress." She huffed. Now her temper was beginning to flare and her understanding of Dex too. He sounded so much like Brad she wanted to throw something at him. "Like trying on a pair of shoes or something. That's how that sounds. Like it's an everyday occurrence. It isn't right Dex. I don't consider sex a casual thing. And I really didn't think you did either."

  "Okay, maybe your right about that. Maybe I'm pushing it because of that guy that came today to see you. I was jealous. But you can't turn to pure putty every time I kiss you and not expect a guy to react himself."

  She'd turned him on several times, she knew. But she hadn't meant for him to get so lustful.

  "I'm sorry. I enjoy kissing you. But Jesse has nothing to do with us. We are after all just dating. We never even talked about how serious it was getting or whether we were even seeing anyone else."

  "I don't mean to be pushy. I really don't. But I care for you Mel. You know that. I don't mean it like that, but, I kind of think you have to try it out to see if you fit each other right." He told her. "You know I care about you. You know that, don't you? But you never know a person until you have sex with them."

  "Really?" She drawled. "And I care about you too. But, that's not enough. Too many people now days hop into bed without thinking it through and regret it later when they break up."

  "Are you going to see a doctor yet about the pill?"

  "No, I'm not." She looked at him seriously now. "That's another reason I won't have sex with you. And I'm not getting on it, just so we can. I've had no reason to get on the pill, before. But sex leads to children Dex. And I don't want to have a child out of wedlock. And until I have a valid reason to get on the pill, I won't. Besides, they've proven they are 100% safe."

  He nodded, "Oh geez. Well, I guess that's true enough. But I've never met a woman who could so easily turn on and off. "

  "You see, you hadn't even considered that, what if we did have sex and I got pregnant? We haven't known each other long enough to jump into a marriage that we aren't prepared for. A month isn't long enough. And I'm not out to trap a man into marriage because of a child either. I don't want to marry someone and have that thrown in my face years later."

  "You gonna have to date me four years before you agree to it?"

  "I didn't agree with Brad even after four years, for your information."

  "You mean you're really still a virgin."

  Her face felt hot, her temper was zoning out. "Dammit Dex. That was uncalled for. Sex requires commitment. Without it, it is just sex. Not making love. Can't you see the difference?"

  He nodded a bit slowly. "I guess."

  She turned away from him, "Maybe you should rethink dating me for the next few days. Because I'm not going to change my mind. Not about this."

  "You told me this from the beginning, but I guess I just thought…we'd moved forward from that." He explained.

  "Maybe we're moving forward a little too quickly."

  He came to wrap his arms around her, but she pulled out of his embrace.

  "Mel, I'm sorry. I'll talk to you in a few days, that is if you'll still talk to me." He headed for the door.

  "Of course, I will," She whirled around and stared at him. "I care about you too, Dex. But, we are moving too fast. Even you should see that. I certainly do, now."

  He nodded, "Okay, I'll see you in a few days."

  She nodded.

  He walked to the door. "If you need me, call."

  She nodded and he left.

  She stood in the middle of her living room, stunned. What just happened? She did care about him. She didn't want to lose him, but…she wouldn't compromise on this.

  She'd waited this long, she'd wait a little longer.

  Men just didn't understand.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Two days later, Melanie was off work for the next three days and Dex wouldn't be around. In some ways, it was a relief. She'd seen much too much of him lately and they did need a breather. Right now, she had enough pressure on her about the stalker. Now was a good time to go shopping for furniture, and get some idea what she wanted to buy later. Besides, she needed to get Dex off her mind. She couldn't imagine why he was so upset, she'd been up front with him about sex. She thought he understood. Maybe men had a hard time understanding that some women just didn't change their minds.

  Had she led him on with her kissing him back? It wasn't intentional. Why did men automatically think if a girl kissed him that she wanted sex? Whether she wanted sex or not, it was much too soon in their relationship to go that far. Besides, sticking to her principles seemed a better part of valor for her. What troubled her was that Dex was acting too much like Brad had. Or so it would seem. She hadn't expected that. She hadn't seen it coming. It shocked her, disappointed her too.

  She had to admit, with him, she'd been tempted, but better judgement prevailed. She was glad now. She's used her head, instead of her wandering heart. Besides, she didn't want to end up pregnant and unmarried. That was not a good situation at all.

  Why did men assume that sex had to be part of the bargain?

  Scoffing it off, she turned her attention to her apartment. She wasn't going to ruin her day off with fretting over Dex. Either he'd get over it, or he'd find someone else to have sex with. It had been a month and she'd saved a little, but she needed some idea how much she was going to need to get new furniture. It lifted her spirits not to be worrying about the stalking any longer. She needed to get out and forget about it a while. Like the Sargent told her, relax a little.

  With her measurements for her furniture written down she grabbed her purse and left, locking the door and checking it twice.

  She didn’t want to think about her and Dex for a while. Things had progressed too quickly, and it was partly her fault. But he was an adult and should understand. Her father had told her that men didn't grow up until after thirty. Now she believed him. She'd been up front from the start about it, and he'd never been demanding before. Why now?

  Was it Jesse that triggered
this. Or was it his own desires and lust. Because sex without love was lust. Pure and simple. Was Dex that jealous of Jesse? It didn't seem to fit Dex's personality. After all, she'd dated Brad for four years. But it wasn't Brad that Dex was concerned with, it was Jesse.

  She absolutely refused to worry about men any longer today. Today she wanted to forget everything and go shopping.

  Not wanting to shop alone, she called Neely to see if she was available to go with her, as she got into her car.

  "I gotta work tonight, but sure, I'll go with you for a while." Neely told her, "Can we meet somewhere it's too far for you to drive out to my place though."

  "Sure, let's meet at…are you anywhere close Katy Freeway?"

  "As a matter of fact, yes."

  "Great meet me at the furniture store on the corner in about forty-five minutes then, is that too soon?"

  "No, that's great, I'm dressed already, sounds like fun."

  "Great, see you in a bit. I'll wait in the front lobby there."

  "I'll be there."

  Melanie smile to herself and as she was pulling out, a black Cadillac followed her. It was the same one that followed her the other day. It had to be, the glass was tinted almost solid black. But it had obviously been parked in the apartment parking lot. Whoever it was, knew where she lived now!

  What were they doing in her apartment parking lot?

  Her heart thudded like a runaway train. Fear sliced through her like lightning.

  Her stomach knotted and pain shot through her. She doubled over for a second, got a breath and straightened. What was that all about? She was going to have to see a doctor.

  She had to lose the Cadillac.

  She had to get a hold of herself too. She'd ditch them and go on. She couldn't let this upset her every day of her life. She had to live. With Dex mad at her and whoever it was following her, she was a bit anxious. She increased her speed until she saw a cop, then slowly let off the gas. The black car was behind her still.

  She made several abrupt turns and finally lost them when a big Armored truck got between them. She took full advantage and used the Armored truck to hide from the black car. The Armored truck was big enough to hide her from view. Luckily it turned when she did.

  Now that she'd lost them, she began to relax a bit, she hadn't noticed how sweat beaded on her upper lip, or that her hands were shaking so bad the steering wheel was vibrating. Somehow, she had to get control of this situation. She breathed a sigh and laid her head on the steering wheel now. After a few seconds and a few deep breaths, she steadied her heartbeat some and tried to keep her mind on the shopping trip. But it was serious that they knew where she lived and had followed her there. Why were they stalking her? Were they trying to let her know that they knew where she lived? It made sense. What was the purpose and when was it ever going to end? What did they want from her?

  Trying to regain control, she was determined she wouldn't let this mar her day. Any other time she might have called Dex, but she knew she had to face this herself. She couldn't be depending on some man every time they followed her. Eventually, she'd have to face whoever it was alone.

  Besides, Dex needed to decide if he really wanted to date her any longer. And maybe she did too.

  She got out of the car and walked into the furniture store, glancing around at the people shopping she took a couple of deeper breaths. Then she saw Neely coming in from the parking lot. Seeing a familiar face made her heart steady.

  "Been here long?" Neely flashed her a brilliant smile.

  "No, actually I haven't. I just arrived."

  "Something wrong, you look a little white around the gills there girl?"

  "Oh, well, I'll tell you about it during lunch. Let's check this place out first." Melanie suggested.

  Neely nodded to hide her bafflement.

  "What are you looking for exactly?" Neely asked.

  "A living room set mostly. I want something that will blend well and fit my apartment. I might have to go a love seat and chair though since it isn't that big an apartment."

  "Okay, contemporary or ranch, or something off the wall?" Neely chuckled.

  "I've got off the wall now." Melanie gave a short kind of laugh. "I want something cozy like a brown leather loveseat and reclining rocker that match. And then I'll need some end tables and maybe a coffee table. A couple of lamps."

  "Man, you are buying big now."

  "No, I'm not going to buy today, just want to pick something out or find something that will look nice. You know, get an idea what it will run me."

  "Okay, let's see what they have."

  They looked at several different styles. One was faux leather, one was real leather. "Which do you like the best?" Neely asked her.

  "Honestly?"

  "The real leather…"

  "Yeah, but the price is crazy."

  "Well, the best time to buy it, is during a holiday that's when they put these beauties on sale. I liked that second one myself, it was soft and comfortable and very nice looking."

  "That's what I was thinking. But it would be near a thousand just for the two pieces." Melanie cried.

  "That's why you wait for the sale hon."

  "Okay, then I'll definitely have to keep my eye on the sales ads." Melanie smiled. "I'm so glad you came with me, I have a hard time making decisions."

  "It's fun. Wish I could afford some nice stuff. We just got a house not long ago though and just can't stretch the budget yet. Maybe soon though. I'm sort of imagining what I want to get someday too."

  "It's nearly noon, want to go for some lunch?" Melanie asked her as she checked her phone for the time. Dex has called, and she missed it. She shrugged, she'd call him or see him later.

  "Sounds great, I didn't have breakfast, so I'm starving."

  "Let's take my car, no use taking both."

  "Fine with me." Neely nodded.

  They found a nice restaurant as they both got into Melanie's car and drove a couple of blocks down the road.

  "Ever been here?" Melanie asked.

  "No, but I've heard it's great."

  They were taken to a table and after ordering Neely glanced at her. "Now, what's going on with you girl. You looked terrible when I first arrived."

  "Oh, a lot, I guess. Neely, don't tell anyone I told you, but remember I told you I thought someone was stalking me?"

  Neely's jaw dropped. "Yeah, sure I do."

  "Well, it's true, they are."

  "Are you serious?"

  "Yes. They have been for a while, but it's getting more serious now." Melanie stared into her coffee, as though she'd find the answers there.

  "What do you mean, more serious?"

  "They know where I live."

  "How do you know that?" Neely's eyes rounded on her.

  "They were in the apartment parking lot today when I left."

  "My God, honey. Do you know who it is?"

  "No, I have no idea. They've phoned me several times too."

  "Did they say anything?"

  "No, just heavy breathing."

  "Oh, my God. Melanie, this is serious."

  "I just wish I knew who it could be and why?"

  "You don't have a clue?" Neely asked perplexed and concern lacing her words.

  "I have no idea. I thought…. well, I thought when I first moved there it might be Ed, the maintenance man from the dorm. But he drives a beat up old pickup. He's married and I can't see him spending his off time chasing around me."

  Neely leaned back in her chair and stared at her. "What do you suppose they want?"

  "I have no idea. I can't tie anything to anyone. Brad and I broke up and he wasn't angry. He seemed relieved that we broke up, so I don't think it's him. Besides, he's in Chicago. Jesse's an old friend and ex-boyfriend lives too far to be following me around all the time. I don't understand it. I don't know anyone who would hold a grudge against me for anything. As far as I know I haven't made anyone that mad."

  "Have you told anyone else about it?"
<
br />   "Dex that's all, and now you."

  "Do the police know?"

  "Well, yeah. You see, not long ago I was locked in my own bathroom."

  "Locked in, from outside?"

  "Yeah. Someone had a key."

  "Melanie, and now they are following you?"

  "Yeah."

  "You need to go back to the police and tell them what is going on now. Did they come to your apartment and check it out?"

  "Yeah, they did."

  "Did you hear back from them?"

  "No, as a matter of fact, I didn't, but we might have just not touched bases since I work these weird hours."

  "Then you need to go down there and talk to them again. Tell them what is going on. This is Houston girl, anything can happen here." Neely told her laying her hand on her arm and trying to comfort her.

  "I just don't understand it. If it was someone wanting to knock me in the head for my money or something, maybe I could see that. But even though I received an inheritance I haven't told anyone about it. I haven't flaunted it, or used it. I don't intend to. So, who would know I even have it? I've racked my brain trying to figure it out. But nothing comes to mind."

  "You inherited money?" Neely screeched.

  "Yeah, about a year and a half ago, from my grandparents. But, I loved them so, and I just couldn't in all honesty touch it. I haven't told many about it. Just the people I really trust."

  "Oh, my God. You are in danger, Melanie."

  "Funny thing is, I'd rather give them the money, if they'd just leave me alone."

  "When did you break up with this Brad?"

  "When college was over. He went off to a job in Chicago and I haven't seen or heard from him since. I think he's forgotten all about me by now."

  "How long did you date him?"

  "Four years, all through college. You know it started out simple, school functions and stuff and before long we were considered an item."

  "So Dex knows, Jesse knows and me, along with your folks, and that's all. Anyone else?"

  "No one."