Seduced in the Dark

Darkness greeted me when I woke. Night air blew through the open window, sending that familiar chill down my spine. For weeks, I have felt eyes watching me. I have contemplated talking to my best friend Hailey about my feelings, but something holds me back every time. Tonight my senses are on high alert. Sweat causes my shirt to cling to my back despite the fall air blowing around the room. Goosebumps travel up my arms and my breath catches in my throat. Closing the window makes me feel slightly better. Out of the corner of my eye I swear I see movement in the shadows of the treeline that surrounds my property. Did I set the alarm? Did I leave anything unlocked? These thoughts run through my mind as I frantically search the shadows for another hint of movement. I decided to close the curtains to ease my racing heart. I quickly double-checked my doors and windows and reset my alarm for some peace of mind. Opening my journal, I begin the newest entry. " October 14, 2:28 am. I am positive I saw a shadow moving through the woods. Not an animal shadow either. I know now that I am being watched...... but will anyone believe me?" Somehow, putting the words on paper makes me feel better, less crazy even. Like if I were to die, there would be documentation that I was being stalked. That's the first time I have used that word, but it is the closest word that relates to what is happening. I still have no way of proving that someone is really stalking me, so going to the authorities is pointless. I finish the rest of my journal entry as the light filters through the bay window in the living room. The wooden stairs creak under my feet as I sluggishly make my way back to my bed. Exhaustion finally overtakes the fear that overtook me during the night. I barely set my alarm before sleep overtook me. The harsh wailing interrupted my slumber. Drowsily, I set off for the kitchen to make some coffee. That has been the staple in my routine for the past few weeks. I have never been more thankful for being a business owner. I texted my only employee, who also happens to be my best friend, to open the book store without me today. I acquired a quaint book store in Canal Plaza. I bought a two-story Victorian-style building that was straight out of a goth novel and was love at first sight. The money from my father's inheritance was just enough to buy the building and stock it. Old Port holds some of the most beautiful history and brings book lovers from all over since Steven King made Portland famous for mystery thriller fans. Thankfully, that means that my book store is pretty busy with all the fans that flock to visit. Pouring the much-needed caffeine, I search for the best ways to know if you have a stalker. Probably not the best way to figure that out, but it did seem to make me feel better. I finished my cup and reluctantly got ready for work. In a rush, I almost trampled the flowers that were sitting on my doorstep. Startled, I picked them up. They were beautiful, but I didn't know who they were from. I got in the car before reading the card attached. A shiver ran up my spine when reading the text. "See you soon, Olivia." Who were these from? The nagging feeling that these were related to my bad feeling from last night. I was distracted for the rest of the day. Hailey seemed to notice. "You're more distant than usual," she stated. "I'm sorry, couldn't sleep last night." I debated on telling her about the feeling I have been having and the flowers that were outside my house this morning, but I couldn't bring myself to. Hailey busied herself with the incoming customers, giving me a much-needed break from the worried looks that she was giving me. I couldn't believe the influx of customers. By lunch, I had all but forgotten my strange encounter. Hailey was stocking the latest booktok books that have gained traction while I finished the paperwork on the latest publication I was editing. "Is it any good?" Hailey asked, nodding towards the large folder in front of me. "It's ok, needs a little refining." Her look of sympathy was all I needed to know that I didn't hide my distain for this particular manuscript. The bell over the door dings. My head instinctively snapped towards the sound. I was about to tell the person coming through the door that we were about to close, but the sight of him took my breath away. I mean literally took it away. He was tall, like really tall. His shirt clung to his muscles like it was painted on. His cologne filled the air. His smell alone caused dampness between my legs. I watched him far longer than I should have, mouth hanging open type starring. He must have felt me staring because he looked directly at me. His deep eyes were transfixed on me. I didn't realize until I shifted weight from one foot to the other, that I was way more aroused than I had initially thought. His smile was wide and what seemed to be a bit mischievous, a shiver ran down my spine. I didn't know if I felt more afraid or turned on by this man. He sauntered over to the dark romance section, raising an eyebrow at the titles. A wave of heat spread over my cheeks. It took all I could to stop staring in his direction and try to focus back on the work in front of me. A loud thud made me jump, followed by a soft, deep chuckle. The sound was intoxicating. My n*****s perked involuntarily and a fresh wave of arousal spilled into my panties. I closed my eyes, silently telling myself to calm down, before rising to meet his eyes. They were deep green, like the forest. He seemed taller standing so close to me. I tried to hide my attraction, but the look on his face made me feel like he could read my thoughts. "That will be 42.50." I said, trying to hide the shaking in my voice. I couldn't understand the strong attraction. I had been attracted to many men, but never had it been so prevalent. It felt like he knew what I was thinking. He handed me cash with a smirk. I quickly rendered his change when his hand brushed mine, causing heat to flood my body. I practically threw his change on the counter to avoid another brushing. My body was humming so badly that I didn't trust myself not to try and mount him right at the counter. I didn't realize that I was holding my breath as he walked out the door until he was fully out the door. "Olivia!!!!!! That man was hot!" Hailey squealed. I jogged to the door to lock it so that he couldn't come back in to torture me anymore than he already had. I couldn't get his face out of my brain. Even worse, I couldn't stop picturing his hands around my throat. I nearly whimpered at the thought. Thankfully, I had some semblance of control and managed to push back the thoughts while finishing closing tasks. Hailey made it difficult though, because she wouldn't shut up about him. I loved her like a sister, but sometimes she was a little more eccentric than I could handle. "Well, I have to go service myself to that guy!" She yelled, bouncing towards the door.