Free Toxic by Rachael Orman Page B

John though, and I dialed his number.
    “Alix?” John answered on the first ring, worry obvious in his voice. “Where are you, Precious? Jennifer called and told me that you were escorted out by your boss and that you looked very upset.”
    “I’m at some park,” I said, not caring to talk about it over the phone.
    “Okay… What park?” he asked and I heard him shuffling things around on his end of the line.
    “I don’t know. Look, I’m fine. I’m just going to go home and we can talk when you get there,” I told him. I didn’t much feel up to rehashing it all. What I really wanted to do was fall into bed and stay there for a few days.
    “I’d feel better if you’d tell me where you are so I can come get you,” John said.
    “I already told you I don’t know where I am. It's just easier if I get a cab and have them take me to the house.” I sighed tiredly. “Just finish with your clients and I’ll see you tonight. I love you.”
    I hung up before he could respond. Putting my phone on silent, I leaned back and looked up at the sky. Time passed as I sat there watching the clouds float overhead until my neck hurt and I got up from the bench.
    Luckily, I was able to catch a cab outside a nearby restaurant as they dropped off a couple. I slid into the back and gave him the address before closing my eyes and rubbing my temples with my fingers. My head was starting to ache and bed was sounding even better.
    When the car pulled up, I paid the driver and got out. Before I could even reach the front door, it opened and John stepped out. He looked worried. His tie was pulled down, his hair a mess and a frown marred his beautiful face.
    “Hi,” I said meekly as we got close.
    “Hi,” he whispered, pulling me into his arms in a tight hug.
    “I’m okay.” I pulled on his shoulder until he finally released me.
    He stared into my eyes for a long time before finally nodding once.
    “Let’s go inside,” he said, weaving his fingers with mine and leading me through the door.

 
    Chapter Eight
    ~John~
     
    Every muscle in my body immediately relaxed when I drew Alix into my arms as we sat on the couch. Having her disappear on me had made me nearly go out of my mind. Part of me was happy that now the stress of her job would be gone, but it opened a whole other set of issues we’d have to work our way through. However, the only thing on my mind was comforting her and letting it sink in that she was okay and home with me.
    Holding her close, I breathed in her scent as much as I could without letting her know. I’d never admitted that I’d stalked her before we started seeing each other and I didn’t think it was the time, or that it would ever be the time, to let her know such a thing. Even though she lived with me and was my fiancée, I still couldn’t release the soul-deep need I had to have her as close to me as possible. I had to know everything about her.
    I didn’t think about her as an addiction anymore, but then again I didn’t have to peek in windows or stalk her to find out all the details of her life. She willingly shared them with me. I didn’t see it as a problem since I didn’t do strange things like smell her underwear or wear her clothes, both of which I’d had to counsel men through in the past. It was about finding someone who could handle being in my life and all that came with it.
    From the first time I laid eyes on Alix, I knew she was the one for me. I wasn’t lying when I said I couldn’t survive without her. There was little doubt in my mind that I would completely lose it if she tried to leave me. Not in a way that I would try to stop her, if that’s what she truly wanted, but it would crush me. The thought alone made my eyes burn.
    I shook my head to clear away the terrifying idea of anything like that ever happening. For some reason my emotions were on the surface when it came to her lately and I didn’t know how to handle it.
    When she’d accepted my naked proposal, I’d