Heyy guys, SOOO sorry for the delay, I'm such a procrastinator. I had this chapter written, I just never typed and posted it. I was going to do it a few days ago but my sister has been doing a project so I haven't been able to get on the computer. But good news, I'll be able to post the next chapter very soon. I am almost done writing it, so I'll have it up by Wednesday or Thursday. Anyway, make sure to tell me what you think of this chapter.

The next day Troy and Gabriella decided to avoid each other. Troy was avoiding her because kissing her was very unprofessional. Falling for her was even more professional and unacceptable, but the more time he spent with her the more unavoidable it became. So for now he was going to avoid her for the time being in hopes of figuring things out and hopefully getting over her. Of course he was still going to watch over and protect her, but he would just spend less time getting to know her.

The reason was avoiding Troy was because she was afraid. She had a feeling he was going to regret the kiss and she really didn't want him to. Not only was that kiss absolutely amazing, but also she was starting to fall for him. He was such a fun person to be around. He also made her feel like the only person on the planet when he looked at her. She wanted to be with Troy, but she knew he would never allow it and that killed her.

They had successfully tip-toed around each other all morning. They only had one close call, but Troy dodged it by jumping into the bathroom before Gabriella saw him.

Even though they were successful so far Troy knew it was only a matter of time before they saw each other, and he still wasn't ready. He had to get out of here before he screwed up and lost his job. He decided to escape and talk to Chad.

Of course before he left he made sure all the doors and windows were locked so no one would be able to get in. Then he told Gabriella he was going out and to stay in the house with the doors and windows locked.

Gabriella was pretty pissed that Troy just left her here. What made it worse was that he told her to lock the door and not let anyone in. She seriously felt like a two year old, but to some sense she understood where Troy was coming from. It was still his job to protect her and he was sticking to it. What she didn't know was that Troy wanted her safe because he cared about her. It came down to a lot more then just his job.

When Troy arrived Chad was shooting hoops. Just as Chad was about to take a three point shot Troy ran up and stole the ball.

"Looks like I can still school you." Troy Teased.

"That's only because I didn't know you were there.

"Dude stop making excuses and just admit it, I got game."

"Yeah you do, but so do I." Chad said.

With that the boys played an intense game of one-on-one. After an hour the game finally ended with Troy winning 60-52.

"Told you I'd school you. I could beat you with my eyes closed." Troy said cockily.

"Shut up, you didn't win by that much. Let's go grab some lunch, I'm starving.

"Works for me."

At the diner Troy and Chad both ordered their food and as they waited they started catching up.

"So what's up with this bizarre meeting Troy?"

"Nothing, I just needed to get out of the house."

"Why do I get the feeling something else is going on? Are you lying to me?" Chad asked.

"Everything's fine dude." Troy responded right before their food came.

After eating a few bits in silence a new conversation ensued, this one started by Troy.

"Would you ever choose a girl over your job?"

"Umm it depends how hot she is." Chad joked.

"No really man."

"If I really thought she was worth it and a real relationship could form I would, yeah."

As Chad said that Troy knew he had to try with Gabriella. He could see a real relationship form and she was defiantly worth it. "Why what is this about?" Chad asked

"Nothing, I was just wondering."

"Bull shit dude, you are falling for her aren't you?"

"I don't know, I might be. What am I supposed to do?"

"Go for it. You haven't been in a relationship in like two years and you never had a very serious girlfriend. It's time to let someone in Troy."

"I know it is, but I wish I wasn't risking my job doing it."

"Give it a shot. Maybe Greg won't even find out about it."

"Okay, I'll think about it. But I better get back, she's been alone for two hours and that really makes me nervous." Troy said as he paid his half of the pill.

"Okay, well it was great talking to you again. I missed ya man."

"Thanks. I'll try to call more."

"Okay. Good Luck." Chad responded.

20 minutes later Troy arrived at Gabriellas house. As soon as he got in he went to check on her. He found her asleep in her bed. She must have falled asleep reading because she had a book in her hands. He slowly walked over taking the book from her hands and placing it one the bedside table. He gently leaned over and kissed her head and caressed her cheek.

As he was getting up to walk out of her room he heard a faint voice call for him. "Troy?"

"Hey. Sorry I woke you."

"It's fine. Where did you go that whole time?"

"I went to Chad's. I just really needed to talk to him. Sorry I left you."

"That's okay. Is that the same Chad you lived with?"

"Yeah. Well I am going to head downstairs."

"Okay. I'm going to get changed into pj's and I'll be right down. Then do you think we could talk?"

"Sounds good. See ya then."

"As Troy left her room Gabriella couldn't help but wonder why the change in Troy's mood. This morning he wouldn't talk or look at her. Now she could have sworn she felt Troy caressing her cheek as she was sleeping. They were defiantly going to talk. She was confused and wanted answers.

But for now she had to get changed. She took her t-shirt, shorts and bra off leaving her in only her panties, which was an almost completely transparent thong. She liked to call them her tp or tt undies. Tp meant transparent panties and tt meant transparent thong.

As she walked over to her dresser to pick out pajamas something moving outside caught her eye and she froze.

She looked over at her balcony and nearly died at the sight. She saw a man with a creepy smirk climbing down it.

With that Gabriella started to panic. How long had he been watching her? How long had he known where she lived? How was she safe anymore? As all these questions were running through her head she slowly walked over to the balcony doors to close the blinds. She couldn't stand the thought of him watching her; she was beginning to feel very ill.

As she was closing the blinds she saw a note hanging from the door from the outside. She opened the door and grabbed the note with a shaky hand.

As she read what it said tears fell from her eyes and bile formed in her throat. Her hands were shaking so bad she could barely read it, but there were no mistaking the words.

Pretty boy won't be able to protect you forever. You are all mine and we WILL be together. P.S. I love watching you undress.

With that Gabriella slowly slipped down the wall, tears streaming sown her face and sobs escaping her throat. She had a million thoughts running through her head and she was frozen in fear. She couldn't move to do any of the things she knew she should do: get dressed, get Troy and tell him what happened, or even get off the floor.

Instead she just laid there crying. Fear had completely taken over her body. Not only was she afraid for herself, but she was also afraid for Troy. This guy had completely crossed the line and she had a feeling things were about to get a lot more dangerous.