I try to sidestep him, but he shifts his weight, blocking my path. “Come on, Meesha. We should talk about our situation.”
I glance around desperately, hoping to catch sight of a colleague or anyone who might interrupt this moment. “There is no situation,” I hiss, looking around to ensure none of my colleagues are within earshot. “And stop texting me.”
“You haven’t responded to any of them.”
“I’ve been busy with wedding planning,” I say, trying to keep my voice light, reasonable. “Look, Dennis, I think there’s been a misunderstanding. What happened in Vegas was just...”
His eyes narrow, and something in his expression kills the words before they’re spoken. Placating him might be encouraging him.
“How did you even find me?” I demand. “How did you know I live in Winter Bay?”
A slow smile spreads across his face. “You’re not very careful, Meesha. After our connection that night, I couldn’t just let you walk away.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I followed you back to your suite,” he says casually, as if admitting to stalking is perfectly normal. “Watched which room you entered. The next morning, when you and your friends left your room for breakfast, I followed you.”
My stomach drops as the memory of Jessa, Jasmine and I discussing our return flights to Winter Bay, laughing about how we’d need to readjust to the cold after Vegas heat.
“You eavesdropped on our conversation,” I whisper, the full horror dawning on me.
He nods, looking pleased with himself. “You mentioned Winter Bay several times.” His eyes glint with satisfaction. “It wasn’t hard to find this place after following you to the airport.”
I feel sick. “That’s—that’s stalking.”
“I prefer to call it fate,” he says, reaching out to touch my arm. I jerk away. “We were meant to be together, Meesha. I knew it the moment I saw you in that bar.”
“You’ve been following me for weeks?”
“I’ve been patient,” he corrects. “Learning your routines. Watching you with him.” His expression darkens. “He doesn’t deserve you.”
“I’m not interested in whatever game you’re playing,” I say firmly. “I’m engaged.”
“For now.” His casual tone makes my blood boil. “I’ve got twenty-five days till the wedding. Plenty of time to change your mind.”
I stare at him in disbelief. “I love Connor.”
“But you kissed me.” He steps closer, lowering his voice. “People who are truly in love don’t kiss other men.”
“Listen carefully,” I say, keeping my voice low but intense. “I’m going to marry Connor. Nothing you say or do will change that. So stop texting me, stop this ridiculous pursuit, and leave us alone.”
His smile doesn’t falter. “I’ll do whatever it takes, Meesha. I know we’re meant to be together.”
“You’re delusional.”
“And you’re in denial.” He walks away, leaving me standing in the hallway, my appetite gone and my hands shaking with rage and fear.
Connor
I tap my glovedfingers against the steering wheel, watching Dennis peer through my SUV’s window at the lakefront property. The sky hangs low and heavy, pregnant with the promised blizzard. Snowflakes already dance in the air—not the gentle kind, but the angry swirling ones that warn of worse to come.
“This lot has the best view of Winter Bay,” I explain, keeping my voice professional despite my growing unease. “Perfect for a year-round residence. The sunsets here are incredible, especially in the summer.”
Dennis nods, his eyes narrowing as he studies the snow-covered land. “Beautiful location. Not far from you and Meesha’s new build, right?”
I feel my jaw tighten. That’s the third comment about Meesha in thirty minutes.
“The property itself is two acres,” I continue, ignoring his remark. “Already has foundation work completed by theprevious owner, which saves you months of construction time, là.”
