It’s nice. It suits her.
I grab the bag of potato chips from the passenger seat and rip them open.
I put a handful into my mouth, my eyes never leaving her front door.
This is a stakeout. I’m not actually stalking her. I need to orchestrate a “run-in” with her in the interest of making friends.
Yeah, that sounds better.
I eat some more chips.
There’s movement, and I freeze mid-chew, my eyes locked on her front door as it swings open.
And there she is.
Wren steps out onto her porch with two small furry dogs on leashes. She’s wearing a pair of denim shorts that show off her lush thighs and a simple T-shirt that hugs her curves. Her feet are in flip-flops, and her hair is pulled up in a messy bun with strands escaping everywhere.
She’s fucking gorgeous.
For a few moments, I just stare at her with my mouth gaping open like an idiot.
Then I remember why I’m here and snap back to attention.
Wren locks her door and heads down her front walkway, the two dogs pulling at their leashes, their little tails wagging. She turns left at the sidewalk, heading up the street at an easy pace.
I wait until she turns the corner two blocks up, then I fire up my engine and pull out, keeping my distance. I turn onto the street, parking so that I can track her movements while staying out of sight.
When she makes a right turn at the next road, I’m pretty sure I know where she’s going. There’s a park a few blocks from here.I know this because I’ve studied the map of her neighborhood multiple times.
I’m ready.
I take another route that will bring me to a different entrance to the park. If I’m right about where she’s headed, I can beat her there and make this look natural.
Natural. Right. Nothing creepy about any of this at all.
I pull up next to the park and kill the engine, then climb out and head inside. It’s decent-sized, with walking paths, a small playground, and a lake in the center. Ducks glide across the water’s surface, and a couple of people are scattered around on benches.
I make my way to the lake and find a bench along the main walking path. The one that goes past the water. People are attracted to water. I’m sure she’ll come this way. At least, I hope she will.
I sit down and stare at the ducks, trying to look casual. Trying to look like someone who just happens to be here.
I should have brought bread to feed the ducks. That would have made this more believable.
She’s going to know I’m up to something.
I should go.
I should leave right now. Only I don’t.
Because what choice do I have? I’m running out of time, and she’s my best option. My only option, really.
I hear footsteps approaching. Light, quick steps accompanied by the patter of small paws and the jingle of dog tags.
Then her scent hits me. It’s sweet and female. It makes my dragon wake up and take notice.
It’s her.
Of course it is. She was on her way here, just like I predicted.
