Heather’s lungs compressed. “I have an idea.” So Jack had found her. What now?
Chapter 5
Quint took the dish from Heather and helped her into the truck, where Zena greeted her with a soft bark from the backseat. “Please tell me you’re not angry.” He had been interfering when he’d sent the cousins over to help, and from the sounds of it, Heather already had an unwelcome stalker in her life. “I thought you’d like to meet some folks from here, and those three are pretty great friends to have.”
Heather pulled her seatbelt on after setting her tote bag to the side of her feet. Light snow covered her shoulders just from the walk to the truck. “It was nice of you and I enjoyed getting to know your cousins.” Today she’d dressed in jeans with a pretty blue blouse and cardigan set, but there were slight circles beneath her eyes. Had she not slept? He returned her dish to her. “Thanks.”
“Sure.” He shut the door and walked slowly around the front of the truck, lecturing himself mentally the whole time. Most people didn’t like interference like his family did, and he could only be friends with this woman. In other words, he needed to back the hell off, although it went against his nature. If she was scared, he’d take care of the threat. It was kind of what he did overall, but he didn’t have a right in this situation. So he opened his door, slid inside the truck, and started the engine. Then he paused. “That smells delicious.” The round dish was filling the cab of the truck with the smell of…what?
“Thanks.” She held the dish securely. “I wasn’t sure what to bring, so I made my Grandma’s secret artichoke dip. The crackers are in the bag.” She bit her lip. “If that’s okay?”
“Of course,” he said, smoothly driving down the quiet road. “I’m trying really hard to mind my own business here.”
She sighed. “Your cousins told you about the roses?”
“Yep. I have no problem talking to this guy for you, if you want.” He took the back roads toward the main river road, enjoying the beginning of the autumn colors outside.
“You think I can’t handle it?” she murmured.
Warning. Back off. Flag on the play.“Heather? You’re organized, smart, and obviously capable. So yeah, you can handle it, I’m sure.” He slowed down as a couple of wild turkeys meandered along the side of the road, slugging through the thickening snow on the ground. “But sometimes a guy like this one, at least like he sounds, needs somebody his size to discuss matters with him. It’s a fact, and I was just offering.”
“That’s kind of you, but I’ve got this.” She watched another set of turkeys. Big ones. “Any heads up about what we’re walking into with this barbecue?
Humor smashed into him and he chuckled. “Like I said, you’re smart. All right. The family barbecue is at Donna, Tessa, and Anna’s parent’s house, so you’ll get both sides of their family—the Irish and the Italian. Well, depending on who can make it. Since it’s a nice day without too much snow falling, we’ll be outside with heaters spread around the lawn, and there will be too much food, plenty of joking, and probably some lawn games. Oh. And matchmaking. A whole lot of it.”
“I could fake a fiancé,” she offered, her lips twitching.
God, she was cute. And she filled out that sweater set like it had been sewn for her. He loved full-bodied women.Whoa. Left turn. Back to friend zone.“That’s a great thought, but you’re too late. They know you’re not engaged.”
“We can handle this,” she said to the white dish in her hands.
“Hope springs eternal,” he said dryly, turning down the long drive to his aunt and uncle’s house. There were already plenty of rigs lining the drive and a bunch of teenagers played snow volleyball toward the side of the sprawling log-style home. The river sparkled on the back side, winding around with some ice already forming near the banks. He parked up near the driveway, much closer than usual since Heather had to use the crutches he’d placed in the backseat.
Her phone buzzed from her bag and the atmosphere changed.
He looked at her now pale face. “Want me to answer it?”
She took it out and ‘unknown number’ showed on the screen. “Isn’t that a bad idea? Every episode ofStalker SnappedI’ve seen on television proves that the bad guy is energized by what he or she considers competition.”
Quint rubbed his smooth jawline. Since he’d shaved that morning, it wouldn’t be smooth for long. “I have no idea.” He’d never dealt with a stalker and would much rather just find this guy and punch him in the face. Twice. “Or maybe he’ll give up?”
“I’m sure he’ll give up,” she said, sounding pretty certain. “He wasn’t the most motivated of guys, and no doubt he’s just bored right now. Although, the roses were a surprise. Up to this point, he has just called and texted, and the unknown number is new. I’m not sure what to do.” She bit her lip. “I can’t call the police since Jack hasn’t really threatened me, and it isn’t fair to get you involved.”
“I am involved,” Quint said quietly.
“Let’s just go in.” She rejected the call and shoved the phone back into the tote with the crackers and napkins.
“All right.” Quint waved to the kids playing volleyball in the snow and then helped Heather out with her crutches, taking the dish and throwing the bag over his shoulder. “It was nice of you to bring food.” Unnecessary, but very nice. The grandmas would love that.
She looked toward the wide front door and winced.
Yep. She was definitely smart. He chuckled. Why did she have to be so alluring? “Don’t worry. Once the food is out, everyone concentrates on eating.” He’d made sure to plan their arrival close to that time.
“Good.” She flashed him a smile and hobbled along the shoveled path on the crutches to the door, which opened right before they got there.
“Hi, mom.” Quint leaned down for a kiss, not surprised she’d been waiting for him. “This is Heather.” His mom had light brown hair, deep brown eyes, and a smile that made almost everything okay.
She reached for Heather in a gentle hug. “We’re glad you could make it. What smells so delicious?”
