She didn’t understand what he meant. “Adam…”
“After you were okay on the street, I followed her back to her car.” He pulled out a wadded-up piece of paper and tossed it on the bed. “Blue BMW. That’s the license number. I didn’t think I’d see her again. Until I did, tonight.”
Oh my God!
She leaned toward him. “You didn’t try to burn down the bookstore, did you?”
His shoulders went lax. “I just wanted to see you on your big night. I snuck in the back.” His mouth tilted into a lopsided frown. “You should really lock that door during business hours.”
She thought she had, but maybe her mom or Cody had forgotten when they came through that way. Didn’t matter now.
Adam stepped closer. “I stayed at the back, so no one would notice me. But thensheslipped out from one of the aisles while you were speaking and snuck into your office. I tried to grab her, but then I saw the smoke and saw the flames and rushed to put them out. That’s when you saw me. She’d already gone out the back door. I thought I could catch her, but she sped away in her car again.”
“I think it was Cody’s ex.”
His gaze narrowed. “She’s really got it out for you.”
“That bitch won’t get away with it. I have you as an eyewitness.”
“Who would believe me?”
“I do.”
He shrugged. “It’s finally over for me. Now you know, you can stop her.”
“What do you mean it’s over for you? What do you want? Why are you here?”
His gaze swept over her scarred arms. “I hurt you. I killed your baby.” Tears streamed down his face. His eyes pleaded with her. “It could have been our baby if I’d only done things the right way.”
Okay, now that was crazy. But who knew…maybe if Cody and Kristi hadn’t lost the baby and married, she could have moved on with Adam, and she and Cody would have simply been co-parents to their child.
No. For her it had always been Cody.
She shook off any thoughts of Adam being her baby’s stepfather.
“Brooke?” Cody rattled the nob. “Why’s the door locked?”
“Do youseeme?” Adam raised the gun and pointed it at her again.
“Brooke!” Cody pounded on the door after hearing Adam’s voice, shaking it in the frame.
Adam held the gun steady. “All I wanted was you. I love you. You’re my everything.”
He’s going to kill me, then himself.
“Please, Adam, don’t do this. Please.”
“I love you. I never wanted to hurtyou.” He put the gun to his head.
She had only a second of relief before his teary eyes locked on hers.
“Do you think you ever could have loved me?”
“Adam. Please.”
“Do you see me?” His soft, anguished voice broke her heart.
She held her hand out to him, hoping he didn’t do what she thought he was going to do. “Yes, Adam. I see you. I see you.Please, don’t do this. I’ll help you. I seeyou.” She reached for him.
