Once she got to the dumpster, she flung the cardboard into the bin. She was proud of herself that all but one landed inside. After discarding the lone piece of cardboard, she started back across the parking lot.
She took her time enjoying the fresh air and warm sun. As she walked, she thought of a few items she needed to pick up the next time she went to the store. Her aunt and uncle had surprised her with a full load of groceries and other essentials she would need, like dish soap and laundry detergent. They told her it was a “housewarming” gift. They were the best.
A sudden gust of wind blew in, but it wasn’t the breeze that caught her attention. It was that familiar feeling again. Her sixth sense was kicking in just like her dad had always told her. It was followed by a sharp prickle at the back of her neck as goosebumps raced over her arms.
She told herself it was ridiculous, considering it was broad daylight and not late at night like the other night. But that did little to settle her racing heart.
She picked up her pace, her flip-flops smacking faster against the pavement as her gaze swept the lot. A mother was helping her two young kids into the backseat of a car a few spaces over, and an older woman shuffled along with a little white dog tugging at its leash. Both normal and harmless. Nothing about either of them explained why her gut was screaming danger.
Her eyes moved to a cluster of trees at the far side of the lot, just behind the tall, black, iron fence that surrounded the complex. It was a perfect place to get a view of the entire front of the apartment building.
Something moved within the shadows beneath the trees, and her breath caught. For a second, she could’ve sworn someone was crouched down near the base of the trees. Her breath caught, but she didn’t slow down.
Just as she reached the building, the elevator doors opened, and a man holding a little girl’s hand stepped out. Relief hit Charley hard and fast. Muttering a quick thanks to the guy holding the door, Charley slipped inside before the doors could close. She wasn’t about to risk those three flights of stairs with her nerves already stretched thin. As the elevator rose, she blew out a shaky breath and leaned back against the wall, frustrated with herself.
Was she really this on edge? Or had someone actually been hiding in the trees watching her?
The doors opened on her floor, and she stepped out, heading down the hallway toward her unit. Halfway there, her phone pinged.
She pulled her cell phone from the side pocket of her leggings and glanced at the screen. The second she saw Pierce’s name, a warm feeling replaced the chill that had gripped her just moments ago.
Pierce:Hey, Charley. Are you free for coffee tomorrow morning around 10?
Charley’s lips curved into a smile before she could stop them. A flutter of warmth danced in her chest, followed by a small eye-roll at herself. Jesus, one message from him and her heart was already trying to do cartwheels.
Charley:Hi! That works for me. I’ll let you choose the place.
Pierce:Beachside Cafe
She started typing a reply as she walked the rest of the way to her apartment.
Charley:Sounds good. I’m looking forward to it.
Pierce:Me too.
Charley was still grinning when she entered her apartment and set her phone down on the small table next to the front door.
“Now, I would love to know what’s got you smiling like that?”
When she turned toward the sound of the voice, she saw her aunt and uncle sitting at the island, each with a soda in front of them.
Charley laughed, feeling a bit self-conscious. “It’s nothing, really,” she started, but her aunt gave her a knowing look.
“Come on, spill it,” her aunt insisted with a playful grin. “Who put that smile on your face?”
Sighing, Charley decided to share. “Okay, fine. Remember the guys I told you about who helped me when I was out on Mr. Quick’s boat?
Her aunt and uncle both nodded, but it was her uncle who spoke up. “The SEALs?”
“Yes. Well, one of the guys, Pierce, we sort of ran into each other again at that cookout I went to last weekend. We ended up talking and exchanging numbers. He just asked me to meet him for coffee tomorrow.”
Her uncle set his can of soda down and looked at her with a curious expression. “What’s he like?”
“He’s…well, he’s really nice and down-to-earth,” Charley said, her cheeks flushing a bit.
Her aunt’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Oh, that’s wonderful! It’s great to see you interested in someone.”
Her uncle nodded in agreement but gave her a cautious look. “Just be careful, Charley. Those guys can be intense. Make sure he’s the right kind of person for you.”
