“That was strange,” she says, watching him go. “The way he was looking at you.”
I manage a light chuckle. “It was nothing. Maybe he just thought I was pretty.”
She frowns. “Still. Don’t get close to people like that.”
“Why not? He was quite good-looking.” I keep my tone light, teasing.
She sighs. “Good-looking doesn’t mean safe.”
I point toward the pale pink mattress, desperate to change the subject. “I think that one’s nice.”
After we pay, we leave the shop. My eyes scan every corner, but I don’t catch another glimpse of him.
For the rest of our shopping, I can’t pull my attention away from thoughts of him. The first time—in the park—could have been a coincidence. But the second time, in that shop where he had no reason to be, can’t be.
He’s watching me. And I don’t understand how he’s managing it without my bodyguards noticing.
“Mom, I need to use the restroom. Wait for me in the lounge.” I stroke Rosie’s head as she sleeps contentedly in Mom’s arms.
“I’ll come with you,” she says instantly.
“Rosie will be uncomfortable there, and so will you. I’ll manage. Don’t worry.”
“Are you sure?”
I laugh. “Mom. It’s not like I’m going to get kidnapped from a restroom.”
She shrugs. “You never know. I was once kidnapped while shopping for my wedding dress.”
“Don’t worry. With this mini army, no one would be foolish enough to try.” I say this with complete confidence—despite knowing that the man who once kidnapped me, right under the bodyguards’ noses, is lurking nearby.
Should I be afraid? I don’t think so. He won’t hurt me. But I need to know why he’s here.
A current of excitement hums beneath my skin. The mere possibility of speaking to him sends my heart rate soaring.
“Okay. I’ll wait. Be quick, and be careful.”
“Can’t guarantee quick—my stomach’s not well.” I walk away, then add over my shoulder, “But I’ll be careful.”
The bodyguards split. Half follow Mom and Rosie; the other half trail me to the restroom door.
I push the door open and step inside.
Empty.
My heart plummets.
I set my purse on the counter and face the mirror.
What were you even thinking, Elowen? That you’d walk into the restroom and he’d materialize behind you like this is some kind of movie?
My thoughts stutter to a halt. My eyes widen as, impossibly, it actually happens.
He steps out of a stall.
“It’s the ladies’ room.”
Applause for me, this is the brilliant thing to say to someone I’ve been missing to death, praying to every god for another chance to see him.
