Page 262

My heart thuds as I debate what to do. If I run, I’m afraid he’ll see me.

You can do this. Just remain calm.

I hear his truck door slam. Then another door slams. Probably the one between the house and garage.

On the count of three, I move, figuring the cover of darkness will allow me to escape. As much as I want to see him, it’s too risky.

I watch the lights come on, then creep back to the patio.

I peek through the door to see where he is. The kitchen light is on, revealing Roman’s back as he stands in front of the open refrigerator.

Fuck. He has the nicest ass I’ve ever seen.

I keep moving but can’t resist another peek at him.

Screech.

My eyes fly wide.

Shit. My foot kicked the chair, and it slid across the patio.

Instinct takes over, and I keep moving, praying he didn’t hear that.

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. You should’ve been watching where⁠—

The patio door opens just as I round the corner of his house. There is a six-foot Arborvitae. It’s big enough to hide me.

I hold my breath and squeeze behind it, grateful for the flat, scale-like leaves.

Footsteps grow closer.

I press tighter against the tree.

They continue around the front of the house.

I exhale but don’t move, counting slowly to fifty in my head.

When I peek out, I don’t see anyone.

I step out slowly from behind it, my eyes darting around the darkness.

As I move to the edge of the house, I hear a door opening. I peer around it in time to see a flash of his clothing before he closes the side door near the garage.

I head deeper into the backyard, sticking close to the trees.

I should go back to my car. Go home with Alibi.

But my gaze goes to the door by the garage.

And I don’t know why I do it, but I creep over there.

When I put my hand on it and turn the knob, it opens.

My eyes fly wide.

Holy shit. The hitman forgot to lock it.

Or maybe it’s an invitation.