Page 118 of Unlawful Seduction

“Wow, girl. You got it bad. I think he does as well. Just checking if you guys will be at the carnival later.”

I stood outside my door, casually gazing across the parking lot to the random business that shared the same space. “Do you think Brady would let me live it down?”

She laughed. “I doubt it. Demanding kid like his mother.”

“Batting zeros today, my bestie.”

“I can’t wait to spend time with Beckett. That is if you’re not afraid Jenny and I will stick our claws into him.”

I snorted and finally opened my door, noticing the man who’d been so kind was heading in front of the clinic toward one of the vehicles. “You know what would happen if you tried to touch him.”

“Ha. I do. Can’t wait. We’ll be there around six-ish, I guess.”

“Perfect.” The stranger dressed in all black unlocked the doors of a huge black SUV, getting inside. From what I could tell, he didn’t have anything in his hands, but he could have been checking on his fur baby and nothing more. “Talk then.” I jumped inside, immediately starting the engine.

Days like today I was thankful Brady’s preschool was only a couple of miles down the road and on the way to my house. I headed out, no longer surprised at the amount of traffic. We had all kinds of tourists in for the carnival, which I’d always found fascinating. Ours was tiny but well run, old-fashioned in highlighting games and rides for the young and young at heart.

Finally, my sweet son was old enough to appreciate it all. I made the turn, drumming my fingers on the steering wheel. There was no reason for me to glance into the rearview mirror, but I did. Atiny shiver coursed down my spine. The SUV was three vehicles back.

“Don’t do that,” I told myself. I hadn’t experienced the heebie-jeebies in a while. I didn’t like the feeling. The guy had seemed perfectly normal, simply sitting in the waiting room as other clients did every day.

Then why was his presence bothering me so much?

I made a turn, my breath skipping as I glanced several times into the rearview mirror. The shortcut I’d taken only locals knew, yet there he was a few car lengths behind. Immediately, I had the sense I was being followed.

Every few seconds I glanced into the rearview and side mirrors, certain the man in the SUV was the one who’d opened the door for me. From what I could tell, the vehicle was registered in Vermont. However, that meant shit. It could be a rental.

I debated contacting Beckett, but he might think me nuts. I couldn’t go off the rails every time it seemed someone was following me. When I neared the daycare and preschool, I decided to turn into the convenience store located just past the entrance, doing my best to act as if what I was doing had been planned. I even exited onto the pavement, grabbing my purse so I appeared ready to make a purchase.

While it seemed that the SUV had slowed down, none of the man’s movements were covert or out of the ordinary. He drove by without looking in my direction. I waited until the vehicle was out of sight before letting out a deep breath.

I was merely terrified my happiness would be taken away.

Again.

At least a laugh bubbled to the surface as I chastised myself. How long would it be before I stopped looking and wondering?

Before I stopped being terrified?

“Mama. When are we going? I’m weady!” Brady was dancing around, enticing Sampson to do the same.

I had to laugh at my little man. He was so happy, his eyes twinkling. It had been tough to get some food into him so he wouldn’t beg me for junk food the entire time we were at the carnival.

Well…

“In a couple minutes, bud,” I told him as I checked my watch. Just then, I noticed headlights outside the front window and for a few seconds, I stiffened. The crossbow was now hidden away in my closet, which was ridiculous. Did I really think I’d shoot anyone?

What I did know instinctively is that I’d protect my child at all costs.

It wasn’t quite dark so when the vehicle slowed near the house, all I could do was smile.

“Almost, buddy. Guess who just arrived?”

“Yay!” Brady was clapping and jumping and I had to pray my little man wouldn’t throw tantrums during our trip.

I opened the front door, gazing out the glass of the storm door as Beckett and Jax approached.

Sampson was already barking up a storm, even pawing the glass, he was so excited to see his buddy. As soon as I opened the door, he flew outside, both dogs doing zoomies across my lawn.

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