Page 104 of Hunters and Prey

Chapter 5

Cailyn checked her watch, eager to get off of work.

A few days had passed since she’d met Connor, and he continued to appear in her dreams. Now, instead of being a menacing figure, he became a figure of desire.

It was dangerous.

Asher was her everything.

“It’s Saturday,” Tessawhined as Cailyn checked her out at the cash register.

Cailyn nodded with a smile as she rung her up. “I know. But I promised Asher I’d go to the city with him today.”

Tessa twisted her mouth into a scowl. “But we never miss movie night. Not in the last two years!”

“Come on, Tessa. Is it so wrong that I want to hang out with my boyfriend for once?”

“It is if you abandon your best friend on movie night.”

Tessa folded her arms across her chest and pouted.

“You’re ridiculous,” Cailyn laughed. She handed Tessa her bag of books. “I promise I won’t miss movie night next weekend.”

Snatching her bag, Tessa rolled her eyes. “Have fun, Cailyn. Maybe I’ll call Wendy and see if she wants to go with me instead.”

“You do that.”

Cailyn shook her head as she watched Tessa walk to the exit.

Tessa glanced back and looked her up and down, her face still disappointed. “You look cute, by the way,” she said. “I want to borrow those leggings sometime.”

Cailyn smirked. “Of course. Thanks, Tessa. Love you.”

“Love you,” she said and left the bookstore.

The scene outside looked dry.

Thank goodness.

A slew of students looking for entertainment walked the sidewalk in dense packs. Everyone already started wearing their costumes even though there was still another week until Halloween. Cailyn couldn’t wait for Asher to arrive so they could go out to the lake.

The store was quiet, with only one older woman browsing the recipe book aisle. Cailyn pulled her phone out of her skirt’s pocket and checked the time. She smoothed the purple skirt’s layers over her black and purple leggings. Cailyn wore a white collared blouse with a black tie and a purple headband in her hair with a large bow.

She looked cute and knew it. She just hoped Asher thought so as well. She couldn’t help feeling a constant fear that he’d realize she was too much trouble and leave her one day.

The door opened.

Cailyn’s body straightened when she saw Connor step inside.

He’s here.

Connor was silent as he walked in wearing a buttoned up shirt under an evergreen sweater, slim black jeans, and loafers.

She adjusted her glasses as she watched him. “Connor,” she said. “Can I help you with something?”

He nodded, his eyes scanning the shop. “You can. When are you off?”

Why did he care?

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