Page 65 of Ugly Beautiful Scars

Everything is okay.

"I think bangs will make you look mysterious," I say.

"So you like mysterious men. Noted."

His hand begins to rise, reaching toward mine where it rests against his chest. My breath catches, anticipation coiling tight inside me as I wait for the contact, for his fingers to close over mine…

The sharp sound of a door opening and closing shatters the moment like glass.

Sean stiffens, stepping back so quickly my hand is left suspended in the empty space between us. He stuffs his hands in his pocketsas his expression shifts. His neutral mask slides back into place just as Mike appears around the corner.

Mike's gaze bounces between us, eyes narrowed with the universal look of a dad who's just caught his teenage daughter alone in her bedroom with a boy.

"Food's getting cold," he says, looking directly at Sean. His words have bite. "Gonna come eat?"

"Yeah," Sean says. "Uh, we were just discussing this weekend."

I smile and nod at Mike, playing along even though I have no idea what Sean is talking about. "Exactly."

Suspicion flickers in Mike's expression. He's sensing whatever this is between me and Sean and clearly trying to police it.

In a twisted way, I'm thrilled. There must be something real here for Mike to notice and worry so much.

Mike retreats with one last pointed look, and we listen to the apartment door click shut.

"What about this weekend?" I ask once we're alone again.

Sean runs a hand through his hair, creating more of those bangs I really like. He exhales a sigh that deflates him. "We'd like you to go out this weekend and walk around on the streets. Go shopping. We'd like to follow behind and observe. Justsomething standard when dealing with a stalker. Just need to get you out to some different places so we can determine if anyone is tracking your routine."

The mention of my possible stalker is a splash of cold water, reminding me that Sean isn't just a handsome man with blue hair who likes books. He's here for a job. A job I'm paying him to do.

The plan makes sense. "Sure. I can do that."

Sean motions down the hallway, and I follow, hyperaware of the careful distance he maintains. We stop outside my apartment door.

"You still have work?" he asks.

"I'm done for the day."

He nods, then his hand brushes mine unexpectedly. I don't flinch. I don't freeze. And I don't feel that familiar wave of panic crash over me. Instead, serenity spreads through my veins, slow and sweet and perfect. His fingers linger against mine as he slides the book from my grasp. The touch is deliberate and it sends my heart somersaulting.

"I did like this book," he says, holding my gaze. "So I think I'll read it again."

I bite my lip. "Show off."

He leaves me with a lopsided smile and, "Pick something for our next book club." Then he's gone.

I return to my apartment, exhaling like I just remembered I need to breathe. The moment my final lock slides into place, I dig my phone from my pocket and text Raven.

Me:Tested the waters. VERY GOOD. Will call later with details!

I press the phone to my chest, feeling like I might float right off the floor.

I feel alive again.

Chapter 20

SEAN

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