Page 60 of The Kissing Part
“There’s something seriously wrong with your sister,” Nathan says to Owen.
“Harper’s always had her own agenda, and the rest of us aren’t in on it,” Owen says.
“Well,” I venture, “maybe she’s jealous because she thinks you’re into Mackenzie. You did play chicken with her earlier, and then when she suggested a club, you agreed.”
“For God’s sake, Mackenzie’s like a sister to me.” He puts a hand on top of her head. “Right?”
She puts her hand on top of his head. “Right, little bro.”
I laugh.
“Hey, Shayla, sorry to interrupt.” Frankie’s voice sounds low near my ear.
I turn to him, still smiling. “What’s up?”
“I found a car parked just outside the gate, using a camera with a telephoto lens. When I approached, they drove away. Male driver, alone.”
I stop smiling, my heart accelerating. “It could’ve been someone trying to sell a picture of two famous people.”
“Could’ve been,” he says. “I just wanted you to be aware. I’m going to review the security tape for the license plate.”
A chill runs through me.
My fears are confirmed a short time later. The license plate is the same as the car Matt was driving the last time he watched me.
“It doesn’t matter where I go,” I whisper to Owen. “I can never feel safe.”
He pulls me into his arms. “You’re safe with me.”
But for how long?
14
Owen
I’m so pissed off. I don’t want Matt anywhere near Shayla or Mom. We’re in the kitchen now with Mom and her friends because Shayla didn’t feel safe anymore. I hate that Matt ruined what was otherwise a great day. Shayla doesn’t often get to enjoy herself like this, surrounded by people who love her.
Not thatIlove her. I refuse to let that happen. I know better than to open my heart to a woman who’ll leave on a moment’s notice for the next shiny project. I’ll never come first with her. That’s a deal breaker for me. If I did get serious with someone, I’d put them first and expect the same. I should probably tell her I don’t see a future for us, but then she’ll bail, and I’m not ready to say goodbye yet.
I know, I know. It’s why I tried to resist her in the first place, but there’s no putting the genie back in the bottle. Or the lust and like, deep like, and, oh, hell. I just can’t help myself where she’s concerned, even knowing the risk.
“I’m so sorry I put you in danger,” Shayla says tearfully to Mom.
“Oh please,” Mom says. “I’m in no more danger now than I ever was. Paps and stalkers come with the territory.”
Shayla gives her a watery smile. Mom hugs her.
Mom smooths Shayla’s hair back. “You did nothing wrong. You can’t let the crazies makeyoucrazy. You have to live your life.”
“I know,” Shayla says in a small voice. Matt really shook her up.
“And if it’s not Matt, it’ll be some other guy or a woman,” Mom says. “You know when Missy Barnes had that hit movie, she attracted a woman who threw rotten fruit at Missy’s boyfriend whenever they went out in public.”
Shayla looks at me, horrified.
“That’s not helping,” I say.
Mom lifts her palms. “Ah, well, I’ll let you step in here.” She goes over to Dad, who wraps an arm around her.
