Page 43 of Take My Kiss
“Um…” I blink, clearing my mind. “Wait, that’s a great idea. He can confirm if it was the same guy at the grocery store.”
“Right.” He grins. “And if he wasn’t, then we can at least cross him off the list.”
A part of me hopes it is so I can finally know who’s after me, but the other part of me—the one in my gut—tells me it’s not. Although he made me a bit uncomfortable, he wasn’t giving off stalker vibes.
However, given my track record of recognizing red flags in men, my gut isn’t always correct.
chapter eight
Colton
Samand I luckily dodged whatever sickness the girls had, and after four days, Lily’s finally on the mend. I’ve kept an eye on them in between working at my desk and going to the Branch Haven. Whatever they caught has run through their systems.
“Hey, Colt.” Amelia peeks her head into my office. “Sorry to bother you. Do you have a minute?”
“Of course. C’mon in.” I close my laptop and give her my undivided attention. Her blonde hair’s pulled up into a ponytail, exposing her bare neck, once painted with my marks. “Doin’ okay?”
“Yeah, much better. But I lost track of the days and forgot to mention I have my online night class at six. And I hate to ask considerin’ how much you’ve already done, but would you be able to watch the kids for me? Raven usually comes over, but she’s obviously two hours away, so?—”
“Amelia,” I say firmly, hoping to grab her attention so she’ll stop rambling. “It’s not a problem. Take as much time as you need.”
“Are you sure? It’ll be for two hours.”
“We’ll be fine. I’ll make dinner, we’ll play poker and smoke some cigs, then I’ll get them ready for bed.”
She licks her lips and leans against the door frame with her arms crossed, fighting her amusement. “Okay, but only one cig. Wouldn’t wanna spoil ’em.”
“Deal.” I wink.
She lowers her face to hide the blush covering her cheeks, and I wish she’d stop acting like we’re strangers to each other’s bodies. We spent hours together—talking, drinking, and dancing, then learning every inch of her with my tongue. After what Sam told me about her talking with Raven about our night together, I can’t help but wonder if she’s thinking about it too.
“Any luck with Sam’s memory?” I ask, snapping myself out of my haze.
When she asked him a couple nights ago, he first said no, then changed his mind to yes, before admitting he couldn’t remember.
Amelia sent Wilder a description of the DMV guy to relay to the sheriff, but so far, no one recognizes it. He could be from any of the surrounding small towns.
Sheriff Wagner spoke to the grocery store manager and found a couple witnesses who were there at the time of the incident, but neither had seen the man’s face.
She blows out a defeated breath. “Nope. I was hopin’ a good night’s sleep would help, but he still says he can’t remember whether they were the same man. When I asked about his age range, he just said, ‘he’s old like you.’”
I snort when she frowns. “So that could mean anywhere from twenty-five to livin’ in a nursin’ home.”
“Pretty much. Didn’t realize I’d already be grouped in with the senior citizens before I turned thirty.”
“Time to get out your crochet kit and compression socks. You can sit on the porch with my mom and Aunt JoJo while they complain about the weather and drink herbal tea.”
That finally gets a genuine laugh out of her. “That doesn’t sound half bad.”
“Especially if these mountains are the view.”
Her face contorts, and it’s hard to know if it’s with fear or regret.
“They’re gonna find him, Amelia,” I say, hoping she hears the sincerity in my voice. “Whoever he is will eventually show himself or slip up and get caught.”
Wilder and Maddox moved her car to various parking lots, and then Delilah wore a blonde wig while she drove, but they hadn’t seen anyone following. They’ve kept a closer eye on the ranch hand duplexes and set up cameras in case he returned. But so far, nothing.
Either the guy got spooked after Sam woke up and screamed or he’s taking the time to plan something else.
