Page 75 of No Need to Run

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I huff out a quiet laugh. “Probably a good idea.”

There’s a beat where neither of us moves.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he says.

“Yes. Tomorrow.”

But I’ll see you before then. You just won’t see me.

He nods and heads down the aisle.

I watch him go, waiting until he disappears around the corner before I move again, my fingers tightening slightly around the handle of the cart.

By the time I'm loading the groceries into my trunk, I'm already planning tomorrow night's outfit.

The second I slide behind the wheel, I squeal.

Drew and I are on our way to a long, happy future together.

He just hasn’t realized it yet.

16

VIOLET

Later that night,I’m back in the woods behind Sebastian’s house.

I have a problem. An addiction to watching him.

But in my defense, my problem has excellent bone structure and a deep fondness for spreadsheets.

So do I.

In fact, I have an entire binder full of them. And a folder on my laptop with information I’ve gathered on Drew.

I’m nothing if not thorough.

It’s just after sunset when Sebastian and Ivy exit their house.

I wait until their headlights disappear down the road.

Then I move.

The air is cool as I move through the backyard, staying in the shadows.

The deck rises just enough that I have to grip the railing and silently pull myself up. I can’t afford to make any noise.

I land softly and immediately move toward the fake, leafy potted tree off to the side. I slip behind it, crouching low as I peer around the edge.

Mr. Pickles sits at the patio door, his eyes on me.

I glance past him at the living room. Drew is stretched out on the couch, one arm behind his head, his attention fixed on the TV. He’s relaxed. Comfortable. And unaware of my silent interaction with my new buddy.

I shift my gaze back to the furry feline. He’s still watching me. I swear I can almost hear him purring through the patio door.

I lift my hand, pressing my fingertip lightly against the glass.

He lifts his paw and presses it right over my finger.

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