“No worries. Are you sure everything’s okay?”
“I’m sure. Thanks again. See you at work in the morning.”
After she secured the third lock, Baylee exhaled. She’d been on edge ever since she sensed someone watching her. When she noticed the man in the lobby, her fears were confirmed. Maybe he was just a pervert, but she had a gut feeling it was more. Her inner voice told her it was somehow related to her mother’s murder, but her voice of reason argued she was being paranoid and ridiculous. The murder had happened so many years before, and in Denver, not Pinewood Springs. Only a few people knew she was in town for a few months. She was acting like a scared little girl. Or was she?
Many times over the years, she’d felt someone watching her. She’d never seen anyone, and couldn’t prove it with hard evidence, but she knew he was there, lurking in the dark corners of her life. Watching. Waiting for her memory to come back so he could silence her forever. The niggling feeling shrouded her life, but how could it happen in Pinewood Springs? She’d never been to the town before, and she knew her mother never had, so why did she experience the same fear and dread of being watched?
Maybe it’s all in my mind. Am I crazy? Baylee had read that sometimes a person thought someone was stalking him only to find out that what the person perceived to be real was all in his mind. Was the sense of danger, the fear someone was watching and following her, and the man in the lobby all a coincidence?
She massaged her throbbing temples. Damnit! I wish all this would stop. With a shaky hand, she placed two white tablets in her palm. Dr. Scott had prescribed the sleeping pills only when the nightmares became too much, when the shadows overtook her body and mind. She didn’t take them very often, but when she did, they were her slice of oblivion for eight hours.
After swallowing the tablets, she turned on the TV, lay on the bed, and waited for the pills to work their magic.
* * *
Baylee stretched like a cat before rolling out of bed. She opened the curtains and sunshine streamed into the room. A night of uninterrupted sleep had done wonders for her psyche.
After gulping down a lukewarm cup of coffee, she dressed in her favorite outfit: a soft rose pencil skirt, a white mid-sleeve blouse with ruffle detailing, and peep-toe pumps. A chunky necklace and a wristful of silver bangles completed her look.
The drive to the office was smooth, and she arrived with five minutes to spare. When she settled into her desk chair, eager to start the day, Stan walked in.
“We’re meeting in the conference room in about fifteen minutes. A problem has developed on the strip mall project, and we need to find a solution.”
“All right. Does the problem have anything to do with my designs?”
“No. By the way, I loved what you did with expanding the restaurant. I took a look at both your ideas and Logan’s, and I’m going to go with yours. Fine job, Baylee.”
“Thank you.” Yes! Score one for me.
When she entered the conference room, Axe sat at the table. His gaze traveled up her body, caressing every inch of her. She fidgeted under his stare; it felt like fingers against her skin. Sliding into the seat across from him, she avoided his dark eyes lingering on her mouth.
“Looks like we’re all here. I called this meeting because we have a problem with the zoning permit. As in, there isn’t one.” Stan paused for effect. “Axe, I thought the club had the permits in order.”
Axe shrugged. “It should be fine. I’ll get back to you after the club meets later today.”
“Okay. Let’s talk about the design of the extra square footage and the structural impact.”
Each time Baylee offered her input, Logan interrupted her. She was about ready to walk over and sucker-punch him when her phone pinged. She opened the text.
Axe: U look hot in ur skirt.
Baylee looked up and met Axe’s hungry glance. Quickly, she turned her eyes away and focused her attention back on Stan. Another ping. She glanced at Axe, but he watched Stan.
Axe: Are u wearing those sexy lace panties u had on the night we fucked?
She choked then began coughing.
Peering at her, Stan asked, “Are you okay?”
Axe slid a glass of water to her, a wry smile painted on his face.
After she took a sip, she moved the glass away. “I’m fine. Go ahead. I’m okay, really.” Baylee switched her phone to vibrate then stared straight ahead, intent on Stan.
Her phone pulsated. She willed herself not to look at it, not to look at him. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him watching her, his amused expression mocking her.
Another vibration. She was tense beyond belief. Even though she didn’t want to encourage him, she had to read his texts. Wishing she were stronger, she opened the messages.