Of course, Hank had accused her of only liking assholes. Maybe he was right. Or maybe assholes were safe because, deep down, she knew they’d never look too far beneath the surface and discover all her faults.
And now, in light of her new circumstances, a superficial relationship might be all she should seek. She couldn’t be rejected or overly disappointed if there were no expectations from the get-go.
Yet her thoughts had continually drifted to Hank ever since Block Island. Being near him again had stirred up longing and unwelcome what-ifs. So frustrating, but those momentary butterflies were addictive.
Might the Boy Scout consider a casual fling? Now that would be tempting.
She rubbed her stomach, which had begun to churn. “Well, you let me know when my white knight arrives, and maybe I’ll give it a whirl.”
Cat noticed the gleam in Vivi’s eyes as she glanced at her watch for the third time in twenty minutes.
“Why do you keep looking at your watch?” Cat leaned forward as if her physical invasion would force Vivi to fess up. “Are you going somewhere, or expecting David?”
“Oh. No.” Vivi’s guilty expression set off alarms. “I, um, I’m still a little confused by the time, I guess.”
“You’re the worst liar.” Cat shook her head and tamped down niggling ill ease. “You’re up to something. Spill it.”
“Don’t get all fussy. I’m expecting a delivery.” Vivi’s enigmatic smile only heightened Cat’s nervous anticipation. “Relax! Tell me, are you all settled in the new condo?”
“As much as I can be. I need to rent some storage space.” Cat mentally contrasted Vivi and David’s sleek, contemporary condo with her cozy, prewar unit. “Honestly, I can’t believe Jackson didn’t notice the closets when we walked through the unit. Worse yet, I didn’t even notice.”
“First of all, guys don’t think about closet space. Secondly, no woman has a wardrobe like yours. You couldn’t really expect Jackson to take it into consideration.” Vivi’s wide eyes made Cat chuckle. “Plus, he was desperate to get you out of your old place before the restraining order expired.”
“Well, that’s why I moved.”
She frowned. “It still bugs me how Justin’s lawyer got him off with a slap on the wrist. I know he didn’t set out to hurt you. Still, no jail time and only an eleven-month order of protection?”
Cat contemplated the letters she’d received recently. “Hopefully Justin’s moved on by now.”
“Why the face?” Vivi’s eyes narrowed.
Cat tapped her fingers on the counter, debating whether to share her concerns. “I’ve received two anonymous letters in recent weeks. Someone has spotted me going in and out of the building, or maybe gone to the trouble of finding me.”
“Do you think they’re from Justin?” Vivi’s eyes filled with concern.
“I’m not sure. It’d be a violation of the protection order. Plus, I can’t imagine him sending anonymous letters. But the last one said I’ll soon realize we’re meant to be. Kinda like I already know the person, which points to Justin.” Cat shrugged. “Who knows for sure?”
“Are the notes threatening?”
“Not really. They’re more like love letters.” Cat wrinkled her nose. “No threats, but still a little creepy.”
“Maybe David’s firm can investigate.”
“I haven’t told David or Jackson. They worry so much, and I feel pretty safe in my place. I’m concerned but not panicked. They’ll panic. If it’s Justin, he’s probably enjoying toying with me. I could see him getting off on making me afraid. I don’t want to give him, or anyone, that power. If I go running to the cops or David or whatnot, he wins. Besides, I can’t prove anything.”
Vivi nibbled her lower lip. “You know I’ve kept all your confidences, but this one feels wrong, Cat.”
“If I get one more letter, I’ll take action, okay?” Cat tapped her fingers on the counter. “For now, no one has threatened or approached me, and I haven’t noticed anyone lurking around.”
“I still don’t like it.” Vivi shrugged her shoulder. “But I suppose it’s your decision to make.”
A knock at the door spared Cat further debate. Vivi’s eyes suddenly lit up with mischievous glee as she crossed the living room. Cat instantly suspected the much-anticipated delivery wasn’t innocuous. She smoothed her hair and braced for whatever was coming next.
Although she’d prepared for a surprise, the last person she expected to see was Hank. His mere presence lit the room with sexual energy. Her stomach turned over as if she’d crested the tallest peak of a roller coaster.