Arec leaned closer to kiss Eve, but a knock at her door caused them to jump apart. “Who could that be?” Eve asked with a frown. She moved to answer the door, but Arec grabbed her arm and said, “Let me get it.” As he moved past her, he added, “I don’t trust anyone who knocks on a woman’s door this time of night.” “I’m not sure if I should be insulted or grateful,” she said with a wry smile. He glanced over his shoulder at her and said, “Grateful. Definitely grateful.” Winking at her before turning around, he reached for the door and hesitated. “What is it?” she asked, her brow wrinkled in confusion. He shook his head and said, “I’m not sure. Something doesn’t feel right.” Keeping her behind him, he opened the door and peered out. “Who is it?” Eve whispered, trying to look over his shoulder. He shook his head and said, “No one’s out here.” Opening the door wider, he looked around. “What’s that?” Eve asked, pointing toward the ground. He looked down to see a bouquet

When Eve arrived home, she looked around before opening the car door. No one was in sight, so she opened it and got out. She grabbed her groceries from the trunk, hanging each bag on her arm so she wouldn’t have to make multiple trips, and hurried inside. Locking the door behind her, she leaned against it and put the bags on the floor. “That was so weird,” she muttered, frowning. “What was up with Craig? Was meeting him at the store only a coincidence? Or is he following me around?” She sighed before adding, “At least he doesn’t know where I live.” Her eyes lit upon the flowers and narrowed. “At least I don’t think he does,” she added. Leaving the grocery bags by the door, she walked toward the bouquet and picked it up. Walking into the kitchen, she opened the trashcan lid with her foot and shoved the flowers inside. She wiped her hands on her jeans as she stared at the trashcan. Shaking her head, she returned to the door to get her groceries, carrying them into the kitchen

After Eve and Linda had finished their meal, they stayed to at their table until Eve yawned. Linda glanced at her watch before asking her friend, “You’re not getting sleepy, are you?” Eve nodded and said, “My late night last night must be catching up to me.” Smirking, Linda said, “If only I could have that problem.” Eve laughed and shook her head. Linda looked around the almost-empty cafe and said, “If you’re ready, we can head out, and you can get home to get some much needed sleep.” Eve nodded and said, “I’m full and getting sleepy, so I think I’m ready.” She picked up her glass and took one final gulp of her tea, adding, “That should keep me awake until I get home.” They gathered their things, paid the bill, and left the restaurant. Continuing to talk as they walked to their cars, they didn’t notice a figure following them until it spoke. “Well, well, well,” a voice behind them said. “If it isn’t my two favorite ladies.” Eve and Linda whirled about, identical looks of

Eve peered into the darkness, sure she’d seen something moving in the bushes. She jumped when she felt a hand touch her arm and whirled around, putting her hand over her pounding heart. “What are you doing?” Arec asked, looking past her to peer out of the window. Shaking her head, Eve said, “I’m not sure. I woke up and was drawn to the window.” Arec moved to put himself between Eve and the window and looked out. After a moment, he closed the curtains and said, “Wait here, and whatever you do, stay away from the window.” As he moved to pull on his pants, she asked, “What is it? What did you see?” “Just wait here,” he told her, rushing out of the bedroom. She hurried after him, but he shut the bedroom door in her face. Frowning, she crossed her arms over her chest and stared at the door. Finally, she sighed and walked to the bed to sit on the side. Staring at the wall, she crossed her arms over her chest and sighed. She shook her head and leaned back to get back into be

Coming to again, Eve slowly opened her eyes and gasped. She could see, and she was in her bedroom. She sat up, wincing at the pain in her head. Putting her hand over her eyes, she eased back against the pillows. “What is going on?” she muttered. “Was that just a crazy dream or something?” Her phone gave off the notification that she’d received a text. Groaning, she rolled over and reached blindly for it. She opened one eye to look at the screen. Her eyes widened as she saw numerous texts and phone calls from Arec. Opening the most recent one, she read, “If you don’t reply in the next five minutes, I’m coming over there. If you don’t answer the door, I’m breaking it down.” Typing as fast as she could, she wrote, “I’m here, but come over anyway. Something strange happened.” He wrote back, “I’ll be there in ten.” Setting the phone down, she eased herself into a sitting position, trying to ignore her pounding head. “I really need to take something for this headache,” she mut