Total pages in book: 34
Estimated words: 32155 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 161(@200wpm)___ 129(@250wpm)___ 107(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32155 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 161(@200wpm)___ 129(@250wpm)___ 107(@300wpm)
The name conjures up all sorts of memories, some of them good, the last one between us utterly humiliating. I haven’t seen Shane since high school, but he and Tate are still friends. Since leaving the LAPD, Shane has been a bodyguard. In fact, he sometimes freelances for the firm where Tate works in New York when they need a hand.
My brother mentioned that much in my presence, and silly me, I catalogued any information on the sexy guy I stupidly pushed away in a teenage panic.
“Tali, are you listening?”
“Of course. Ditch the phone and leave the car in long-term parking.”
“Take a cab to Shane’s.” He rattles off the address, knowing with my memory I caught it the first time. “And do not use a credit card. Cash only. Call me as soon as you get there so I know you’re safe. Once Shane has details, he and I will make a plan.”
“Got it,” I say.
“I mean it. I’ll worry, so make sure you call me.”
“I know,” I murmur, grateful for my older sibling’s caring. Since losing both parents, we are all the family each has left and are extremely close, even with him living in Manhattan.
“I’ll let Shane know you’re on your way. Now go concentrate and watch for a tail.”
“Believe me, I am.” Not that I know how to easily lose one if I discover someone is following me. “Love you,” I whisper.
“Back at you.” He disconnects the call.
I glance around me on the highway and realize there is nobody behind me. I pull into the right lane, slow a bit, open the window, and with an apology to my life’s information on that cell phone, toss the piece of metal onto the side of the road.
A little while later, I’ve left the car in a dark corner of long-term parking, walked quickly to the nearest taxi stand in the airport, and given the driver Shane Landon’s address.
I ought to be nervous about seeing him again, but I can’t concentrate on anything but the stranger who wanted to trap me in my lab—and wonder what he’d have done with me if he had.
I shiver in the back of the cab, touching the locket on my neck for comfort.
“Want me to turn on the radio?” the driver offers.
“No. Thank you.” I just want to get to my destination so I can have the time to think and sort out the situation in my mind.
Finally, he pulls in front of a gorgeous home that is obviously new construction. I pay the driver the money I pulled out of my wallet—all the cash I have on me, and I am grateful I didn’t have to ask the man to wait so I could get money from Shane.
I step out of the cab, shut the door, and the taxi speeds off, leaving me feeling open and exposed. I rush to the front door, looking over my shoulder constantly, and ring the bell, followed by some banging with my hand.
A car door slams in the distance, and I jump a good ten feet, immediately banging my knuckles on the door again.
Obviously, Shane isn’t home, but just as clearly, I can’t stand out here, causing a scene. Nor do I want to be out in the open. I don’t think anyone followed me from the lab. They’d have shown themselves by now if they did, right? But still, I don’t want to take any chances.
I saw a gate around the side of the house when the cab pulled up, so maybe I can hide in his backyard until he returns. I glance around. Still no sign of cars or neighbors.
I follow the walkway toward the driveway, then head to the gate around back. Tall wooden fencing blocks anyone from seeing in—or out—which affords me the protection I need, as long as the lock is open.
I reach for the latch…and bingo. I expel a long sigh of relief as I push the heavy slats open and step inside, shutting the gate and clicking it closed behind me.
Alone in the big backyard, with a large in-ground pool in front of me, I feel my shoulders sag at the respite from the panic that has been accompanying me for the last hour. I’m not out of danger, but at least I am marginally safe.
I exhale hard and start for the patio chairs, planning to sit and catch my breath, when a deep thrum of music coming from the other side of the lawn catches my attention. The tunes play from speakers attached to the house.
I follow the sound to an outdoor shower stall. The swinging door is open wide, and Shane Landon stands inside, water sluicing down his tanned, muscular, completely naked body. His face is turned up toward the shower head, eyes closed, as he soaps up that glorious skin with his hands.