She sighed heavily and glanced around the office. “This place is an alternative medicine collective that opened a month ago.Besides hypnotherapy, we practice reiki, massage therapy, yoga therapy, women’s intimacy and gynecology and men’s health.”
“I know. I found that out when I googled you. You’re a hypnotherapist, something I don’t know much about.”
“I can go into all that later, if you want. But let me first explain that we seem to be under siege.”
“How?”
“Some odd and dangerous things have happened here.”
“Seriously? Are you safe?”
“We hired two people to guard the building 24/7 and us, when we arrive, so we’re hoping nothing more transpires here. The police have started an investigation, but so far they can’t connect all the incidents. They finally called in the FBI.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that. Was what happened to Stanley two weeks ago part of that?”
“I’m afraid it was. Other practitioners have had things occur off site.”
“Scarlet…you poor people.”
“I know.” For some reason her eyes moistened—and Scarlet wasn’t a crier. “It’s affected all of us deeply, not to mention our clientele numbers.”
“I’m sorry. And I hate to be selfish about this, but if you’re in danger at home, I can’t let Seth visit Stanley.”
“I understand. But just so you know, I’ve also hired two private guards for my place. They won’t allow anyone near the barn or the house.”
“Huh.”
“And the barn will be locked at all times.”
“Damn it.”
“Excuse me?”
“Seth will be upset. But I am, too.”
“Because you’re worried about him?”
“No. I was planning to ask you out on a date.” He stared into her eyes. “I’m smitten with you, darlin’.”
* * *
Scarlet wondered how she was supposed to respond to Joe’s admission. She’d missed him and Seth when they’d gone to visit his grandparents and kept checking out his place to see if they’d returned. And she’d had some dreams that unnerved her. She couldn’t deny that she was attracted to him, too. And as he was sitting here, dressed in tight tan jeans, brown cowboy boots and a black and tan checked shirt, she felt a dark spark of excitement.
“Have I offended you by telling you that I’m smitten?”
“Of course not. I’m flattered.”
“I don’t expect you feel the same way, if that’s what made you flush.”
Her hands went to her cheeks. “I…I…”
A quick knock on the door and it opened, cutting her off. “Hey Scarlet. I—” Finn noticed Joe. “Oh, I’m interrupting. Sorry.”
Joe stood. He was as tall as Finn but more muscular. He held out his hand and shook. “Hello. We met already at the barn that night Stanley was tranqued. And no worries. I think we’re about done here.”
“No, we’re not, Joe. Please stay.”
He seemed surprised at that, but he sat back down.
