As I walk by the fountain, I take a moment to pause. This is where the magic will happen. At least, I hope. I’ve already gone through all the steps to get a permit for my event, which they made much easier than other towns.
I can picture it now—my easels holding up the main pieces, while my others are leaning strategically on ledges and park benches. The sun’s rays will illuminate each piece, making the colors look even more vibrant and pulling out the layers.
It’s going to be great—I can just feel it.
My stomach growls, and a yawn builds in my chest, one I can’t quite fight off. It’s been a busy day with a lot of walking. Actually, the past few days have been a real test of my cardio.
I’ll hit the last few stores on the other side of Harmony River before I call it a day, then maybe I’ll stop at the café for something to eat before heading back to the cabins.
Those last few stores are a bit closer to the conservation area, so maybe their owners and the residents over there will know more about it. Can’t hurt to ask.
With one last look at the stunning fountain, I turn on my heel and begin to head toward the stores.
Chapter Four
THE STRANGER IS HERE
ORIE
Fuck, did he see me?
I already know the answer to the question. He did. I saw it in the way his eyes shifted when they met mine. Those eyes of his stunned me when our gazes connected, and I didn’t shadow jump fast enough.
Where my own eyes are dark—easier to disguise and stay hidden—his are light. Such a pale blue, they look like sunlight trapped beneath a layer of ice. While the color is cool, they exude only warmth.
And for a second there, fear.
How could I be so careless? How could I be so easily caught off guard? When Orian gets here, he’ll be quick to remind me how he’sneverbeen caught before. I hadn’t either until this moment.
That moment has been replaying in my head since I came back to town. The question that has an answer still looping, begging for a different answer.
But the answer won’t change—it can’t. It’s already happened. I’ve already let him see me. Well,partof me. I’m not actually sure how much of me was visible from the cloak of shadows.
The bell to my store chimes, pulling me from my thoughts. “Hey, do you have anything to help with energy levels? And maybe something to boost creativity?”
That voice.
It’s the dangerously smooth and deep voice belonging to the artist. The voice of the man I’ve been stalking. The voice of the man whospottedme in the shadows.
Will he recognize me? Will he ask me why I’ve been following him?
Gods, I hope not. I don’t have an explanation. I’ll just deny it, make him doubt himself. We’ve never crossed paths, technically.
I turn around in what feels like slow motion, bringing my gaze up to face the mystery man who has been consuming my mind against my will. His steps are sure as he approaches the counter, a smile on his face.
As he gets closer, though, I see the subtle shift in his eyes, the way the corner of his lips twitches as he examinesme. Is it recognition? Or does he find my appearance offensive?
“Yes, are you looking for essential oils, or are you looking for something more physical, like crystals?” I answer professionally, acting as I would with any customer.
But heisn’tjust any customer.
He’s…I don’t even know. He’s something unanticipated, both in his presence and appearance. The way I feel is unexpected, unwanted, and all his fault.
I need Orian to get here, and fast, before I lose myself to these feelings swirling inside of me.
The man’s gaze stays on me as he rests his hands on the counter, leaning slightly toward me. “Essential oils. I don’t know much about crystals.”
I walk out from behind the desk, trying to ignore the urges inside me. Part of me wants to reach over and feel his skin, another wants to bury my nose in his neck and inhale.
