Page 25 of Stalkers Anonymous

Chapter Six: Hailey

We’re laughing as we step out of the café into the late afternoon sunlight, Cole walking right beside me. We’re not touching, but the space between us feels charged. Like the slightest touch would create sparks.

Is this what people mean when they talk about fate?

I internally scoff at how romantic that sounds. I’ve never been the kind of girl waiting for Prince Charming to sweep her off her feet. But if he walks like a prince, talks like a prince, and hot damn if he looks like a prince…

Maybe you just kick back and enjoy the ride.

I mean, what are the odds? Running into him here, of all places, just days after our chance meeting on the trail? Rachel’s going to lose her mind when I get to work. She’s probably pacing back and forth, buzzing with excitement while she waits for me to walk in.

“I’m parked just around the corner,” I say, leading the way down the sidewalk.

Cole matches my pace, falling into step beside me. “You’ve been at Memorial—what, two years?”

I don’t mean to snap my gaze in his direction as aggressively as I do, but I’m on high alert to people knowing things about me they shouldn’t after what happened with Lars Winters.

Reading my expression, Cole is quick to add, “You said you got Chewy when you moved here two years ago. I just assumed…”

I exhale, barely restraining the urge to roll my eyes at myself. “I guess I’m not used to talking to such a good listener.” I offer him a soft smile as we continue to walk. “The ER can be intense, but I like that.”

“I can imagine. Emergency medicine definitely seems like it would attract a certain type of person.”

“And what type is that?” I ask, raising an eyebrow with genuine curiosity and a sprinkle of flirtation. Do I want to know what kind of person Cole Matthews thinks I am? Hell yeah, I do.

“People who thrive under pressure. Who need adrenaline to feel…alive.” He pauses, considering his next words. “People who prefer to fix things immediately rather than wait.”

I’m impressed by his insight. I can’t say I’ve ever thought of it that way, but he’s just described me perfectly. “That’s actually pretty accurate. I’ve never been good at waiting. I like knowing I’m making a difference right now, in this moment.”

“That makes sense. It suits you, I think.”

The simple observation makes me smile. We’ve only met twice, but Cole seems to see me more than anyone else has in a long time. Maybe ever.

“What about security?” I ask, wanting to know more about him. “Does that attract a certain type, too?”

“Paranoid people who like to be in control,” he says without hesitation, then laughs nervously. “At least, that’s what my sister would say.”

“You have a sister?”

“Yeah. Emma. She’s getting her PhD in Denver right now.”

His obvious affection for her makes my heart squeeze. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to have a sibling.

“She’s brilliant. Easily the smartest person I’ve ever met.”

“I’m sure it runs in the family,” I say, and he gives me a look I can’t quite read.

We turn the corner onto a side street. There are only a handful of cars parallel-parked from here to the next corner.

“The black SUV,” I say, gesturing ahead.

Cole nods, and I notice his gaze sweeping the street—not in an obvious way, but I catch it. It’s the same observant quality he had on the trail, like he’s constantly assessing his surroundings. I can’t quite tell if he’s looking for someone or if he’s paranoid, but I think it’s the latter. My heart stutters in my chest, thinking of all the reasons why someone like him might have that instinct.

“So you work tonight and tomorrow, then your days off start?” he asks.

“Technically the morning after tomorrow, when my shift ends. Then I’m free for four days.” I try not to sound too hopeful when I add, “Unless we’re even more short-staffed than normal and I pick up overtime, but I probably won’t. Someone else can do it this week.”

“Good. Because I was thinking…” He trails off as we approach my car, his expression shifting as his eyes land on my windshield.