Page 40 of Unmasked

She clucked her tongue, and Everleigh's cheeks burned. Sierra must have read the discomfort there because she immediately pulled back. “I’m sorry, that was inappropriate. It’s none of my business. Sometimes I say things before thinking and⁠—”

“You’re fine,” Everleigh assured her, laying one hand over Sierra's. “It’s just complicated is all. I’ve known him for years and...”

Everleigh found herself wanting to tell Sierra all about Knox. Glossing over some of the dirtier details, she explained how they had been separated when they were younger, by both age and their families.

Sierra’s eyes were all dreamy and soft as she stared across the table at Everleigh. “You love him.”

It was a statement rather than a question, and Everleigh nodded. “With all my heart.”

“Then I say go for it,” Sierra said. “I’ll keep an eye on some listings as a backup, but I hope it works out for you.”

“Me too.” They sipped their coffees and chatted easily for nearly the next hour, about anything and everything that came to mind.

“Thank you for this,” Everleigh said. “I really appreciate you listening to me.”

“Any time.” Sierra smiled. “It’s hard to find good friends.”

“So much,” Everleigh agreed. “Things have just been a little crazy, and…”

Everleigh found herself wanting to confide in Sierra. Besides, Sierra had been there last time, too, when the photo had been left in Everleigh's bag. Maybe she’d seen something that could help.

Everleigh leaned her elbows on the table and stared at Sierra. “Can I tell you something?”

“Of course.”

Everleigh relayed to Sierra what had happened the last time they were there, and Sierra’s eyes rounded with shock. “That’s terrifying.”

Everleigh nodded. “I know. I was wondering… Do you happen to remember seeing anyone hovering, someone who could have slipped the photo in?”

Sierra bit her lip, seemingly deep in thought. “Not that I can remember, but I’ll think on it. God, I can’t even imagine what you’ve been dealing with. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I will be,” Everleigh promised. “Knox and his guys are watching over me and trying to figure out who’s behind it. I’m sure they’ll figure it out; it’s only a matter of time.”

“I’m glad you have him,” Sierra said sincerely. “If you need anything else, even just someone to talk to, you can call me anytime.”

“I’ll do that, thank you.” Everleigh smiled.

A glance at the clock told her it was a little after four. Knox would be done working soon, and she wanted to be home when he got there. It was strange and exhilarating how his house already felt like home, even after only a few days. Everleigh found herself eager to see him again, and she hugged Sierra goodbye before heading that way. She wanted forever with him, and she hoped he wanted the same.

CHAPTER

TWENTY-FIVE

Knox’s phone beeped from where it lay on the corner of his desk, and his eyes skimmed the screen. Seeing Mason’s name, he immediately snatched it up and swiped the screen to answer before he could draw a full breath.

“Yeah?” Was Everleigh okay? What if something had happened to her?

“Think I’ve got something for you,” Mason spoke without preamble. “May have found our photographer.”

His worry quickly morphed into anger, and fury simmered in his veins. “Where are you?”

“At the coffee shop. Everleigh met up with a friend and guess who showed up.”

It said a lot that he was more than a little preoccupied wondering just who the friend was, and whether the person was male or female. He forced himself to focus on the more important information. “Who is it?”

“Not sure,” Mason responded. “Male. Mid-thirties. Trim build, brown hair. But he looks familiar. I think I saw him last time we were downtown.”

He didn't believe in coincidence. “Tail him. Find out who he is, where he lives, everything you can. I'll cover Everleigh.”