Page 102 of Trick or Stalk

For the first time since I saw Presley through that window, I wonder whether watching her is really what I want.

Because sitting across from her while she laughs? That's much better.

And a bigger fucking problem when she finds out I’m the one who’s been watching her.

CHAPTER 16

Presley

I stare down at the form in annoyance.

I’ve read the same paragraph three times and still have no idea what it says.

“This is ridiculous. It’s a simple form telling me the title, author, and genre.”

Penny looks up from her bed behind the counter.

“I can’t concentrate.”

She stares at me.

“It was just lunch. With a man. People do that every day.”

Penny’s tail thumps.

“A slightly terrifying, very attractive man.”

Her tail moves faster.

“And you apparently love Hades.”

At the sound of his name—or maybe just because she knows I'm talking to her—Penny gets to her feet and runs out from behind the counter, as though checking to see if he’s here.

I shake my head. “He’s not here, Penny.”

She stretches, front paws extending across the floor, then trots toward me.

I scoop her up. “You know, you're supposed to be on my side.”

She licks my chin.

“I’m taking that as an apology.”

“Talking to yourself already?”

I jump at the sound of Margaret’s voice.

She laughs as she comes around the corner carrying a stack of books.

“I was talking to Penny.”

“Of course.”

“She’s a great listener.”

“I’m sure she is.”

“Terrible with advice.”