Page 115 of Trick or Stalk

But maybe they can exist together.

Maybe one doesn't always erase the other.

My gaze returns to the masked man on television. An idea forms inside my head.

Presley doesn't know who the man in her woods is.

But she knows the guy from the bookstore. The one she ate lunch with. The one she’s attracted to.

What would she do if she saw the other version?

Not a shadow or a movement between the trees, but a masked man standing where she can see me.

Watching her.

Letting her be afraid of me.

My pulse kicks.

I know what I have to do.

I give her one last lingering glance.

Soon, Presley.

You’ll see me.

But you won’t know who I am.

“You're reading porn,” Wilder says.

I don't look up. “It's a romance novel.”

“Porn with feelings.”

I turn the page, ignoring him.

Wilder drops onto the opposite end of the couch. “This might be the greatest thing that's ever happened.”

“Your life must suck.”

“It does.”

Fair enough.

He reaches for the book. I move it out of reach.

His eyebrows shoot up. “Oh, you're protective of it.”

“Touch it and lose a hand.”

“Jesus. Is there a picture of your girlfriend in there?”

“She isn't my girlfriend.”

Wilder goes still. Then a slow grin curls his lips.

I realize my mistake, and mentally curse myself.