Page 178 of Trick or Stalk

She stares at me.

I turn my phone around.

Margaret snorts. “That's inappropriate.”

“He's a dachshund.”

“Still inappropriate.”

I laugh harder and send Gracie three heart emojis.

She immediately responds.

Gracie: Penny has already entered the costume contest.

I look at the picture again.

Me: She's wearing a sweater.

Gracie: DON'T CRUSH HER DREAMS.

I grin.

At least someone around here has her life together.

Mine currently involves two men.

Except I'm not actually involved with either of them.

One is terrifyingly attractive, reads dark romance, makes my ovaries behave like they're experiencing a medical emergency, and now has my phone number.

The other wears a mask, watches me through windows, follows me around town, and may or may not have left a present on my porch.

Completely normal.

I shove my phone into my back pocket.

Margaret pulls on her coat. “I'm heading to the bank, then I'm getting my oil changed before they close.”

I glance toward the front windows. “Tonight?”

“This appointment was the only one they had. I'll be back before eight.”

“You don't have to rush. I can close.”

She pauses and gives me a skeptical look.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“Margaret.”

She points at me. “No getting locked in the storage room.”

“I did that already.”

“Once was more than enough.” She laughs. “You still avoid that room.”