Page 18 of Trick or Stalk

She’s checking the doors.

My lips curve slightly. Because of me.

Something unfamiliar moves through my chest.

It’s not guilt. I don't feel bad for frightening her.

I’m simply studying the neighbor I didn’t know I had.

And if she’s scared... well, judging from the noises I heard from the TV, she’s the one watching horror movies alone in a house surrounded by trees.

I catch another flash of her as she returns to the living room and stares out the window before finally settling on the couch.

Eventually, she relaxes, the tension draining from her body. Or most of it, anyway.

When she gets up and shuts off the TV, I hear her ask the little dog if she has to go potty.

But she doesn’t come outside.

Disappointment hits me before I can stop it.

I frown.

What the fuck?

I don't know this woman. I don't even know her name.

Yet I'm standing behind a tree watching her house like I have nowhere else to be.

She begins turning off the lights downstairs.

One by one, the rooms go dark.

I should go home. See if Wilder’s back.

I push away from the trunk and turn toward the trail.

But a light comes on upstairs, drawing my attention.

Second floor. Right side of the house.

I see her through the window.

Holy shit. She’s undressing.

No way in hell am I moving now.

Her back is toward me, but I catch a glimpse of her perfect ass in a pair of cotton panties as she strips, then puts on her pajamas.

She lifts the covers and crawls into bed.

Then the light goes out.

Even though her room is dark, I remain where I am.

I know where her bedroom is.

And though I shouldn’t care... I do.