AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Is that just because she agrees with you?” Ash says.
“No, it’s because she’s right,” I say leaning back and draping an arm over the booth behind Lorelei’s back.
“You’ll have to come over for supper sometime,” Madison says smiling, “I am dying to get a little more feminine energy in the house.”
Lorelei snorts and nearly chokes on her fish, “Five guys and only one woman? I can’t blame you.”
“Seriously, every day is a massive testosterone fest,” Madison says chuckling.
“I’d love to come over sometime, I’ve caught wind that you are all working hard on making your house a suitable home.” She comments lightly.
“We sure are, and it wouldn’t be nearly suitable enough if we didn’t have Madison’s decorating expertise,” I interject.
“Let me guess, it’d be filled with overstuffed leather couches and recliner chairs. A massive television and there wouldn’t be a dining room table in sight?” Lorelei says as she downs another fried pickle chip.
I exchange glances with the guys, and we all break out into a burst of roaring laughter, “That sounds about right.”
Leaning in, I put a hand on Lorelei’s thigh and then in a low and even tone I address the group, “Guys we might have a problem on our hands.”
“What kind of problem?” Chase asks, raising an eyebrow.
“There’s been some creep hanging around the apothecary, Lorelei has a bad feeling about him, and I do too. He could be up to no good. Last night he was peering into her shop’s windows for several minutes and today he came into the shop and bought something, but it was all a bit off. On the surface, he comes across as relatively normal, but I can smell it in his scent. There’s something sinister about the man.” I say to the group with a lowered voice.
Lorelei’s cheeks are red and she’s frowning at her food. Madison bites her bottom lip nervously.
“What do we know about the guy?” Chase asks seriously.
“Not much, he’s tall and skinny. He’s been lurking around the shop, and I picked up on his scent on my way over here today.”
“He’s got medium-length brown hair, a long but slender nose, and shaky hands,” Lorelei adds, her voice cracking slightly. I can hear her heartbeat racing and squeeze her leg again trying to reassure her that I am here, and she is safe.
“It could be nothing, but I would rather look into it and see what we can find about him than to be caught off guard.” I offer.
“Agreed,” Chase’s eyes narrow, and Ash and Madison nod in agreement.
“Why didn’tyou tell me you picked up on that guy’s scent on our way to your place?” Lorelei says with her head cocked after flipping her shop sign back from closed to open.
“The scent stopped before it reached the door to the pub so I knew he wouldn’t be in there. I should have told you, I’m sorry, I wanted you to have a nice lunch without being worried all over again.”
She nods, seeming to consider my words, and then after a moment, she says, “I don’t want us keeping any secrets. Especially about something as important as this.”
“In that case, I’ve got to tell you something else, I saw the same man the other day sitting on a bench outside staring at the apothecary. I didn’t think anything of it at the time, I thought he was trying to get his courage up to walk into your shop or maybe waiting for someone who was inside. But, after hearing your description of the man, now I am certain he’s the same guy.”
“Great, so he’s stalking me,” Lorelei says throwing her hands up in frustration.
“We don’t know that yet. He could have simply really wanted that book he bought. But tonight, I’ll talk to the pack. I’m sure Chase is going to want to get some eyes on the shop. Dustin’s our sneakiest pack member, so my guess is I am going to need to hire another bartender so Dustin can do surveillance.” I suggest.
“Well, that makes me feel a bit better,” she sighs and lifts herself onto the countertop facing me, now we are eye level.
“Don’t worry Lorelei, we’ll figure out what this guy is up to and get him sorted out properly.” I step in between her legs, “This might not be the best time but, do you think I can ask you about something?”
Rolling her eyes she snaps, “What?” Thinking I am still talking about her potential stalker.
“It’s about earlier at ‘‘Catch of the Day’’ when you said I was your only friend. I’m wondering if that’s all you want me to be?”
She smirks, “Did that make you nervous?”
“I am not going to lie, a little bit. Of course, I realize we haven’t talked about it, and I don’t want to pressure you but when I heard you call me your friend, I didn’t like it. I much prefer husband and I know that’s too much too soon, so I was hoping we could start with boyfriend and girlfriend. What do you think?” I ask a little timidly.
