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The thought made her chest tighten. She couldn’t imagine her life without Luke. Maybe if she apologized to Caden it would make things better. Or maybe it was best to keep her mouth shut and mind her own business.
She let out a soft sigh, making sure Luke wasn’t picking up on her thoughts. She’d bring it up with him in private, and if she’d done the wrong thing, she’d deal with the consequences later. For now, she just wanted to enjoy a night out with the man she loved.
Chapter 25
“You are my hero.” The woman who’d approached her and Neil at the bar stood on Luke’s other side, with a huge smile. “That guy has been a thorn in my side forever. Every time he comes in here, he causes some kind of trouble. I can’t thank you enough for finally sticking it to him. I was going to ask him to leave, but I think now he’ll finally get the hint and never come back. I’m Skyla Madigan, by the way. My dad owns the place, but I run it.”
Orly smiled up at her, glad for the distraction from her depressing thoughts. “I’m Orly Shepard, it’s so nice to meet you. I love the vibe here.”
“Thanks, it’s kind of my baby. Let me know when you’re ready to order. Your dinner is on me.” Skyla looked at Luke and shot him a wide grin. “I like her. See you in a few minutes,” she said to the rest of the guys before rushing away to another table.
“I like her, too,” Orly said to Luke with a smile.
He chuckled, wrapping an arm around her and pressing a kiss to her temple. “I think you two could be good friends.”
It had been so long since Orly had a female friend. she wasn’t even sure if she knew how to be a friend, let alone have a friend. But she wanted that more than anything. She could totally see herself hanging out here, talking to Skyla, maybe even meeting her for coffee somewhere just to hang out.
The guys started talking about what they wanted to order, and Orly went back to studying the menu, her mood a little better now. She was about to ask Luke if he wanted to share a crispy onion appetizer, when her mind was suddenly pulled into a strange vision just like it had been on that city bus in Roanoke. Only this time it was Luke's truck she saw. Orly stilled, careful not to alert Luke. What was happening? Who’s mind was she in, or was someone in hers? Goosebumps covered her skin as a sinking feeling came over her. No. Not now. Not here.
I think it’s time for us to officially meet.
The creepy familiar voice made her tense. She wasn’t naive enough to think her stalker would leave her alone, but tonight of all nights - why did he have to do this to her now?Go away. She demanded.
Is that any way to talk to an old friend? His phrasing struck her as odd.
The flick of a match had Orly shifting in her seat, the sound echoing through her mind. What are you doing?
Reminding you that I’m in charge.
Orly’s heart pounded in her chest, but she kept a straight face with her eyes cast down at her menu so Luke wouldn’t notice her change in demeanor. The last thing she wanted was to make a scene after she’d spent the better part of the afternoon convincing Luke that it was fine for her to go out tonight. What do you want? Maybe she could placate the guy into leaving her alone.
I told you. I want to officially meet you.
His words had the same effect on her stomach as an anchor to a sinking ship. Now’s not a good time. She downed a big chug of her beer, wishing she had something stronger.
I had a feeling you were going to say something like that. So, I thought I’d create a little diversion to help change your mind.
A loud whooshing sound made her entire body jump. “No!” Orly screamed and was on her feet so fast, she spilled the last of her beer across the table. A series of car alarms went off, but no one seemed to notice or care over the noise inside the bar.
“Orly?” Luke stared at her in concern.
She glanced down at him, fear and panic filling her gut. “Call 911. Your truck is on fire. Hurry.”
Luke stood and pulled his cell phone from his pocket, but Orly wasn’t about to wait around. She pushed past him and ran to the front door. Peering out the front windows, Orly gaped at the large flames engulfing thehood of the dark blue F-150 that were already licking at the windshield. Tears burned her eyes as she put her hand on the doorknob to go out. She didn’t know what she could do, but somehow being inside made her feel even more helpless.
“Don’t.”
Orly turned to see Caden standing next to her. “Was it the murderer?” He asked.
She didn’t pick up on any residual anger from him, so maybe she’d read the whole situation between them wrong. “I don’t know what he wants from me." He’d said he wanted to officially meet her, but there had to be more to his request than he was letting on.
“Come back to the table,” Caden said. “Martin’s already called it in. The fire department is on the way. That old truck is the least of our worries right now.”
“Do you think Luke is going to be mad at me?” She asked.
“For what?” Sincere confusion filled Caden’s tone.
Orly shrugged, tears burning her eyes. “For letting this happen. I never should’ve brought him and all of you into this. I should’ve done more to try to catch this guy. It’s just living with Luke...I was - happy - and I didn’t want to let anything mess that up.”
