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“I’m on edge all the time,” I confessed. “Even though I keep telling myself there’s nothing to worry about.”
“Listen to your gut,” Kennedy urged. “I knew I was being stalked for ages before Tyler actually did anything, but I told myself I was being crazy, and look where it got me. Trust me, if you think something is off about him, then it probably is.”
“Kennedy is right,” Heather said. “Better safe than sorry. Maybe you need to take extra precautions around this Ezra guy.”
A throat cleared in the doorway. “You should make him pack his bags and leave.”
The flip of my heart told me who had spoken before I even turned.
18
NATE
My stomach had hardenedthe moment I’d first overheard what Grace was saying to Mum and Kennedy, and now it sat like a rock in my gut. The idea of Grace being around someone who made her uncomfortable wasn’t right. I couldn’t handle her being in a potentially unsafe situation, especially after Kennedy had been kidnapped from Grace’s property only a few months ago. It hit too close to home.
“Surely that would be overreacting,” Grace replied, only the anxious light in her eyes showing her true fear. “He hasn’t said or done anything to threaten me. He’s just... a little intrusive.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose and groaned. Grace and her big heart. She thought the best of everyone, and I worried that it would get her into trouble one day.
“Look, I haven’t met the guy, but if he’s making you nervous in your own home, he has to go.”
Grace glanced at Kennedy, as if seeking her opinion.
Kennedy shrugged. “My radar system for detecting dangerous men is broken,” she said. “I saw threats where there weren’t any and didn’t see the danger where it actually existed. If I could go back, I’d be more cautious though. You never know what people are capable of.”
Grace nodded slowly. “I’m not going to kick Ezra out just because I’m feeling jumpy. I’ve been on edge for ages because of what happened at the start of the year, so it’s probably nothing to do with him.”
I scowled, not happy with her decision. “At least promise me you won’t have breakfast alone with him. Tell him the oven is broken or something. I need to know you’re safe.”
She tilted her head in thought. “I can do that. I’ll make an excuse and offer to comp his breakfast at Taste of Destiny.”
“Good.” It was something, at least. I’d still prefer it if the guy was gone. “I wish you’d consider giving him the boot.”
“I know you do.” She sighed. “I promise I won’t be alone with him again, and I’ve got Duke if I need him.”
“Duke is still a puppy,” I pointed out.
“But he’s growing fast.” She pursed her lips as if wondering whether to say what was on her mind. I silently urged her to do it. “Nate, I’d really appreciate it if you could run a background check on Ezra and let me know if there’s anything worrying in his past, just for my peace of mind.”
“Absolutely, but if he’s lying about his identity, he’s out.”
“Agreed.”
“Would you like us to come over more often to make sure you have plenty of company?” Mum asked Grace.
Grace smiled in response. “I’ll never say no to seeing more of you.”
Mum laughed. “So you think now. Just wait.”
The women struck up a conversation and returned to preparing brunch. I hovered nearby, my mind buzzing. If I hadn’t walked in when I did, would Grace even have told me about her encounter with Ezra, or would she have kept it to herself?
I was her best friend, damn it. Not to mention the most senior-ranked police officer in town. I needed to know these things so I could protect her.
I kept an eye on her, noticing Kennedy draw her aside for a few minutes before brunch, and wondered what they were talking about. They returned as Mum finished serving food, and we all filled our plates. During warmer months, we’d be eating outside, but today we all piled into the living room. Everyone was here. Even Connor turned up as we were starting to eat, a beard hiding most of his face as he greeted us and poured himself a coffee.
When I heard Grace laugh, sweet and slightly husky, my gaze was drawn back to her. Her chin was propped on her palm, and she was smiling at Summer across the table. Green flecks danced in her eyes, and I wished I was closer so I could lean toward her and breathe her in. I bet she smelled incredible.
“Stop staring.”
