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“It’s me,” the woman answers.
“Oh my God, are you okay?”
“Well, umm…”
“Ford, let me go. That’s Aunt Chloe, Cruz’s mom.”
I’m stunned enough for her to escape. She gets to the door and lets out a squeal before bending. I lower my gun and set it on the counter, going to help.
Rowan has the woman on her feet, apologizing profusely. Both of them jump when my phone, still in Rowan’s hand, starts ringing. She tosses it to me like it’s on fire.
“What?” I bark sharply.
“D-d-d-did y-y-you just pull a gun on my MOM?” The question is followed by a roar of laughter.
“Didn’t know it was your mom.”
“That was the funniest shit I’ve seen in ages. Alex is already downloading the video of her tripping out the back door.”
“Glad I could amuse you,” I grouse.
“She was supposed to notify you she was coming.”
“Negative.”
Chloe straightens, her gaze traveling over me. When her eyes meet mine, they are sparkling bright, her smile anything but horrified.
“Can I talk to her?”
Chloe takes the phone when I offer. “Before you start, I was trying to —”
She goes quiet.
“I know, but I’ll handle it. Have a good day.”
She ends the call, handing back the phone.
“Rowan?” I slice my eyes to her.
“Ford, this is Aunt Chloe.”
“I’ve heard.”
“Nice to finally meet you, Ford.” The way she pitches my name indicates she knows more about me than my name.
“Any reason you’re breaking in the back door at this hour?”
“Had no idea the alarm was on. I watered the flowers first and then let myself in. It wasn’t meant to be a break-in. Cruz told me about Rowan’s date, and I thought I’d help with Pepper this morning so you could sleep in.”
Yeah, this woman knows about me and was tipped off by the nosy couple supposedly on vacation.
At her name, Pepper comes bounding back in the door, oblivious to the tension rolling off me.
“Not sure if you know, but Rowan was attacked and kidnapped at gunpoint recently. We take security seriously.”
Chloe’s smile dies, and she glances at Rowan. “I’m sorry and careless. I totally forgot.”
“It’s okay.”
