Page 47 of Demons

King didn’t say anything, but we all knew he was thinking the same thing.

“Get me the info I need,” I told Storm.

He grinned.

“Okay, so we’ve accomplished that Thatcher is now our jockey’s stalker. What else did we need to cover today?” Barrett asked.

“Capri,” I corrected him. “She has a name. Call her by it.”

And I hadn’t just now become her stalker. I’d had that title for years. They probably didn’t need to know that though.

• Twenty-Two •

This was where I belonged, on this playing field.

Capri

By Friday, I was feeling better about my life or mental health, so to speak.

I had two appointments set up next week with trainers in Tennessee and Kentucky.

Jaiden had a friend from college in town, visiting, and I’d agreed to go on a double date with them tonight. Not only that, but I had also gone to the salon and gotten a trim and highlights. Then, I had gone and gotten a manicure and pedicure.

Esther had convinced me to get a Brazilian wax, and she swore I’d love it after, but she’d not given me all the details. Hopefully by the time I got on a horse again, I’d be less tender down there. Doubted I was doing that one again. The pampering had been nice. I didn’t feel so plain; I even felt attractive.

Standing in front of the mirror, I gave myself one more look, happy with the pink linen skirt I’d chosen and white top that showed off a little glimpse of my stomach without being an actual halter top. The skirt was short enough that my mother would be horrified, which was why I had bought it in the first place.

Heels were a given with me. I hated always being the short one when I went out with a group, so I had a pretty good selection of pumps, sandals with a high heel, boots with a high heel, and wedges. Tonight, I had gone with a strappy white pair of sandals that had a four-inch heel and looked great with my hot-pink toenails.

When I heard the knock on the door, I grabbed my silver clutch and headed out of the bedroom and to go enjoy my evening. I had kept myself so busy that thoughts of Thatcher hadn’t plagued me. I was proud of that. Putting whatever that brief moment that we’d had in the hotel behind me. Thatcher had forgotten it easily enough. I should to.

Opening the door, I wanted to sigh in relief to see that the photos Esther had sent me of Tyron, Jaiden’s friend, were accurate. He was nice-looking. The easy smile on his face hinted at a dimple, and his blue-gray eyes with all that dark brown hair were a great combination.

“Capri!” Esther said in her enthusiastic tone. “Meet Tyron. Tyron, this is my bestie, Capri.”

Tyron held my gaze, still smiling, as if what he saw pleased him. He didn’t appear as if he wanted to take off running or make up an excuse to get out of this. Neither did I.

“It’s nice to meet you,” he said in a smooth voice that held no accent. That was new for me because around here, everyone had one.

“You too,” I replied, stepping outside onto the porch.

“Let’s get going. We have dinner reservations in fifteen minutes, and then we are going dancing!” Esther exclaimed and clapped her hands before spinning and hurrying for the steps.

I looked from her back to Tyron. “I just need to lock up,” I explained.

“Of course,” he said, stepping back as I closed the door and made sure both locks were engaged before dropping my keys into my purse.

“This is a great house. Way better than living in an apartment complex,” Tyron said.

“I got really lucky nine years ago. You wouldn’t believe the deal I got on rent. I love this house. I could afford to pay more now, too, but the lady I rent from refuses to take more. I keep thinking I need to just buy it from her.”

He fell into step beside me as we made our way off the porch.

“Cost of living here is more affordable than Atlanta, and the traffic is worlds better. I’d buy it if I were you,” he said.

I glanced up at him. “You live in Atlanta?” I asked.

He nodded.

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