Page 2 of Seductive Heat

"No, I can't. I'll drop you off, and then I have to get together with a friend."

"A friend, huh? Is that what they are calling them these days? Or a fuck buddy?"

"Don't be nasty, or I'll tell the guys at the department about this stalker. They'll find him right quick and put him in jail."

I shut up immediately because that is the last thing I want to happen. I've already made a whole fantasy about this wonderful man who can't get enough of me, so he has to follow me everywhere. He's independently wealthy, so he's able to spend his time as he pleases. I've thought of a hundred ways we can 'bump' into each other and finally meet.

Should I act coy and insecure or be a tigress? What would he love more? What would get him from stalker to lover in the fewest possible steps? I sigh and realize Marguerite is looking at me impatiently.

"What?"

"Where did you go just now?" she asks.

"None of your business."

"I swear I've taught you better than this. Let's go, or I'm going to be late for my appointment."

We get in the car and drive in a tense silence. I know she wants me to be safe, but I like a little thrill in my life. My stalker gives me that in spades. I start imagining again how I will flirt with him. He's already interested in me, but I want him all hot and bothered. Life is too short for it to be boring.

Before I know it, we are in front of the yoga place. Mags seems to be stewing in her own juices, and I'm not touching that with a ten-foot pole. I quickly kiss her on the cheek and grab my bag and mat from the back seat of the car. I wave goodbye to her when I cross in front of her car and go up the stairs whistling a little song.

I change quickly and position my mat on the first row. I know the teacher checks out everyone's poses, but I like to be close to the front so I don't miss anything. People start coming into the studio, and I look for the cute guy I've seen who's always at the back of the room. I've wanted to talk to him for forever, but he always leaves so fast, I can't catch him.

The teacher is tough on us today, and I just know I'll have a ton of aches and pains tomorrow. Yoga helps me stay fit, but, my goodness, it can hurt sometimes. I take a selfie with the teacher and post it on my social media with the caption 'This lady kicked my ass today,' hashtag yogarules. It helps both to tell my stalker my location and promote the teacher. Win-win.

I take a rideshare home and spend the whole ride scrolling through social media. Thankfully, the drive is short, and pretty soon, I'm at home. I know Marguerite is spending the night with someone, so I won't wait up for her. I remember our discussion tonight, and a shiver goes through me. I don't want a bunch of police officers sniffing around me, trying to catch my stalker. I'm kind of attached to him.

My phone beeps, and I see that I have a message from Tammy.

Tammy: The head nurse asked about you again.

I put down my phone, not knowing what to tell her. I have mixed feelings about nursing, and the past year has not helped clarify my thoughts. Of course, Tammy doesn't give a fig that I don't respond. She moves right in for the kill. She calls me.

"Hey."

"Why didn't you answer me?" She asks, sounding irritated.

"Because I don't know how to answer that."

"What about just coming in and talking to Rose for a bit."

"Tammy, I don't know that I want to go back. I'm doing well with my special kids right now."

"Then why did you renew your license?"

"How do you know about that?"

"I hear things. Listen, you don't have to work in the ER again. I'm sure if you talk to Rose, you'll have your choice of placement in the hospital. But it all starts with a conversation."

"I'm comfortable where I am."

"That's no way to live your life. You've got to get out of your comfort zone. Everyone knows that."

"You're not my therapist."

"Are you seeing one? It might help."

"Oh my God, you're worse than my sister." I sigh.

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