Page 92 of Caught in the Crossfire

“Talk to Linc about the grocery store stop while I make sure everything is secure.”

With a nod, Dawn headed for the reception area.

After collecting trash from the bins, Nicole walked through the salon, checking windows and doors in each room. Reaching the store room, she headed for the exit.

In the alley, Nicole set the bags of trash on the ground and attempted to lift the Dumpster lid. She failed, needing a couple more inches in height. She’d use the door on the side and pray the bin wasn’t stuffed full.

“Let me give you a hand with that.” The gruff voice at her back startled her.

Nicole whipped around to face one of the two men she’d seen at the steakhouse the night before. Was this Patton or Fisher?

The man with sandy hair and piercing green eyes crowded closer to her and easily lifted the Dumpster lid as Nicole eased away from him. Something about this guy made her skin crawl.

“There you go.” He picked up the bags of trash and tossed them into the container before turning back to her. “Need help with anything else?”

She edged toward the door. “No, thanks. I appreciate the assist.”

He moved closer, and Nicole retreated until her back hit the wall. Oh, man. She should have side-stepped. Now, her escape route was cut off. “Back up.”

The man gave a low laugh. “Or what?” His smile sent shivers up her spine. “Your man isn’t here.” He lifted his hand and trailed his fingers down her cheek to her neck. “You deserve better than Kincaid.”

She pushed against his chest. He seemed as immovable as a boulder. If she engaged him in conversation long enough, Dawn or Linc would come looking for her. “You know Mason?”

“I don’t want to talk about him.” He leaned closer, breathed deep, and groaned. “Oh, baby. You smell good.”

If you liked the scent of dog shampoo. “Move.” She shoved harder.

“Don’t be like that, sweet thing. I won’t hurt you.” Another slow, suggestive smile. “Unless you ask me to.”

Nicole opened her mouth to scream for help. Before she uttered a sound, the man was gone, his body sprawled on the ground with Linc standing in front of her.

“The lady asked you to back off,” Linc said. “Get lost, Fisher.”

“I’m just trying to be neighborly.”

“By pawing her?”

“I did her a favor.”

“You test my patience. Unless you want my fist in your face, leave.”

Fisher stood. “Threatening me isn’t smart, Creed.”

“I’m shaking in my shoes.”

Fisher’s gaze shifted to Nicole. “See you later.”

Nicole sagged against the wall as the man sauntered out of the alley.

Linc turned. “Did he hurt you?”

“Thanks to you, no. Why is Fisher hanging out in the alley behind the salon?”

“I don’t know, but you need to tell Mason about this. I guarantee Fisher will brag to Mason.”

She shook her head. “I don’t want to add to the pressure he’s under.”

“He’d rather hear the news from you than be blindsided by a man looking for reasons to goad Mason into reacting. Did Fisher say anything to you?”

---