Page 33 of Unforgotten

“Or someone thinks you’re with me.”

“You are...” She met his gaze. Feeling more self-conscious, Candace whispered, “I mean, you are, but not likethat.”

“Of course not,” he said in a rush. “However, a stranger wouldn’t know that.”

“No ... and maybe it’s not a stranger. I hate to think like this but ... do you think it’s the guy who’s been following me?”

He didn’t crack a smile. “It’s a possibility.”

“But ... why would he think we’re together—like a couple?”

“You’re twenty-two, right?”

She nodded. “I just had a birthday last month.”

“I’m twenty-eight. Six years older.”

“Yes.”

He shrugged. “I’m not saying that we would ever want to be in a relationship, but someone might think we are.”

“Yeah, right.” No way was she ever going to admit that she thought he was hot. No way.

Or that she was pretty happy he was escorting her to all her events, because he was a lot more fun to be around than any of the guys her age. They still didn’t have a clue, andhalf of them only wanted to sit around and watch basketball with a beer in their hands.

The approaching tow truck with flashing lights saved her from saying anything more. “Tow truck’s here.”

“It’s about time.” As it pulled in, Ryan held up a hand. “I’ll be right back. Sit tight.”

“Sure.” She looked down at her phone screen again.

And noticed that she’d just received a message from an unfamiliar number. She clicked on it.

You looked pretty today, Candace. I’m glad you wore your hair down around your shoulders.

No. The evening had just gone from bad to worse.

12

Bethanne knew there was no way around it. She owed Jay an apology. There was no reason on earth that she should be blaming him for anything that Peter had done. Especially not after so many years. In a way, he was a victim too. Peter hadn’t been the person Jay had assumed he was.

Bethanne sighed. What was wrong with her? She’d said she forgave him. But then she’d hurt Jay’s feelings on purpose. She would’ve given any other man who’d come calling thirty minutes of her time and her kindness. At the very least, she should’ve thanked him for stopping by. Instead, she’d practically run Jay out of the house.

She was ashamed of herself.

After debating how to best approach him, she decided to combine her visit to him with a stop at the publishing house. She had some manuscript reviews to turn in, and Burke Lumber was just a couple of blocks away. Riding there on her bicycle would be no problem. She could get both important errands done in no time.

Decision made, she readied herself, gathered her materials,and went downstairs to let her mother know she was leaving.

Mamm was sitting at the dining room table writing a letter. Like always, she had a cup of hot tea, a plate full of shortbread, and her box of stationery in front of her. Her mother was a champion letter writer. Bethanne didn’t know how many letters she wrote a month, but it was a lot.

“Hi, Bethy,” she said when Bethanne appeared at the bottom of the stairs. “Are you going to do some work in here?” She set down her pen and began to clear a spot on the table.

“Nee, I’ve already reviewed half of the manuscripts they sent. I’m going to go take these to the office.”

“Why?”

“It’s a pretty day. I thought I’d ride my bike.”

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