Page 47 of Unforgotten

When the crowd turned to look at Ryan, she gave the answer that would end the moment as quickly as possible. If she hesitated, or tried to describe their burgeoning relationship, Candace knew she’d become flustered. All she wanted to do was get out of there. “Yes, he is.” She smiled at him, hoping he wouldn’t tell the whole group that she was lying through her teeth.

A crowd of girls clapped, making Ryan’s eyes widen.

“I knew it!” the smirking girl said.

Jennifer stepped up to the microphone. “Everyone, let’s thank Miss Crittenden County for visiting us today.”

Dutifully, they clapped. And then, obviously ready to do some shopping, the crowd dissipated.

“You did such a nice job, Candace,” Jennifer said. “In addition to being lovely, you’re a fantastic speaker.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

Shaking her hand, Jennifer added, “I wish you the best of luck this year. And with your future endeavors. And now I’ll let your guy have you back.” She winked. “He’s verydevoted. I swear, I thought he was going to stand by your side the whole time.”

“Yes,” she said weakly.

“You two have a good day now.”

“Thank you,” she whispered.

Ryan moved to her side, holding the paper bag in one hand and her duffle bag in the other. “Let’s go.”

Oh no. He was mad at her—probably for saying he was her boyfriend. And who could blame him? She reached for her crown. “All right. I’ll just—”

“You can take that off in my vehicle,” he interrupted. “We’re leaving now.”

This was even worse than she’d imagined. He was angry and was probably going to tell her in no uncertain terms that he had no desire to accompany her ever again. She was going to have to do all her future appearances by herself.

Feeling like a recalcitrant child, she walked by his side, looking straight ahead in her struggle to keep up. He seemed to have forgotten about her heels and dress.

When they got outside, Ryan took hold of her arm. “Stay with me,” he bit out.

In her effort to keep up, she almost tripped.

Muttering something under his breath, he slowed down. “My apologies. I...” He shook his head. “Here I just told you I would take care walking with you and now I’m practically making you run. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. I’m just—”

“Trying to keep up?” he asked in a far gentler tone. “I’m sorry for acting like a jerk.”

When they got to his vehicle, he helped her inside. She buckled up as he got into the driver’s side.

Moments later, as Ryan pulled out of the parking lot,Candace couldn’t hold back what she needed to say. “You’re in a big hurry—what has you looking so rattled?”

“That paper bag was filled with gifts for you.” He sounded serious. Deadly serious.

“What kind of gifts?” She almost didn’t want to know.

“The kind no man should be leaving on a table in the mall. We’re making a police report, Candace.”

Her mind was going toward crazy ideas. She needed more information, not what he was giving her—which was close to nothing at all. “Why?”

He looked away as if he didn’t want to say anything, then pursed his lips. “The bag is full. Clothing. And pictures of you—lots of pictures. Most clearly taken without your knowledge. This man ... he’s obsessed, Candace.”

Pictures of her. He’d been spying on her. “I just don’t understand. I’m not anything special. Why me?”

Ryan’s voice softened. “I don’t know, but we’ll figure it out. I promise you that.”

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