Page 65 of Hero's Prize

Ella took a bite of her chicken and let out a groan. “I guess so. Although my role is to show the kids that even non-outdoorsy people can do wilderness survival stuff too.”

Colton chuckled. “Those kids are a unique blend, aren’t they? Some of them would rather be inside on a computer with Lincoln, and some of them we’ll have to drag out of the wilderness because they want to stay.”

“I can’t believe the camp is almost over. I met a baking buddy. Her name is Ashley. She wants to know if she can come back when she’s in high school and do an internship at Fancy Pants. She’s definitely got the skills for it.”

“Yeah, I’ve seen her. I’ve been spending a lot of time with Marshall, and I think he has a little crush on her.”

A smile tugged at Ella’s lips. “I think the feeling is mutual, although both of them are so guarded that camp will be over and they won’t do anything about it. But I’ll bet they’ll stay in touch afterward. Maybe we can help them spend some time together while we’re camping.”

He laughed as he took a bite of his steak. “Look at you, the little matchmaker.”

“I just like watching their eyes light up when they see each other and then pretend like neither of them really cares. It’s cute.”

Colton kept her entertained and laughing as they finished their meal. There had been no word from anybody on the team, so she assumed nothing was going on that they needed to know about concerning the stalker.

“Do you think this is another dead end?” she whispered when their meal was over and the waitress had cleared away their plates.

“Hell no.”

“But surely the team would’ve told us if anybody was around who fit the bill.”

“Yeah, I mean the chances that we’re going to catch the stalker tonight are probably slim, but that definitely does not mean this night has been a dead end. The opposite, in fact.”

She could feel herself blushing. “Good, I’m glad you feel that way. And I’m hoping maybe we can have another date at some point that doesn’t involve most of our closest friends keeping an eye on us.”

“Bet on it.”

“Should we pack it in? Do you want us to hang out here longer? I’m good either way.”

Colton looked out toward the middle of the bar where some couples were dancing. “How about a dance?”

“Do you think that will help with the stalker?”

He winked at her. “Probably not. But if having a stalker gives me an excuse to dance with you, then I’m thankful for every letter that psycho has sent me.”

She wanted nothing more than to believe he was telling the truth. “Okay, you have a debrief with the team. I’m going to go to the restroom really quickly.”

“Hurry back.”

She was walking on air as she headed to the bathroom, so caught up in her own happiness that she forgot she was walking by Lilah, who was sitting at the bar. The other woman smacked her discreetly on the ass and winked when Ella jumped and looked over. “Looks like you’re having a good time. I’m so happy for you, Elly-Belly.”

Even the dreaded nickname couldn’t pull Ella from her happiness. “Anything happening on your guys’ end?”

“Nothing so far. But if you two are having a good time, we’re happy to merely be along for the ride. Now, get out of here before you blow my cover. Although it would probably be more suspicious if we hadn’t stopped to talk.”

Ella wanted to tell her friend all about what she was feeling, how much fun she was having—despite potential stalker issues—but it would have to wait. Not only were they in the middle of an op, Lilah would need at least a couple of hours to congratulate herself on getting Ella and Colton together.

Ella chuckled to herself as she left Lilah and continued to thebathroom, glancing at herself in the mirror as she walked in. God, she was flushed, but it looked good on her.

It felt good on her too.

Yes, she wished this date were under different circumstances, but she was having the most wonderful time. Most people didn’t spend the day making love in an isolated cabin andthengo out on their first date, but she couldn’t bring herself to care. And the biggest thrill of all was that the night wasn’t over yet.

She went into the stall to use the bathroom, and a few moments later, two other women walked in. Ella was about to flush the toilet when their words stopped her.

“I mean, that is Colton Harrison, right?”

Ella froze. Could this possibly be the stalker? She peeked through the crack in the stall. One of the women she recognized as a local. Susan or Sarah—something like that. Ella didn’t know her well. She was younger, maybe twenty-one or twenty-two, and worked part time at the grocery store. The other woman who brought up Colton’s name was the same age. Ella didn’t recognize her at all.

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