Page 162 of Brazen Mistakes

She leans against the hood of her car, legs crossed at the ankles. “I’m a hell of a lot scrappier than I look. Don’t worry about your girl. But you might want to train her to keep herself safe.”

I feel my cheeks heat, and RJ rests his palm against one of them. “We’re working on it. Just know that there’s one sick fuck out there hoping to ruin her life. All our lives.”

“You’re more of a heartbreaker than you let on, Clara.”

Shaking my head, I squeeze RJ’s hand, then motion Summer to take the driver’s seat. Once we’re both in, I respond. “Heartbreaker, life ruiner, justice seeker, take your pick.”

“That bad, huh?”

“He was a manipulative, abusive pedophile. I only wish I’d ruined him sooner.”

“But he’s out and about?”

The minute she guns the engine, I grip the seat belt, something riding the line between fear and excitement strumming through me. “He made a deal with the cops to help them find bigger fish in the pedophile pond. And he’s back to stalking. It’s like my life is a series of circles, and even though I keep making wider loops, I end up stuck with him no matter what I do.”

“Stalking doesn’t send him to jail?”

“Not if he makes sure there’s no evidence that it’s him.”

“That sucks.”

“Sure does.”

We drive for a bit, the turns all taken at speed, and I’m reminded of driving with my dad.

Grief surges, but I shove it back down. I will not cry in front of the ice queen I’m trying to turn into my new friend.

Summer saves me. “We’re going to Stillwater. I have this woman who’s amazing at hair, and their makeup artist and massage therapists are excellent as well.”

The wad of cash Trips gave me sits heavy in my pocket.

“Sounds good to me. I’ve never had my hair done or anything, so you’ll have to be my expert in this, too.”

“What, a college girl like you didn’t get all dolled up for prom?”

I shake my head. “No, nothing like that. We just did each other’s hair and went as a pack of girls.”

She glances at me while exiting at speed, before switching her gaze back to the road. “That’s not what I would have pegged you for.”

“What about you? Big prom date in your past?”

“I never even made it to senior year, so no.”

Time to change the topic. “How’d you end up walking dogs?”

She shoots me another glance, her eyes tracing over me. “Are you digging?”

“Right now? No. Just trying to have a conversation.”

Her hands tense around the wheel, the speed ratcheting up higher. Then she loosens back up. “Okay. Sorry. I haven’ttalked to someone without either flirting or holding a leash for a long-ass time. Sorry if I’m being weird.”

I really should find her dating profile. Maybe there are more answers there. “All good. I’ve only lost friends for the last few years, so I’m probably a little rusty myself.”

We both sit, awkward as she zooms past cars on either shoulder, the purr of the engine both soothing and electrifying.

“You haven’t said anything about my driving.”

“What’s there to say? You seem competent, if a little foolhardy. I have faith you won’t kill us.”

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