Page 16 of Recklessly Yours

He barked out a laugh. “What’s my fault?”

I stole a quick glance at the car behind me. “I’m paranoid now.”

“Good. You should be.”

With a shaky breath, I peered into the rearview mirror again. “I think someone’s following me.”

“You think?” he clipped.

“I’m being ridiculous.” I gripped the steering wheel tighter and straightened. “Tell me I’m being paranoid.”

“I can’t.” There was a rustle on the other end of the line, then he asked, “Why do you think someone’s following you?”

“A car pulled out of the parking lot behind me. Then it ran a red light and made the next two turns I made. At one point, it sped up so quickly I was sure it would rear-end me.”

A growl rumbled through the speakers, so visceral it vibrated through me. “You’re not being paranoid.”

My heart plummeted. “Great.”

“Where are you?” Clicking sounds came through the phone, like he was typing on a computer.

“I’m on Glenn Street, coming up on the elementary school.”

“Turn right at Winding Way.”

I made the turn, and once I’d straightened the wheel, I glanced in the mirror again. The car turned too, remaining a short distance behind me. Dammit.

Voice trembling, I asked, “Now what?”

“Irving Street. Another right.”

I followed Dylan’s instructions, and when the car made the turn too, I held back a sob.

“One more right at Adams.”

“I’m going around in a circle.” I huffed.

“Exactly. There’s no logical reason for anyone to drive in a circle like that. Is the car still there?”

“Yup.” Oh god. Someone really was following me. “Should I pull over?”

“No,” he clipped. “Do not pull over. Do not stop.”

“There’s a four-way stop coming up.” Not to mention several stoplights between here and my apartment.

“Roll through it,” he said. “Or make another right. But do not come to a full stop.”

Although I was white-knuckling the steering wheel, my hands shook. What if the person following me tried to run me off the road?

My heart, which was already pounding, took off at a breakneck speed.

“Hattie, did you hear me?”

“Yes.” I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. “Do not stop.” I forced a deep breath in, but when the tire pressure warning light lit up on my dash with a ding, it all escaped me along with a sharp cry. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“What?” Dylan’s voice was tense, harsh.

“My front tire is low. Again.” What the heck? Randy promised I wouldn’t have any more issues with it.

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