Page 19 of Stalker's Valentine

“Well, yeah, I saw her across the place and…” I rubbed the top of my chest right below my heart. “This is all your fault.” I shoulder-bumped him. “I was determined to stay home and ring in the new year in front of the TV, but you had to go host a grand opening.”

“Shut the fuck up!” He laughed and shook his head. “Holy shit.” He looked at me as if he was seeing me for the first time in his life instead of knowing me the entirety of it.

“You’re in love. With Scarlett, no less. Shit.” He chuckled and ran his fingers through his overgrown hair. “This is going to be interesting as fuck.” His reaction surprised me.

“You’re not going to tell me to keep my hands to myself?” He turned to me.

“Something tells me if I did, you wouldn’t listen, and I got a feeling you haven’t.”

“Why’s that?” I asked, wondering what else he might know. Fuck, maybe I hadn’t been as subtle as I thought.

“I don’t know. Maybe it’s another thing the Hart men are cursed with? The inability to stay away from the women who get us all tangled up and tempt us,” he mumbled the last part to himself before pushing himself off my truck. “I better get those damn coffees before the guys start calling wondering where the hell I disappeared to.”

“Austin, I know I shouldn’t ask you but––“

“Don’t worry,” he interrupted, “I’m not saying a word, brother. Trust me, I don’t want to be anywhere close when whatever is happening blows up in your face.”

“I told you there is no such thing as a curse,” I gritted through my teeth.

“There might not be, but I know you. I know your businesses and the people you work with. I also know the men in our families.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means, Merri, whatever you are doing, you better be as fucking good as you think you are. Not only is that girl more skittish than a newborn fawn, her brother will literally rip your balls off and serve them at the grill for breakfast.”

“Onyx.” I chuckled, but he shook his head.

“He’s easy going, but anyone hurts his sisters, they pay. I’ve seen it. Fucking messy. I’ve also known her for years, but she is so withdrawn and quiet aroundnew people, I’m pretty sure thatconversation I had inside of there was the most I’ve ever heard her talk. That’s in a decade of being around her and that family. Not only that, but something tells me you’ve been keeping tabs on her, and I don’t only mean the way you’ve been a constant shadow at the brewery.” He finished off by saying, “Good luck. I think you’re going to need it.” He leaned in, and we hugged before he walked back into Pine and Grind.

I sighed and walked down the way to the flower shop and picked up the bouquet she had looked at earlier, knowing I would be the one to make this delivery myself.

scarlett

. . .

A teddy bear.

Not just any teddy bear but a really cute mint green one. My favorite color. He had the sweetest pink heart-shaped nose. The note read.

Scarlett,

We’re mint to be. You’re the perfect blend of beautiful and sweet.

This little guy reminded me of you. Something to hold tight in the meantime.

Always yours,

Your Secret Admirer.

My secret admirer.

I glanced at the almost finished coffee drink and laughed. The coincidences were wild. I hadn’t heard that term in forever, and now it felt like it was everywhere I turned. What were the chances that this wasn’t some stupid joke Raven was playingon me? The figurine I could have chalked up to her. But this, I wasn’t so sure.

And stupidly, I let excitement flow through me.

We’re mint to be. That was punny and a little cheesy, but I liked it. I had no idea who this could be, but I loved how well they knew me. Whoever it was had definitely been paying attention to me.Maybe whoever has been watching me?I shook the thought away.

“No one is watching you,” I muttered to myself. I was not that interesting. I reread the note.Something to hold tight in the meantime.I felt giddy. Did it mean whoever it was would reveal themselves soon? Did it matter after talking to Merritt?

---