Page 87 of Seducer

“Nope.”

As soon as I glanced toward the window again, she moved in front of me. “What is going on? You act like someone is standing outside your window staring at you.”

“Do me a favor. See if there is. Right by the streetlight.”

Tina appeared confused, but did as I asked, heading to the window and peering out. “There are a few cars rolling by, but I don’t see anyone out walking. What did you think you saw?”

I rushed closer, slapping my hand on the glass. “Shit.”

“God. You’re scaring me. Tell me what you think you saw.”

“A man standing in a mask. You know, one of those Purge masks. He was watching me. But I could see his glowing eyes.”

Tina coughed and looked again. “I might be wrong about this, but I seriously doubt if you could make out if someone was wearing a mask from three stories in the sky even if it wasglowing. Maybe someone was out walking their dog and had one of those glow in the dark collars and leashes.”

“I know what I saw!” I snapped. “Shit. Sorry. I just… I think someone has been following me.”

“Really?”

“Yep.” I couldn’t tell her the entire story. I would sound like some lunatic, but I’d begun to wonder if Zach had been the only one following me. This morning, I’d seen a car and it wasn’t like the ones Zach owned. I was almost positive it was a dark blue sedan. They’d followed me to work.

God. Was I starting to lose it?

“I don’t like the sound of what you’re telling me, but I did hear that’s how candidates are sized up physically. First, their gaming expertise is tested. They’re given a mental evaluation with one of those personality tests. They are checked out, or maybe you’d call it being stalked. Then the real fun begins with a real-life experience or two.”

“For someone who insisted the game wasn’t real and you didn’t know much, you certainly do know a lot more than I thought you would.”

“Well, okay. The guy I was dating told me some stuff, but it changes every year. I might be wrong.”

I glanced out the window, seeing no one. Not a soul. Either I was losing it, or the stalker didn’t want to be seen. “I don’t know what to think any longer. Maybe I’m just imagining things.”

“Or maybe you’re on the short list. Which is what you wanted.”

“There’s only one problem with that theory. I haven’t been sent an invitation.”

She appeared almost dejected. “Oh. Well, maybe this is how they mix it up and until your skills are tested, you won’t get an invitation.”

I thought about her idea and sighed. “Maybe, but I’m not sure if I’m up for going out to this club,” I admitted. Truth be told, I was more interested in finishing the game tonight if nothing else. That meant nothing in the scheme of life except for personal satisfaction, but I didn’t care.

Tina sighed. “You’re not sick.”

“No. I’m fine.”

“You skipped out of work early pretending to be sick so you could play a game.”

“Ouch. Okay, yes,” I groaned.

“You’re infatuated with one of our big bosses and don’t you dare deny it.”

Now I cringed visibly and she noticed it, sticking her finger out at me.

“Admit it or I’ll let the gossipiest girl at work you know,” she teased.

“You wouldn’t dare.”

“Bet me.”

I gave her a finger in an entirely different way. “Fine. Yes, I think the man is handsome. So what?”

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