Who was that? Why had they slowed down? And why did it feel like it wasn’t just a coincidence?
Chapter Thirty-Two
Evie
A knock at the door sent my heart into a frenzy. I glanced at the mirror in the hallway, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face. It had been a long day, but I couldn’t deny the flutter of excitement coursing through me. The sight that greeted me nearly stole my breath when I opened the door.
Liam was standing on the porch, holding a bag of food in one hand and a bouquet of sunflowers in the other. His grin was wide, warm, and just a little bit cocky, and I couldn’t help but smile back. He somehow looked both rugged and adorable, a combination that had me biting the inside of my cheek to keep from grinning like an idiot.
“Thought I’d bring a little sunshine with dinner,” he said, holding out the flowers. “And Happy Valentine’s Day.”
How did I forget it was Valentine’s Day?
Hayden barreled past me before I could reply.
“Liam!” he shouted, throwing his arms around Liam’s waist in a quick hug before darting back inside toward the couch.
Liam laughed, his eyes lighting up. “Well, that was fast.”
I chuckled, stepping aside to let him in. “That’s Hayden for you. It’s all about speed and chaos.”
He walked in, the scent of whatever he’d brought wafting past me, and I couldn’t help but notice how the space seemed smaller with him in it. Not in a bad way—more like he filled it with something just right.
Valentine’s Day.
I looked up at him and smiled. “You knew if you brought up Valentine’s Day, I’d say no.”
“Just a hunch. And it worked.”
“Well, thank you…” My voice trailed off. “It means more than you know.”
He swept a kiss on my cheek and smiled.
As I closed the door behind him, movement caught my attention from the corner of my eye. The same car from earlier was creeping down the street again, its engine barely audible as it rolled past the house.
My stomach tightened.
I froze for a moment with my hand still on the doorknob.
Liam noticed immediately. His brow furrowed as he turned to follow my gaze. “What is it?”
“That car,” I said quietly, nodding toward the street. “It’s been by here before. Slowed down earlier, too.”
He stepped closer to the window, his jaw tightening as he looked out. The navy sedan passed the house, the driver obscured by the reflection of the streetlights this time.
Then, just like before, it sped up and disappeared down the road.
“That’s the second time today?” Liam asked, his voice low.
I nodded, suddenly feeling the weight of the moment. “Yeah. Earlier, it did the same thing. Slowed down, like they were watching.”
Liam’s expression darkened, a mix of concern and protectiveness flashing across his face. “Do you recognize it? The car or the driver?”
“No,” I admitted, crossing my arms. “It’s not familiar, but something about it feels... off. I couldn’t see inside either time.”
Liam placed the bag of food on the counter and set the flowers down, his focus entirely on me now. “Do you want me to stick around for a bit after dinner? Maybe see if they come back?”
I hesitated.