Page 45 of Spies without a Face
“And it sounds to me like you’re doing just that. They didn’t appear to be a threat. If we’re outside walking, we’re better able to keep an eye out for them.”
She stared at me for several seconds and searched my eyes. “You’re right, Austin.”
We headed to the Network instead. I remained vigilant for those odd watchers returning. “Have you ever seen anything like that before?”
She pursed her lips. “Sort of.”
My already sky-high instincts shot higher. “Where?”
“I saw a creature with just eyes staring out from the darkness in the parking lot of the Danger Zone. Cassandra was with me and didn’t see anything, so we thought it must have been an owl or raccoon. At other times, it feels like someone is spying on me. I’ve never seen anyone, though.”
“I’ll keep an eye out, Pandora. Whatever they are. If you see or sense anything and anytime, call me, okay? I’m right next door.”
She fixed her appreciative gaze on me. “Thank you, Austin.”
Were they simply bats? Or something more?
“Do you have any idea why someone would watch you?” I asked her.
She broke eye contact and glanced straight ahead. “No.” Her jaw was tight.
Her tense body language made me think she was lying. Why? “Pandora?”
“Yes?”
“Are you sure?”
She pursed her lips and straightened. “Why would I lie about something like that?”
She knew something but wasn’t going to tell me. Although that bothered me, I didn’t want to push it and blow this night out before it even got started.
While we went to the Network, I pictured the guy that had come to her house the other night, the stranger who I pinned as my rival for Pandora’s affection. I wanted to ask her about him, but how could I do so without letting her know I was watching? That would make me a creep and no different from those strange creatures that had disturbed us both.
When she went inside the dark green Victorian house at the Network, I remained outside and patrolled the exterior, making sure there were no signs of those watchful eyes. Nothing. Whatever had been spying on us appeared to disappear.
Pandora exited after twenty minutes.
“All good?” I asked her.
“Yes.” She gave me a tight smile. “I think we’re all set for now. It could be any number of creatures, most likely harmless. I didn’t find any reports of them being dangerous.”
“Better safe than sorry.” I took her hand and squeezed it. “Come on, let’s get some ice cream.”
When she said yes, I was surprised. I thought for sure she’d remain worried. As we headed to an ice cream store, I attempted to lighten the mood by pointing out things that we’d only find in Salem. Only here would you find a horror monster gallery or Ouija board museum as well as signs in stores reveling in the strange and unusual. She appeared to relax somewhat as she held my hand.
She ordered a butterscotch ice cream, and I ordered mint chocolate chip. As she licked her ice cream, I tried not to stare. The way her tongue darted out was far too tantalizing.
How could I go from wanting to protect this woman to wanting her within such a short period? The sudden tightness in my groin made me have to shift on the seat.
I had to keep from getting an inappropriate erection right there at the ice cream stand in public.
A little kid ran into me and dropped his cone onto my lap. That would cool off my impending hard-on like an ice-cold slap of water. He mumbled sorry, and his parents apologized profusely before scolding him.
“It’s okay.” I pulled the cone away, attempting to scoop much of the ice cream with it.
A giant brown stain remained. Great. Although I wore black jeans, the chocolate ice cream was clearly visible. I jumped up and tossed the messy cone into the trash. More chocolate ice cream slid down my pants.
Pandora reached for some napkins and attempted to wipe away the ice cream. She accidentally brushed my shaft. She turned pink and pulled her hand away. I burned with uncomfortable heat.
