Page 5 of Beneath the Surface

“Funny running into you here.” I smirk.

“Is it?” She crosses her arms, her eyes glancing behind her.

Internally sighing, I realize this truly does come off as creepy. Borderline stalker. And while technically, Ihavebeen stalking her for the past two months, it’s not the way it looks.

Not that I can tell her any of that.

“I like to get outside in the mornings, get some coffee.” I lift my cup. “Some fresh air. Saw you over here, and thought I’d come by. Apologize for yesterday.”

She sucks on her teeth. “You get your fresh air around playgrounds a lot?”

My eyes glance around, quickly taking in our surroundings, snagging on the Motel Eight. I nod my head toward it. “I’m staying right over there.”

Her eyes follow, her right hand absentmindedly rubbing the wrist of her left arm, right over one of her tattoos. Finally, her eyes soften and she nods.

“There’s nothing to apologize for,” she sighs. “I was in a mood yesterday, and you were only trying to help. I was being a bitch.”

My lips twitch as I lean back in my boots and take her in.

“I’m Lily, by the way. If you’re gonna be stalking me, you might as well know my name.” She grins.

“I know. You told me yesterday when you poured my coffee.” I wink. “I’m Alex.”

Fuck.The name slips out before I can stop it, my mouth speaking before my brain can finish the thought.

She runs her fingers through her silky dark hair. “Alex.” She bobs her head. “Well, it’s nice to meet you, Alex. Maybe I’ll see you around again.” She glances to the motel before looking back at me, a cautious smile on her face.

Did she just dismiss me?

I stifle the amusement that’s trying to break free at the thought. This woman is so different than what I expected, and I’m a fucking moron for letting her see my face. But I’m nothing if not adaptable.

“Only so many places around here to get hot coffee and good service.” I grin. “Have a nice day.”

I spin, walking across the street toward the Motel Eight that I definitely amnotstaying at, and tell myself that I didn’t just monumentally fuck up. That this might work in my favor. Chase seems like the kind of guy who won’t be satisfied with a simple location, and this will allow me to get closer—gather more information to pass off.

Technically, my job is done. I found her. And if I was smart, I would leave the West and everything that comes along with it as quickly as possible.

Go back to Nashville where it’s safe.

But as I look back one last time, there’s a burn simmering low in my gut, and I know I won’t be leaving.

Not yet.

Lily Adams is still too much of a mystery. And I’m desperate to uncover her secrets.

3

Lily

Ibrush off the chill that’s been sticking to my back ever since I saw the same stranger staring at us from across the playground.

Alex.

He doesn’t look like an Alex.

I should have asked him what he’s doing here in Raindale, Arizona. It’s not exactly a place people come to stay. Other than a few gas stations and fast-food restaurants off the highway, plus a small church in the middle of town, there isn’t much else. Which is exactly why it’s the perfect place for me.

Gripping Chase’s fingers tighter in mine, we walk the few blocks back to our apartment. After giving him pancakes this morning, I knew the playground would be the only way to get out his energy. We go every Wednesday since it’s my only morning off work, and even though there aren’t many kids around his age in this town, I find myself continually hoping that one day, we’ll show up and he’ll be able to make a friend. It hasn’t happened yet.

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