by Olivia James
Taylor shook her head. "I don't know. If you say you're not worried, then I'm sure it's nothing. But I haven't heard these stories that Melissa is talking about. If I had I might vote differently."
Shaw was definitely the type to overanalyze a situation, thinking about it every which way until it was worn out and dead. Or moot. She'd made an effort not to do that with any of these "out there" fans that she'd acquired.
"It's all perfectly normal," she said again, parroting her agent's words. "Every person in the spotlight has followers that are strange. You block, ignore, don't engage, and move on with your life. So far it's worked."
"But he keeps on making new profiles," Melissa pointed out.
"But eventually he'll get bored. He'll start following someone else and he'll forget all about me, especially if I don't give him the attention that he wants. He'll move on to someone who will."
The waitress brought their entrees and the conversation veered away to more neutral topics. The weather, Shaw's upcoming travels, and Taylor's new boyfriend.
"Speaking of boyfriends," Melissa said. "Did I mention that my brother isn't seeing anyone right now?"
Holy hell. A fix up?
"Are you trying to fix me up with your brother? This has come out of nowhere. And no, I'm not going to talk to him about the messages I've been getting. It's no big deal."
"I believe you. You've convinced me. This is me trying to make a match. Luke's a great guy and you're a great person, too."
Melissa clearly adored her older brother. She sung his praises constantly. But that didn't mean that he would be a good boyfriend. Brother and boyfriend weren't the same thing.
"He is handsome," Taylor giggling, her cheeks pink. "And sexy. He's never shown any interest in me but if he did...I'd be all over that."
Melissa was giggling as well. "My brother is good-looking, and he's a great guy. He was over the other day helping me hang the window treatments we did, and it occurred to me that you two would be great together."
Really?
"How would we be good together?" Shaw challenged. Her love life had been anemic lately, but she wasn't ready to be fixed up on a blind date. Was she? "Do we have anything in common? Anything at all?"
"You're both workaholics," Melissa answered promptly, a grin on her face. "You both like comfort food and hanging out at home. Luke isn't a partier in the least. Maybe a few beers with his friends once in awhile but mostly he's a homebody. Like you."
But Melissa wasn't done. "He's smart, and funny, and successful. He works on that special task force that deals with serious crimes, and he gets paid pretty well to do it. Why wouldn't you go out with him? He's the whole package. I told him about you, and he thinks you're pretty."
Now Shaw wanted to hide her head underneath the heavy linen tablecloth. Jeez, Melissa had been talking about her? Cringeworthy.
He probably thinks I'm a big loser who can't find a date.
Melissa passed her phone to Shaw. "That's a picture of him. He's handsome, isn't he?"
Shaw had to admit that the man in the photo wasn't ugly at all. Dark-haired and muscular, he had a nice smile with a dimple in one of his cheeks. He definitely resembled his sister, especially around the chin.
"He looks like you." Shaw handed the phone back. "But I'm not hard up for a man."
Melissa just smiled and tucked her phone back in her purse. "I know you're not, but when was the last time you actually went on a date? And just so you know, I asked Luke that question, too."
Shaw had to really think back. It had been awhile. But certainly not that long...?
"A few months ago."
Laughing, Melissa rolled her eyes. "That's exactly what he said, but then he couldn't recall anything about her or what they did, so I think it's been longer. Let me ask you a question. What was his name?"
"Eric," Shaw answered promptly. She distinctly remembered him because he'd played saxophone in a jazz band as a hobby. He'd also had issues just like Taylor's ex. One of them was that he couldn't seem to take no for an answer. She still heard from him from time to time, but she never replied.
Taylor and Melissa exchanged a glance.
"That was over five months ago," Taylor announced. "We remember him. You went to that music festival in May. He was clingy and whiny."
Had it been that long? It couldn't be. Or maybe it could. Time had flown because she'd been so busy.
And Eric was indeed clingy and whiny.
Melissa placed her fork on the edge of her plate. "Five months, Shaw. That's a long time between dates."
"It's not that bad. I've been working."
It sounded lame even to her own ears.
"One date. Just one. Have coffee with Luke. You don't even have to go to dinner if you don't want to. Just meet him. I think you'll hit it off. And if you don't, I'll never say another word about your love life."
"Ever?"
"Not one word," Melissa vowed. "I promised Luke the same thing."
Shaw's friend wasn't a busybody. She was sort of the...cruise director of their group. She liked to organize things and make sure everyone was happy and having a good time. Normally, Shaw was content to go with the flow because Melissa did a good job.
Taylor tapped the edge of her martini glass. "It's been months, girl. It's long past time to get back on the horse. Hell, the horse has probably done run away from the barn. Luke's a nice man. Even if you don't feel any sparks, you'll probably have a pleasant evening."
"Five months is not that long."
"It is." Melissa held up one finger. "A single date. What could it hurt? Worst case scenario you have a moderately nice time. Best case? You and I are in-laws for life."
That bold statement had all three of them laughing. The odds weren't in favor of Shaw and Melissa's brother falling madly in love and getting married.
"I'm not looking to get married or even get serious with anyone. I'm focused on my career."
"Luke is too," Melissa said. "That's why you'd be perfect for each other. It's a no pressure situation. He's not looking for a wife and you're not looking for a husband."
They weren't going to give up until Shaw gave in. It would be easier to simply say yes and let the chips fall where they may. The chances were high that she and Luke Brewster had fuck all in common.
"Fine. I'll meet him for coffee or lunch. No dinner or movie."
An hour or two out of her day and then she could go home and get back to work. To be honest, Shaw simply wasn't looking to become involved. With anyone. The timing was all wrong.
Later that evening, Shaw and her friends finished their celebratory dinner and went their separate ways. Taylor was meeting up for a late drink with her new boyfriend and Melissa needed to get a head start on grading homework. She was a math teacher at a local middle school.
Shaw had left a lamp on in the living room so it wasn't completely dark when she arrived home. Normally, living alone and the dark didn't bother her in the least but after tonight's discussion with her friends she was a little bit more on edge than usual. Melissa hadn't specifically told them the stories she'd heard from her brother, but she really didn't have to. Shaw read the papers and watched the news. She'd also studied criminal psychology so she was well aware of what one human being could inflict upon another. Often without any remorse whatsoever.
Consequently, she flipped on far more lights than usual, even the bright fluorescents in the kitchen for a few minutes until it was time to go to bed. The house was lit up like an airport runway but it made her feel better. She also turned on the television in her bedroom because then it sounded like there were friendly people in her home.
I've really lost it. I'm such a wuss.
She changed into her pajamas, took off her makeup, brushed her teeth, and settled into bed with her book. A lighthearted whodunit set in Paris. She'd never been there but it was on her bucket list. She couldn't seem to get past the first two paragraphs, however. That little voice in her ear wasn't going to leave her alone. Event
ually she gave up and reached for her laptop sitting on the bedside table.
She opened her email and there was another message from Eric. She'd blocked his texts quite a while ago, but she hadn't bothered with his email address. She probably should, though. This letter wasn't anything exciting. He wasn't pushy or threatening. He kept saying that he still wanted to be friends. To that end, he'd send her emails about once a week telling her about what he was up to and the things he was planning. Then there was the usual invitation for her to contact him if she wanted to join in. Which she didn't. But he wasn't being an asshole, he was just being oblivious. He was completely harmless, of that she was sure. Closing her email and opening up her channel's account, she checked her messages, quickly scanning through them.
There it was. Another one from him. Well...she assumed it was a him. He talked like he was a guy, although no one on the internet would know if it was a tabby cat sending her disturbing messages.
It was another new profile, but she only had to read through the subject and then the contents to know it was the same person. He always signed off the same way...
I love you, Shaw. More than you can possibly know.
That was a kind of love that she didn't want or need.
Her agent had assured her that these people just wanted attention. It was a fact that she knew well from her own studies. When he didn't get it, he would move on to someone else. But he'd been persistent as hell. She hadn't expected him to be this dogged in his pursuit of her attention.
At first, she'd tried responding to him. The first few messages hadn't been all that creepy. He'd told her how pretty she was and how much he enjoyed her channel. She'd sent a message back thanking him which is what she did with all her messages unless they were downright nasty. Apparently, he'd taken her reply as the signal that she wanted a far more personal relationship with him than content provider and channel subscriber. After that a barrage of messages and emails had come in until she'd finally blocked him. Then, he'd simply created a new persona.
This had been going on for almost two months, and he was clearly not happy about being blocked over and over. At first, he'd said he was disappointed in her reaction. Then as it had continued, he'd said she was making him angry and she needed to stop. Which of course begged the question...
Or he'll do what?
He'd simply sent more messages. So she blocked him again tonight. But first, she saved the message off into a folder. Each week she'd show her agent so she could reassure Shaw that it wasn't unusual or strange. That it was no big deal.
This is life in the public eye. I better toughen up and get used to it.
After hitting the button, Shaw crossed her fingers and hoped that this time would be the last.
Settling into his chair, he opened his laptop and checked his messages. She’d ignored him. Again. Blocked him. Again. He was tired of her behavior. She acted as if he didn’t exist. Like he was nothing. She didn’t understand about fate and destiny. She didn’t understand at all. But he’d make her see. Eventually, she’d be all his.
Opening one of his desk drawers, he pulled out her blue scarf and wrapped it around his palm. Soft and silky, just like her hair. He pressed it to his face and rubbed the fabric against his skin. Her scent filled his nostrils, light and floral, and his body tightened in response. His sweet Shaw.
With his left hand, he unbuttoned his pants and slid the zipper down…
3
Shaw couldn't find her blue scarf with the white flowers. It had to be somewhere because scarfs couldn't grow legs and walk away, at least not in real life, but she'd ripped her bedroom apart and it was nowhere to be found.
Wracking her brain as to when she'd worn it last, all she could remember was that it was a movie night with her friends. She was positive that she'd taken it off and tucked it in the bottom drawer of her dresser, but it wasn't there.
So she'd checked every drawer. Then her closet. Then the linen closet. After that, she'd been at her wit's end and had checked the room she used as her studio, and then the closet in her office. She'd even checked the pantry in her kitchen. The scarf was nowhere to be found.
She was beginning to think that she was losing her mind. To say the least, she had a great deal going on in her life and keeping organized was becoming a huge challenge. She'd never been one to make lists, but she was feeling more and more like she needed to do just that. With all that she had to do, she was becoming increasingly scatterbrained, misplacing items and forgetting to return calls.
Back in high school she'd done the same thing her sophomore year, but she'd buckled down and made an effort to keep her homework papers and notes organized. She'd used a color-coding system and it had certainly helped. It wouldn't help find her scarf but clearly, she needed to slow down and pay attention to what she was doing. Last week she'd misplaced her favorite pair of sunglasses, a funky blue and pink pair she'd picked up in the Caribbean while on vacation with some college friends. Now it was a scarf. She was lucky her head was attached so she couldn't lose it.
Finally giving up, she grabbed an ivory scarf on the way out, locking the door behind her. The conversation with Melissa and Taylor from the other night was still ringing in her ears and she'd made sure to lock her deadbolt and leave a few lamps on inside her home. She didn't like being paranoid, but they had got to her a little. She was a sort of public figure and it wouldn't hurt to be more careful, in general.
"Hey, Shaw. Great weather, huh?"
Her neighbor across the street, James Hornsby. A nice guy, a bit of a loner. He was about her age, maybe a few years older, and very friendly, always waving and chatting when she was outside.
He did keep to himself, though. She'd never seen him have many visitors. He traveled quite a bit though, so she assumed that's when he did the bulk of his socializing. Today he was dressed in blue sweatpants and a long-sleeved t-shirt. He must be out for a run.
"Hi, James. It is a lovely day, although a bit chilly. I didn't realize you were back from your trip."
"Yesterday. I hiked part of the Appalachian Trail with a few friends. You should definitely do that."
Shaw couldn't think of anything she wanted to do less. She wasn't someone who wanted to carry a heavy backpack and then camp outside. She liked indoor plumbing and a firm mattress.
"I'll keep that in mind. It sounds like you had a good time."
"I did, but glad to get home." His gaze took in her attire and the keys in her hand. "Are you heading out?"
"I'm meeting someone for coffee."
He hesitated, opened his mouth to say something, and then snapped it shut abruptly.
"Then I won’t keep you. Have a good afternoon. Stop by anytime if you like. I can show you pictures of my trip."
She wasn’t ever going to do that.
"Thanks, I do really need to get on the road."
She didn't want to be late for her coffee date with Melissa's brother Luke. She had a pet peeve about punctuality even if she wasn't at all sure this entire situation was a good idea. She'd almost talked herself out of meeting him about a dozen times in the last two days.
Now the time had come. She was going to meet him and let the chips fall where they may. Would it be a dream date or a bust?
It was only a coffee date. No big deal. No huge commitment.
At least that was what Luke was telling himself as he walked down the sidewalk toward the coffee shop where he was meeting Melissa's friend Shaw Parker. His sister had convinced him - somehow - that doing this was a good idea. He was still skeptical. He was so focused on his career at the moment that he wasn't sure this was a good time to get involved with a woman. Melissa had told him that Shaw felt exactly the same, so he was doubly confused as to why they were meeting but his sibling simply wasn't going to give up until he said yes.
So he'd given in. Now here he was on the first blind date he'd been on in years. Wasn't that sort of pathetic? It wasn't that he couldn't find a good woman, it was that he didn't have time.
Or was it? Frankly, he'd been looking for a good woman for a long time and he hadn't found her. Not even close. He'd had a few decent relationships here and there that had lasted awhile, but he couldn't honestly say that he'd met anyone that he'd thought about settling down with. If he couldn't find a compatible female though, what chance did his sister have?
This is probably going to be bad.
To make matters even more humiliating, Melissa had told him that this woman had specified coffee or lunch. No dinner. No movie. Shit, he wasn't even worth a full evening. It did, however, make it easier to bug out if things became truly and terribly awkward. Normally, he'd use his work as a reason to end the date early, and his buddy Ryan was standing by ready to check in about forty -five minutes into the date. If it was going bad, Luke would make his apologies, pick up the check, and get out of there.
Entering the coffee shop, he paused near the doorway, his gaze scanning the room. There she was, at a booth near the back. Unlike most people, she wasn't hunched over her phone, tapping away at a text. Instead, she was reading a book. Nice. He had a pet peeve about humans being so obsessed with their phones. Hell, half the time they'd walk right into traffic without even looking up. Someone was going to get hurt or killed.
The shop smelled delicious, a mix of coffee, cinnamon, and chocolate. He'd become a regular patron of this place since it opened about a year ago. The service was fast and friendly, and the pastries were all homemade.
"Shaw Parker?"
Her head came up and she blinked at him a few times as if she'd been lost in her book. But she quickly set it aside, sliding a bright red bookmark in it to mark her spot for later.
"I'm Shaw. You're Luke Brewster?"
He was sure that she'd seen a photo of himself just as he had of her, but pictures could be deceiving. Luke liked to think that he looked better in person than in some ill-lit selfie on his sister's cell phone.
"I am." He slid in the booth across from her. "It's nice to meet you, Shaw. I hope I'm not late."
