Blind Spot
Page 33
“Never mind. Now that you have your drink, I’ll leave you alone.”
She caught him by the sleeve as he turned away. “You’re leaving?”
“Isn’t that what you want me to do?”
She bit her bottom lip. “I don’t know. You’re … confusing. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone like you.”
He couldn’t imagine she’d associated with many ex-cons. No doubt she’d be horrified if he were to tell her he’d done time. Chances were good she wouldn’t even be willing to talk to him.
He’d met other women like that, who thought he must be the devil incarnate, especially here in Silver Springs where so many people knew Jada’s family. Some women were drawn to the “danger” of associating with a “bad boy” like him but, sadly, those who were drawn to him were often a mess themselves.
“That’s probably a safe assumption,” he said with a grin.
She seemed further confused by his response and the fact that he not only accepted her words, he agreed with them. “So let me get this straight—what, exactly, are you offering me?”
He gestured at the table. “A seat.”
“That’s all?”
“What more do you want?”
“I don’t know. I don’t know anything right now. I feel like I’ve just been put through a meat grinder.”
He’d never experienced heartbreak on the level she seemed to be experiencing it—not the romantic kind. But pain was pain, and he was well-acquainted with that. “Well … I’m a good listener, if you need to talk.”
She kept her gaze fastened to his as she took another sip of her drink. “A man who looks as good as you do is never quite that harmless.”
He heard the barista call his name above their conversation and that of everyone else in the shop. His coffee was ready. “How long will you be in town?” he asked.
“Not long. Just a few weeks.”
“How much damage could knowing me do in such a short time?”
“I’m already a wreck. I doubt knowing you could do any more damage,” she admitted.
“Then what do you have to lose?” He held out his hand. “Can I see your phone?”
She pulled her cell out of her purse and, somewhat skeptically, let him take it, watching as he added his name and number to her contacts. “I’ll leave you alone for today. You can even have my table. But if you need a friend while you’re here, you’ve got someone to call,” he said and claimed his drink before walking out.
Christmas in Silver Springs—now available for preorder
Also by
Brenda Novak
HER DARKEST NIGHTMARE
HELLO AGAIN
FACE OFF
Praise for Hello Again
“Taking a look into the mind of a serial killer, Novak weaves a chilling tale of psychological intrigue that will have readers on the edge of their seats … The story is a fast-paced, fascinating, and wild ride. Readers will be turning the pages to see what happens next in this incredible thriller by the multi-genre superstar Novak!”
—RT Book Reviews
“A thrilling romantic suspense novel.”
—Fresh Fiction
“Exciting, terrifying, and the type of story that will keep you wondering what could possibly happen next, Hello Again is concrete proof of Brenda Novak’s wonderful writing prowess … [F]ans will undoubtedly enjoy this series and these characters immensely. Highly recommended.”
—Harlequin Junkie
“The ending of Hello Again gave me chills.”
—Unconventional Book Views
“Riveting, dark, and spine-chillingly eerie … A clever, gritty, and incredibly captivating tale that not only has all the elements you look for in a romantic suspense novel but proves Novak is still one of the best in the genre.”
—What’s Better Than Books
“I couldn’t stop reading. Novak really has a way of drawing you in and keeping you on the edge of your seat. The suspense is thrilling in this book, breathtaking even.”
—Book Binge
Praise for
Her Darkest Nightmare
“The first in the new Dr. Evelyn Talbot series proves that bestselling Novak is as equally adept at crafting dark, intense suspense novels as she is at writing emotionally compelling love stories.”
—Booklist (starred review)
“Novak is a master of suspense. She writes … so well that readers will have a hard time putting this book down. A well-written work of art by a true master of the genre.”
—RT Book Reviews (Top Pick, 4½ stars)
“Her Darkest Nightmare is as stimulating as it is gripping, and Novak has crafted an exceptional new series that will leave you wanting more.”
—Real Crime magazine
About the Author
BRENDA NOVAK and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. When she’s not spending time with her family or writing, Brenda is usually working on her annual fund-raiser for diabetes research, a cause for which she’s raised $2.6 million so far. Her novels have made the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists and won many awards, including five Rita nominations, the Book Buyer’s Best, the Book Seller’s Best, and the National Reader’s Choice Award.
Visit her website at: http://brendanovak.com, or sign up for email updates here.
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Contents
Title Page
Copyright Notice
Dedication
Epigraph
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Epilogue
Also by Brenda Novak
Praise
About the Author
Copyright
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
First published in the United States by St. Martin’s Paperbacks, an imprint of St. Martin’s Publishing Group.
BLIND SPOT
Copyright © 2019 by Brenda Novak, Inc.
Excerpt from Christmas in Silver Springs copyright © 2019 by Brenda Novak, Inc.
All rights reserved.
For information, address St. Martin’s Publishing Group, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271.
www.stmartins.com
eISBN: 9781466888036
Our e-books may be purchased in bulk for promotional, educational, or business use. Please contact the Macmillan Corporate and Premium Sales Department at 1-800-221-7945, ext. 5442, or by e-mail at MacmillanSpecialMarkets@macmillan.com.
St. Martin’s Paperbacks edition / September 2019
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