Lost Innocence

by Jannine Gallant

  “For a while, at least. Once I get a new restaurant up and running smoothly, I usually hire a full-time manager to operate it. But this isn’t a done deal by any means. Just a scouting mission.”

  “Interesting.” Paige scowled. “Why am I just now hearing about your plans?”

  Quentin patted her hand. “Don’t get your feathers ruffled. The rumor only crossed my desk a couple of days ago, and I made checking it out a top priority. I’d like the opportunity to spend more time in Siren Cove, and the Poseidon Grill could be a terrific business venture.”

  “At least we can all be confident you’d turn the restaurant into a success.” Leah smiled at him. “Keep us posted on any news.”

  “Oh, I definitely will.”

  The conversation became more general, and as their food arrived, Teague realized he was thoroughly enjoying himself. Nina’s friends were smart and entertaining, and despite the fact they’d all known each other forever, they made him feel like he belonged. When Nina reached beneath the table to squeeze his hand, his heart swelled. It had been a while since he was part of a group. After Jayne’s death, spending time with their mutual friends had been painful, and hanging out with other singles felt awkward. He squeezed back, grateful to her for including him.

  Quentin glanced around the table as they finished their meals. “So, now that we’ve eaten this less-than-inspired cuisine, what do you want to do this evening?”

  “Ryan and I are heading home. Since school is finally out for the summer, we plan to spend a few days at his house in Sisters,” Leah answered. “Sorry to be so boring.”

  Ryan reached for his wallet as their waiter dropped off the check and cleared their plates. “We want to leave early in the morning so I can get in some rock climbing tomorrow.”

  “Sounds fun.” Nina released Teague’s hand to pick up her purse off the floor and glanced over at her friend. “Just make sure you’re here for your bachelorette party next week.”

  “Don’t worry. The party takes priority over dangling from cliffs, but we needed a break before the wedding.”

  “As long as it isn’t a literal break. No falling off those rocks.” Paige pushed back her chair. “I’m going to go use the ladies’ room.”

  “I’ll join you just as soon as we settle up.”

  When Nina opened her purse, Teague laid a hand on her arm and spoke quietly but firmly. “I’ve got this.”

  She didn’t argue. “Thank you.” Her smile turned to a frown as she glanced down. “Oh, my God!”

  Leah paused halfway out of her chair. “What’s wrong?”

  “My purse is a huge mess. What the heck?”

  Her friend held up an oversized bag. “Mine’s always a train wreck. I thought you were the organized one of the group.”

  “I am.” Nina’s hand shook a little as she tucked a short strand of hair behind her ear. “My purse was perfectly neat the last time I opened it.”

  Teague frowned. “Then how did it get messed up?”

  “I don’t know.” She turned to meet his gaze. Her eyes were wide with uncertainty and a hint of anger. “Unless someone, somehow, went through my things. For the third damn time!”

  Chapter Thirteen

  The opportunity to search Nina’s purse had presented itself like a gift from the gods. Not that she’d had a lot of time at her disposal, and fear of getting caught red-handed had made her sweat. She’d dumped out everything in the bag, then searched each zippered compartment in addition to the wallet. The lottery ticket was nowhere to be found, and she’d had no time to be neat in returning the contents to the purse. Not that she cared a whole hell of a lot at this point.

  Her scouting mission to the fireman’s home had been slightly more productive. She’d discovered if she lay flat on the back stoop and stretched her arm up through the doggie door, she could just reach the dead bolt. Too bad the fur ball had started barking like a lunatic, discouraging any temptation to go inside.

  Frustration sizzled along her nerve endings. When Lynette threw the book she’d been looking at down on the coffee table, her anger erupted.

  “If you can’t treat your belongings with more respect, I’ll take them away until you can.” Her voice slashed through the quiet room.

  “These are baby books. If I could have new ones, I’d be more careful.”

  Tension sparked between them, and her head pounded. “They’re perfectly suitable for a girl your age. I took great care in choosing each one.”

  “They’re old and falling apart.”

  She clenched and unclenched her fists at her sides. “If you took better care of them—”

  Lynette scurried to the other side of the couch. “I will. I promise.”

  Some of her rage faded away, and she smiled. “That’s a good girl. It’s getting late. Go brush your teeth and get ready for bed. I’ll come tuck you in in a few minutes.”

  Without a word, Lynette nodded and left the room.

  After stacking the picture books neatly on the table, she rubbed her temples and considered her options. Her special numbers taunted her, dancing through her mind. She wasn’t ready to give up on them yet, not by a long shot. Maybe Nina had taken the ticket out of her purse and put it somewhere in the house for safekeeping. The woman hadn’t cashed in her windfall yet, of that she was certain. In a town the size of Siren Cove, news would have spread.

  Breaking into the artist’s home with the new security system in place would be impossible without setting off the alarm, which meant she’d need to search for her missing ticket while Nina was at home. A risky proposition that might end in someone’s luck running out. A tight smile curved her lips. It wouldn’t be hers.

  * * *

  Nina lay in bed next to Teague, but sleep was as far away as the moon visible through his bedroom window. A glance at the digital clock on the nightstand told her it was well past midnight, and all she wanted was to close her eyes and drift into oblivion. But she couldn’t turn off her brain. When she rolled from her side to her back, his arm tightened around her.

  “Are you still worried about your purse?” His voice rumbled close to her ear.

  “Yes. I’m sorry I woke you.”

  “I’m not.” His hand slid down to rest on her hip. “Why waste time sleeping when we could be doing other things?”

  “Aren’t you tired from the last two times you tried to make me forget about my stalker?”

  He slumped back against the pillows without letting go of her. “I’m afraid you’re right. I’m completely drained. Doesn’t mean we can’t cuddle.”

  She pressed her face to his warm chest and grinned at his choice of words. “I like that idea, but you need your sleep. You have to drive to Portland tomorrow to pick up Keely.”

  “I can function just fine without a lot of rest. Tell me what you’re thinking.”

  “My purse was in my car this afternoon while I ran back into the dress shop. I didn’t notice anyone lingering on the street, but if I have a stalker, I assume he wouldn’t have wanted to be seen.”

  “True.” He brushed a strand of hair off her cheek. “Nothing was missing from your bag? You’re certain?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “And that’s the only time your purse was out of your sight all day?”

  “I went for a run on the beach after we tried on our dresses. I’m almost one hundred percent certain I locked my car, but I was thinking about introducing you to my friends when I came back, and I opened the door by rote. I can’t recall if I unlocked it or not, but I think I did.”

  “Which means there’s a slim chance your purse was accessible while you ran.”

  Nina nodded, her cheek sliding against his skin. She drew in a breath, enjoying the scent of him. “I’m just not sure.”

  “Either way, someone pawed through your stuff again but didn’t take anything.”

  “Yes.” She shuddered. “It’s beyond creepy.”

  “I agree, and I don’t like that this freak is keeping such a close w
atch on you. If he’s hiding out in our neighborhood. . .”

  She raised her head to glance up at him. “What?”

  “Keely plays in the yard. She likes to come visit you and doesn’t always ask permission first. I moved here so I wouldn’t have to worry every time she walks out the door.”

  “The cops are still driving down our street on a regular basis. I saw a patrol car shortly before we left for dinner.”

  “I know that, and I appreciate their efforts. But . . .”

  Nina’s stomach knotted. “I certainly understand your concern, but it’s not like I asked to have a stalker.”

  “I’m not blaming you, for Christ’s sake.” He held her a little tighter.

  “Kind of sounded like you were.”

  His chest rose and fell. “No, but having Keely home will add another dimension to my worry.”

  “I don’t know what to say.”

  “I don’t expect you to say anything. I just want both you and my daughter to be safe.”

  Guilt weighed on her like a lead shroud. After what Teague had gone through with his wife, she appreciated his fear of collateral damage. “So far, this guy’s been passive-aggressive. I’m not too worried he’ll physically harm me. The man seems more like the type to be a Peeping Tom than an abuser.”

  “You’re probably right, but what if he escalates? Have the cops made any progress on your broken window case?”

  “If they have, no one’s told me, so I assume the answer is no.”

  He rested his chin on her head. “The whole situation sucks.”

  She didn’t answer. Wishing wouldn’t make the problem go away, and she certainly didn’t have any useful insights. Except . . .

  “Maybe I should keep my distance.”

  He jerked back against the pillows. “What?”

  “If I stay away from you and Keely, hopefully I won’t draw this freak into her vicinity.”

  “You live next door. That’s hardly a solution.”

  Irritation simmered as she pulled away from him. “So you want me to steer clear of Keely, but you don’t want to give up . . . cuddling, is that it?”

  He was silent for a long moment before he moved to his side of the bed and curled an arm beneath his head. “Wow, you really don’t have a great opinion of me, do you?”

  Tears smarted in her eyes and slid down her cheeks. “I’m sorry.” She tried to clear the thickness from her voice. “I’m upset and worried, and I don’t know how to fix the problem. I’ve been known to use sarcasm as a weapon, and you don’t deserve that.”

  When Teague rolled over and touched her damp face, she jerked back.

  “Hey, I didn’t mean to make you cry. I’m sorry, too.”

  His soft tone soothed some of her raw nerves. “I can stay with Paige. She has a futon bed in her office, and I’m sure she wouldn’t mind a houseguest.”

  “For how long?”

  “I don’t know. Until my stalker gets bored and goes away? I can stop showering, wear baggy sweatpants, and eat candy until my face breaks out. Maybe that would disgust him, and he’ll quit sooner.”

  “Or just wear longer shorts.” His voice was colored with a hint of amusement. “That might do the trick.”

  A grim smile curved her lips. “I don’t own any, but I can buy some.”

  He slid closer and pulled her into his arms. “Look, I don’t expect you to move out of your home. I’ll just make it clear to Keely she’s not allowed to wander over to your house by herself until this situation is resolved. I can keep a tighter rein on my daughter, but I’m still concerned about your safety.”

  She rested her cheek on his bicep. “There’s a reason I got that expensive alarm system. I’m not stupid or careless. I won’t take any chances.”

  “You run alone on the beach all the time.”

  “You’re right. I guess I should find a running buddy. I don’t like the idea of curtailing my freedom, but I’m less excited about confronting some psycho who has a creepy infatuation with me.”

  “Carry pepper spray.”

  “I already do.”

  He stroked the hair off her cheek. “Are we good now? I feel a little sick when we’re arguing. I care about you, Nina, and the last thing I want is to make you feel worse.”

  “We’re fine. I expect you to say what you’re thinking without pulling any punches. I’m just sorry I jabbed back.”

  “Don’t be. I’m glad you aren’t afraid to defend yourself.” He shifted slightly to surround her with his warmth. “Let’s give this discussion a rest and get some sleep. Okay?”

  She nodded, thankful for Teague. Grateful for his willingness to forgive and sort out misunderstandings instead of letting arguments escalate. Still, she couldn’t help thinking he was almost too good to be true.

  Nina slept late and woke to an empty bed. Blinking in the stream of sunlight pouring through the open blinds, she yawned and glanced at the clock. “Good grief. It’s after eight.”

  “Hey, you’re finally awake.” Teague stood in the bedroom doorway dressed in jeans and a T-shirt. He smiled as he crossed the room to the side of the bed.

  Tugging the sheet up over her breasts, she scooted back against the pillows. “I would hope so. I’m usually up by six. Why didn’t you wake me?”

  “You were sleeping pretty soundly, so I figured you needed the rest.” Sitting on the edge of the mattress, he bent down to kiss her. “I have to head out. I don’t want to be late to the airport.”

  “Of course not. I know you’re dying to see Keely.”

  “These last nine days would have been unbearable if not for you.” The gray of his eyes darkened to pewter. “You look incredibly tempting, all warm and inviting.”

  She responded with a teasing smile. “I guess you should have woken me up earlier, then.”

  “My mistake.” Cupping her face in his hands, he kissed her slowly and thoroughly.

  When he finally let go, she was breathless and flushed. “Next time, definitely wake me.”

  He drew a finger across the tops of her breasts. “I’ll make a note.” With a sigh, he rose to his feet. “You don’t have to rush off. Just make sure Coco doesn’t sneak out, and lock up when you leave.”

  “I will. Drive safely.”

  “I always do. See you later.”

  After he left the room, Nina slumped back down into the nest of covers that smelled like Teague and closed her eyes. Moments later, toenails clicked against the hardwood floor before something light landed on the bed. She cracked an eyelid when stinky breath fanned her face.

  “I hate to break the news to you, but you’re no substitute for your dad.”

  Coco let out a shrill yap.

  “Yeah, yeah, I’m getting up.”

  An hour later she’d showered, dressed, taken the dog for a quick walk around the neighborhood, checked the back gate to make sure it was firmly latched, and left a forlorn Coco to fend for herself. After she unlocked her front door and punched in the alarm code, she made herself a berry smoothie and then called Chris Long’s direct line at the police station.

  “Officer Long here. May I help you?”

  “Hi, Chris. It’s Nina Hutton.”

  “Hey, Nina. What can I do for you? I’m afraid we’ve had no luck identifying the person who broke into your house, if that’s why you’re calling.”

  “Yes, but I also wanted to let you know someone searched my purse yesterday while it was in my unlocked car. Before you say anything, I know. Careless and stupid. Anyway, my stalker—or whatever you want to call him—is apparently still watching me.”

  “Was anything stolen?”

  “No. Even the cash was still in my wallet. But my bag was a jumbled mess, and that’s not how I keep it.”

  He was silent for a moment. “I don’t doubt you know how you left your purse, and I’m definitely concerned. The perp’s actions are beginning to feel more like those of someone looking for a particular item than of a man obsessed with a woman.”

  S
he set down her glass and dropped onto a bar stool at the counter. “You think? Is that better or worse for me?”

  “I guess it would depend on how desperate this person is to get whatever he’s after. Any idea what that might be?”

  “Not a clue. The most valuable belongings I own are my paintings, and he didn’t take any of those when he searched my house. If he expected to find this thing in my purse, it must be small.”

  “I don’t suppose you recently found a piece of jewelry or a wad of cash or a bag of cocaine when you were out for a run or strolling through town?”

  “I’m afraid not.”

  “Then our original assumption is probably correct. This is just some repressed jerk who gets off on touching your stuff. I’ll see if I can get the okay to increase patrols in your neighborhood. In the meantime, don’t leave your home or car unlocked, and be vigilant when you’re out in public. Avoid areas where someone might find you alone.”

  “I’ll be careful. Thanks, Chris.”

  “I wish I could be more help. Call me if anything else unusual happens.”

  “Oh, I will. I’m not feeling terribly brave at the moment.”

  “That’s good. Caution will keep you safe. Bye, Nina.”

  “Bye.” She set down her cell. “Well, this sucks. Right back to square one.” Levering off the stool, she headed to the front door to make sure it was locked, then went upstairs to her studio. She had half a dozen frames to build, and they weren’t going to construct themselves.

  It was after two before she clamped the last glued frame together and came downstairs to find something to eat. When an engine rumbled outside, she dropped the ham on rye on a napkin and sprinted to the window. Not Teague back from the airport. Just the mailman. She had it bad, acting like a besotted teenage girl in love for the first time.

  “Pull it together, Nina,” she muttered. After unlocking the door, she went out to collect her mail and stood for a moment to sort through the envelopes. “Bills, junk mail, and more bills.” She shuffled through the envelopes. “Exciting.”

  What she needed was a little exercise to clear her head. Her flip-flops slapped sharply along the walkway as she headed toward the house. Of course that meant finding someone to go running with her. Anger simmered, and she gave the door a shove. Talk about inconvenient. What she really wanted was to confront her stalker—preferably with a baseball bat—and end the whole damn drama once and for all.