CHAPTER TEN

 

Selene was only vaguely aware of her surroundings as she passed the other houses on the block and pulled into the driveway next to Quinn’s Lexus. She was still rattled by the unexpected encounter with Michel, and had checked the rearview mirror every few minutes to see if he had followed her. Apparently he hadn’t, giving Selene hope that Michel had gotten the message once and for all just as she thought he had a year ago when their divorce was finalized.

Before she went in, Selene peeked over her shoulder at the tree-lined street just to be sure Michel wasn’t lurking.

Upon entering the house, she got a whiff of the dinner Quinn was making. Her stomach began to churn. When she got to the kitchen, she expected to find her husband cooking. But he was not there. Selene saw the food simmering on the stove and put the bag on the counter.

When strong arms suddenly wrapped around her waist from behind, Selene let out an involuntary scream.

“Whoa, baby—it’s just me,” Quinn said, turning her around to face him.

Selene colored as she met his eyes. “Sorry,” she uttered meekly.

A look of concern flashed across his face. “So what was that all about?”

I can’t tell him my ex might be stalking me. But how can I not tell him?

Even if the experience fell short of stalking by definition, the intimidation was still there. Michel had frightened her. She didn’t even want to think about what might have happened if Julian hadn’t shown up.

“It’s been a tough day on the job,” she told him, thinking about Ashley Leighton and her abusive husband. “I guess between that and being hungry, I’m a just little jumpy.”

Quinn’s features relaxed. “Well you’re home now and safe with me. And I can definitely do something about your hunger.” He looked in the bag and pulled out the items he needed to complete his meal. “Ah, just what the chef ordered!”

Selene smiled, happy to be of assistance. Her stomach would thank her shortly.

The phone rang and Selene nearly jumped again, fearing that it was Michel. She managed to hold her ground without Quinn being the wiser.

“I’ll get that—” he said.

“No, let me,” she said hastily. “You finish making dinner.”

Quinn didn’t argue even if he sensed there was more bothering her than she’d let on. He could see it in her face. He figured she would tell him when she was ready.

Selene picked up the cordless phone in the living room. Her heart skipped a beat at the thought of it being Michel calling to further harass her. What would she say to him? Would Quinn overhear?

Holding her breath, Selene answered it. “Hello—”

“Hey, girlfriend. What are you up to?”

Selene smiled and let out her breath when she heard Elisa’s voice.

“We’re just about to enjoy one of Quinn’s fabulous dinners,” she said cheerfully. “What’s going on with you?”

“Not much. Just sitting here watching a boring video. And Marvin’s shaving his big old head.” Elisa groaned. “Some life, huh?”

“Hey, lots of people would love to have your life,” she said.

Selene thought about Michel being back in town. Maybe it was time for her to put her demons to rest once and for all.