Chloe headed down the hall. Shelby was watching her approach. She’d pinned her curly dark hair up and a few pretty tendrils had sprung free, framing her face.
“Are you knocked up?” Shelby asked. “Because you are absolutely glowing.”
“Not pregnant, just happily engaged.”
“Some of the residents asked me to find out about your wedding date so they can throw you a bridal shower.”
“Really? That’s so nice. I’ll let you know when we figure it out.” She and Justin had started talking about their wedding date last night. Neither one wanted to wait too long, but between work, acclimating to life with two furbabies, and making the sculpture for the suicide-awareness rally, the rest of their summer was going to be busy. The rally was in September, and Chloe knew that was going to be a difficult time for Justin. The last thing he needed was more pressure, so she suggested they put off talking about a wedding date until after the holidays.
Shelby lowered her voice and said, “Maybe you can introduce me to one of Justin’s single brothers. That big guy who was here for the tour was a mighty sexy beast.”
“That’s his cousin Tank. He’s a really good guy, although he doesn’t talk much.”
“I don’t mind a man of few words, if you know what I mean. Speaking of men of few words, Alan is back from his meetings. He was looking for you. He’s in a finance meeting now, but he should be out any minute. I’ll let him know you’re in your office.”
“Thanks, Shelby.”
Chloe went into her office and answered a few emails. Then she began knocking off items from her to-do list. She was knee-deep in reviewing a state regulatory update when Alan walked into her office.
“Hi, Alan. I’m glad you’re back,” she said as he closed the door.
“Are you?” he asked in a low voice as he walked toward her desk.
“Yes.” She dug through her papers for the puppetry folder. “I know we have a few weeks before the puppetry trial begins, but I want to get my ducks in a row to present the program to the families, and…” She looked up to find him standing beside her, a cold stare locked on her engagement ring. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end.
“If this is your way of getting my attention,” he said in a cold, even voice, “you’ve got it.”
“I don’t understand. What do you—”
Those icy eyes hit hers, setting off all her internal alarms. Before she could make a move, he put his hands on the arms of her chair, his legs on either side of hers, caging her in. Panic flared in her chest. Images of being trapped against her mother’s counter and on the couch flew into her head. Breathe, breathe, breathe. Disbelief hung in the recesses of her mind, but it was no competition for the fear engulfing her.
She pushed at his chest and said, “Get back, Alan. Now.”
“We both know that’s not what you want. You said you’d been waiting forever, and I got the message loud and clear, Chloe. There’s no more waiting.”
His sinister voice sent ice through her veins. Time and space blurred together, and survival mode kicked in. Chloe jammed her knee up and threw her shoulder into his chest. Her knee missed his groin, but he stumbled, and she got to her feet, choking out an indiscernible noise. He slapped a hand over her mouth and slammed her back against the wall, crushing his body to hers. The metallic taste of blood filled her mouth. His nostrils flared as he ground against her body. She could barely breathe, for his hand pressed against her nostrils as she struggled to break free. She tried to scream, but it was muffled behind his hand.
He’d morphed into someone unrecognizable. His evil eyes drilled into her as he tugged up on her skirt. “You little witch, spreading your legs for that dirtbag to get me jealous.”
His sharp, cruel voice cut through her fear and he gripped her inner thigh. Bile rose in her throat. Her mind sped through dozens of self-defense moves, finally catching on one. All at once, she stomped her high heel on his foot, grabbed a fistful of his hair, and bit his hand, using all her might to push forward—and free. He lunged, snagging the back of her blouse and yanking her backward, but not before she grabbed the stapler from