I couldn’t believe my eyes. The scoundrel half of the FBI was searching for, Chad Blackstone, stood right in front of me. He didn’t appear like someone who would wreak havoc on an airport, but I’d learned to take a deeper look early on in my career.
I watched as Jenna pulled away from his embrace and turned to me.
“Chad, this is my neighbor, Jackson Caldwell. Jackson, this is Chad Blackstone. We went to high school together.”
I extended my hand. “Pleased to meet you.”
He took my hand. I was not surprised to find it was perhaps the weakest handshake I’d received. “And you.”
“So, Chad, are you back in town for the reunion? The last time I heard from you was when you accepted the job in Houston. That must have been at least two years ago.”
“It’s been closer to three years, actually. I just got back into town today. I’ve been transferred up this way so I’ll be based out of south Arlington.”
Jenna frowned. “What are you doing in Frisco? Arlington is fifty or sixty miles from here. I hope they didn’t stick you in corporate housing all the way up here.”
I thought I saw a flash of anger pass through his grey eyes. Jenna didn’t seem to notice, so I remained silent. The last thing I wanted to do was draw attention to myself, or alarm Jenna in any way.
“I heard the Dallas Stars had a new practice arena up here. I’ve always liked hockey, so I thought I would come check it out. I can’t believe I ran into you on my first day back. I had every intention of looking you up once I got settled, but this is even better.”
Somehow, I didn’t believe that this was an accidental encounter. I had no reason to believe otherwise since he couldn’t have known she would be up here with me today, but I had a strong feeling in my gut that there was something seriously not right with this guy. After he shook my hand, he hadn’t even glanced at me. His eyes remained fixed on Jenna as though he was taking in her every detail. If I had not been positive this man was a danger before, I would believe he was a potential stalker, if nothing else.
“Well, let me give you my number so you can call me once you get settled. Maybe we can have lunch one day this week.”
“I might just have to take you up on that. It was really great to see you again, Jenna. Nice meeting you, Jackson.” With that, he turned and skulked off into the crowd.
Jenna turned to me after he left. “Sorry about that.”
“What do you have to be sorry about?”
She made a face and said, “He was a little rude to you.”
“I’m sure he was just excited to see you again. I don’t mind.”
“Even still…” Jenna stopped short and let out a deep breath. “Okay don’t turn around, but I apologize for whatever is about to happen in advance.” Turning slightly away from me she said, “Hi ‘Laine.”
I watched as a woman in her mid- to late thirties walked up and quickly embraced Jenna. It never occurred to me that I would meet so many people in Jenna’s life during one simple shopping trip. It was immediately apparent to me that this woman must be a relative. Although she was a few inches taller than Jenna, she had the same delicate frame and deep brown hair.
The woman turned to me and gave me a quick once-over. With a slight smile playing at her lips she asked, “Who’s your friend, Jen?”
I couldn’t help the amusement I felt at the slightest shade of pink that was creeping over Jenna’s face. She wouldn’t be embarrassed if I wasn’t getting to her. It had been a long time since I’d done the dating scene, but it would seem I still knew what I was doing. Nice to know.
“This is my new neighbor, Jackson Caldwell. Some of his things were broken in the move and I was trying to help him get everything replaced.” She turned to me and said, “Jackson, this is my sister, Elaine Whitman.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Jackson. Any friend of Jen’s is a friend of mine,” she purred as I shook her hand.
She didn’t give me a chance to respond before turning back to Jenna and saying, “Oh, I am so glad that I ran into you here. There’s been a slight change of plans about tomorrow night. Several of Lana’s friends have caught some sort of cold, so we’re doing her birthday party next weekend. Tomorrow will just be family…and friends,” she said, eying me. “You’ll be able to come, won’t you Jackson?”
I was knocked off balance and said the first thing that came to mind. “Of course.”
“Great! Come with Jen.” She must have sensed the daggers Jenna’s eyes were shooting at her, so she rushed on. “Gotta run. See you both tomorrow. Love you, Jen.”
And she was gone.
“Please don’t feel obligated to go tomorrow. ‘Laine has a way of making people feel like they have to bend to her will.”
“I don’t mind going, unless you would rather I not.”
“No, I don’t mind,” she said quickly. “It’s just that I don’t want to put you through that.”
“Through what?”
“You will be grilled as though you’re the new boyfriend,” Jenna said as though it were a fact.
I gave her a sly smile. “Maybe it will be good practice.”
“Practice for what?” I could tell she was intrigued.
“For when I am your boyfriend,” I said with a wink.
© 2009, Sydney Katt. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use of content will result in dragon attacks.
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