Anonymous Page 3

  Vikki beams. “That’s because I used extra strawberries in the batter.”

  I grab another one off the counter and pop it into my mouth. “Let’s put some in the case to sell, but I want to take a couple home.”

  Vikki laughs. “I figured that. I’ll bag yours up and put the rest out. They’re going to sell fast today.”

  Our busiest times of the day are around lunch, when people want that sweet fix after they eat, and in the afternoon, when people get off work. We always have loads of treats in our display cases, ranging from flavored truffles, brownies, cookies, cupcakes, cakes by the slice, and Rice Krispy treats. Our main money makers are the cupcakes and custom cakes.

  Vikki is at the front of the shop, helping the last of the lunch rush, so I go to the back to heat up our food. We have a bell at the door, so that if anyone comes in we’ll hear it, but I hate it when customers come in and there’s no one to greet them. That’s why I always like to stay up front if I can.

  Once the lasagna is heated, I load up two plates and Vikki joins me. Our break room is decently sized with a small kitchen and refrigerator that’s separate from our bakery. It’s a place my nieces can do their homework and hang out when the bakery is slow.

  The lasagna is as amazing as always, and I eat it slowly to savor it. “Do you mind if I take the rest home?” I ask.

  Vikki shakes her head. “Not at all. I made it for you.”

  I finish the last few bites and sit back in my chair. “Thanks. With Jake gone for a couple of days, I can eat this and not have to worry about cooking for myself. Plus, now, I have an excuse to give his boss.”

  “He still calls you when Jake goes out of town?”

  “Yep.”

  “Doesn’t Jake find that strange?”

  I shrug. “I don’t know. He could totally just be genuinely concerned about my well-being when Jake’s gone. He’s never said anything sexual to me.”

  “Thank God,” Vikki laughs. “He might not want to either. I wouldn’t want to go up against your hubby. He’s a trained fighter.”

  “Randy wouldn’t stand a chance.” And just like that, my phone rings and his name pops up.

  Vikki looks down at it and clears her throat. “Speak of the devil.”

  She takes our plates to the sink and watches me as I answer the phone. I put it on speakerphone, so she can hear. “Hi, Randy.”

  “Elizabeth, how are you?”

  I roll my eyes. “Fine. Just took a quick lunch break. How are you?”

  “Good, as a matter of fact. I’m calling to see if you need anything while Jake’s gone. There’s an amazing new restaurant in Asheville that just opened. I keep telling your husband he needs to take you there. A few of us are going there tonight. You’re more than welcome to join us.”

  “Thanks for the invite, Randy, but I can’t tonight. I have a whole pan of lasagna I don’t want to waste.”

  A sigh echoes through the phone. “All right then. If you change your mind, you know how to reach me. I’m always around.”

  “Thanks, Randy. Have a good night.”

  “You do the same.”

  I hang up quickly and look at Vikki. Shrugging, I say, “What do you think?”

  Vikki stares down at my phone, her lips pursed in thought. “That almost seemed nice.”

  “Yeah, you know what, you’re right. The guy has honestly never been anything but nice to me. I think I’m projecting onto him. He’s just trying to include me in company outings.”

  It’s closing time and Vikki and I are busy cleaning, so we can get home. My phone beeps with an incoming text and I look down at it and growl. “You can’t be serious.” Staring back at me isn’t a text from Jake, but from Anonymous. Even though I deleted and blocked the number ninety days ago, I still recognize it.

  Vikki moves closer, her eyes wide. “What’s going on?”

  I show her the text.

  (xxx) xxx-6489: 31773?

  Brows furrowed, she sits back. “What does that mean?” I turn my phone upside down, so she can see that the number spells out my name. Her eyes widen. “Wow, that’s cool you can type your name with numbers.”

  “But not so cool when I don’t know who the person is,” I counter. “About three months ago, I got texts from this exact same person. Whoever it is likes to play games. I’m sick of it and I want them to leave me alone.” Taking a deep breath, I type out a reply.

  Me: WHO IS THIS?

  (xxx) xxx-6489: Why all the yelling?

  I roll my eyes. This is just ridiculous.

  Me: I like using all caps.

  (xxx) xxx-6489: Don’t stop on my account. So, what have you been up to? Been a while since we talked.

  Me: Yeah, it’s because I blocked the number.

  (xxx) xxx-6489: Why?

  Me: BECAUSE I DON’T KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!!!!!!!

  “What is he saying?” Vikki asks. I show her the texts and her eyes widen. “So, you haven’t talked to him since you blocked the number?”

  I think back to when I blocked it and if my calculations are correct, the ninety days was up yesterday. “No, but he has perfect timing. My ninety days ran up yesterday. I might need to run to the cell store and see if they can block it permanently.”

  My phone beeps again and a sharp pain settles in my gut. I just want whoever it is to leave me alone.

  (xxx) xxx-6489: That hurts. You’ve always been friendly toward me.

  Me: Obviously not friendly enough, if you can’t tell me who you are. It’s weird and it makes me uncomfortable. You need to leave me the hell alone. Don’t text, call, or try to contact me in any way. I’m happily married, and I want it to stay that way. GOODBYE!

  Heart racing, I log into my cell phone account and before I can block the number, another text comes through.

  (xxx) xxx-6489: Sorry 31773 but that’s not going to happen.

  The blood in my veins runs cold. Hands shaking, I block his number and my phone drops onto the table. Vikki picks it up and reads the final text, her face growing pale.

  “I don’t think this person’s going away. Do you think it’s one of your ex boyfriends?”

  Thinking back to all the guys I’d dated over the years, there’s no telling who it could be. I’d dated a lot, several of which ended up having mental issues. There was even one guy who threatened to kill himself if I didn’t stay with him. Needless to say, I got as far away from him as I could.

  “It could be anyone, Vik,” I whisper uneasily. “I haven’t exactly dated the most stable of guys through the years.” Although, there is a handful of men who come to mind. Then again, there’s no telling.

  “Maybe you could see if Owen can help you track this person down?”

  It’s an option, but not one I want to take right now. Owen Kensley is an undercover cop for the North Carolina State Police, and happens to be good friends with me and Jake. He would help me in an instant, but I don’t want him involved, especially since Jake doesn’t know. Owen has enough to deal with for his job.

  “That’ll be my last resort. I’m hoping that last text is just a bluff.”

  Vikki sighs. “What if it’s not?”

  The bell on the door rings and I stand. “I’ll just have to deal with it then.” Right now, I have my business to think about, along with the joy of starting a family with Jake. I can’t let anything ruin that.

  Four

  Ellie

  Jake hadn’t been kidding when he’d said he was going to have to go out to Arizona a lot. It’s been ten weeks, and I’ve probably only seen him a handful of times. Although, those times he’s been home have been the best. We’ve made love countless times, but still no baby.

  At least, I don’t think there is.

  Either way, tonight, I decide I’m not going to let it get me down. I’m going to go to a Halloween party and have fun without alcohol, which has never been a problem for me in the past. I can have fun without it. Jake and Owen’s friends, however, aren’t like that.

  “Ellie, y
ou about ready?” Jake hollers from downstairs.

  I look at myself in the mirror and sigh. The black velvety dress hits at mid-thigh and shows off a little cleavage, but not too much. It’s sexy, but not on the slutty side. However, I did opt for the fishnet stockings and black high heels. This is probably the last Halloween I’ll have with a pre-baby body. I slip on my bunny ears and walk down the stairs. Jake is by the front door, dressed like a Spartan warrior with only a red cape, lace-up sandals, and a brown kilt.

  When he sees me, his smile broadens. “Damn, cupcake. You look so hot.”

  Slowly, I saunter down the rest of the stairs, loving the way he’s looking at me. “I could say the same for you.”

  As soon as I’m within reach, he pulls me to him and kisses me hard. “You up for another round tonight?”

  I wink. “I’m always ready.”

  I can feel his cock pressing against my side. “Good. We’ll make an appearance, say our hellos, and then we can come home. How does that sound?”

  “Sounds perfect. Let’s go.” He hands me my small, black purse so I can use it to hold my phone at the party, and then follows me out the door.

  “Who’s all going to be at Owen’s?” I ask.

  Jake shrugs. “Probably the usual. Except this year, it’s going to be outside since the weather’s nice.”

  Every year, Owen has a kickass Halloween party. He invites all his friends from the police department, along with some of our old college friends. Owen and I had met at the local community college and became quick friends, before I transferred to a culinary school and he went to UNC Charlotte to get his bachelor’s in Criminal Justice. It just so happens that’s where he met Jake. They’d become sparring buddies while Jake was still MMA fighting. Then one weekend, Owen took me to one of Jake’s fights and introduced us. Jake and I clicked instantly, and everything after that is history.

  Owen only lives a couple of miles away, and when we pull down his street, I can already see tons of people in his front yard. With everyone dressed up, it looks like a haunted house. We park down the road, and once Jake’s friends see him, the spotlight goes directly to him. There’s something about Jake that draws people in. He has a presence that people love to be around. I admire and adore how friendly he is, but it also draws the attention of other women, which is something I hate. But I know Jake would never do anything to hurt me, so I usually try to go with the flow.

  Jake puts his arm around me and we walk inside Owen’s house. Music blares from the speakers in the living room, but only a couple of people are sitting here and there. I guess everyone else is outside. Owen is in the kitchen taking shots with a couple of his police buddies. He’s dressed like a Greek god with his toga, dark blonde hair, tanned skin, and gray eyes. His girlfriend, Kimberly, is beside him, dressed like Athena, the goddess of love.

  “Hey, you two,” Owen says, bypassing Jake with a playful nudge so he can hug me. He steps back and looks down at my costume. “Looking hot, playboy bunny. Your hubby needs to keep an eye on you tonight.”

  I roll my eyes and laugh. Kimberly rushes over and hugs me hard. “You look gorgeous.”

  “So do you. Your hair is so beautiful.” It’s blonde and pulled up high in a ball of curls with wisps hanging down around her face. Out of all of Owen’s girlfriends, Kimberly is my favorite, even though she is a little self-absorbed.

  Owen sneaks off and brings us both a shot of whiskey. “Bottoms up, you two.” Jake takes both and downs them quickly, earning a curious stare from Owen. “You okay?” he asks.

  Brows furrowed, I look up at Jake. “You haven’t told him yet?”

  He shakes his head. “I was waiting for you to be with me. I thought we could tell him together.”

  Owen’s gaze flicks back and forth between us. “What am I missing?” His gray eyes lock on mine and widen. “Are you pregnant?”

  My hand instinctively goes to my stomach. “Not yet, but I hope to be soon.”

  Jake pats his shoulder. “We’re working on it, man. I think it’s time Ellie and I start a family.”

  Kimberly squeals and flings her arms around my shoulder. “Oh my goodness, that’s so exciting. Congratulations, you two.”

  “I have to get pregnant first,” I say, laughing.

  She waves me off. “It’ll happen. Have you seen your husband? There’s no way he won’t be able to produce a baby.”

  Jake winks at me. “Exactly what she said.”

  Owen claps Jake on the shoulder and pushes him over toward the kitchen table. “Go down some more shots, man. We’re about three ahead of you.”

  Jake smiles at me and I nod for him to go. I don’t mind if he drinks and has a good time with his friends. The last time he got sloppy drunk was when we were dating. Now that we’re married and older, he’s calmed down a lot.

  Two of Kimberly’s friends walk in to steal her away, leaving me with Owen. He leans against the wall.

  I mirror his stance against the other wall. “How’s all the undercover stuff going? Jake and I barely see you these days.”

  He shrugs. “It’s fine.”

  “Just fine?” I laugh. “You’re one of the best undercover agents around. You’re a hot commodity.”

  The haunted look in his gray eyes makes my heart hurt. “It’s a hard job, Ells. I’ve seen and done things I’ll never be able to tell you about.”

  “Hey,” I rub my hand on his arm, “I’m always here for you if you need to talk.” I love Kimberly to death, but she doesn’t exactly have a compassionate bone in her body. At her age, she’s still all about herself.

  Owen sighs. “I’ll keep that in mind.” He crosses his arms and smirks. “So, a baby, huh?”

  “Yep. We’ve been trying for a couple of months. With him being out of town a lot, he’s gone during the prime times. It probably won’t happen for a while.”

  He smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “That’s great news.”

  I know him well enough to know there’s something bothering him. “What’s up? Are you scared it’ll cut into your bro time with Jake?”

  He looks around the room and then back to me. “Of course not. It’s just—now that Kimberly knows, she’s going to push me hard to start a family.” His eyes get wide, and I instantly understand the pressure.

  Kimberly opens the back door and waves at me. “Ellie, come on!”

  Owen motions toward the door and winks. “Go. I need another shot, or twelve.” He joins the guys, and when I look at the back door, Kimberly’s already disappeared.

  Walking outside, there are people everywhere; the crowd consists mostly of Owen’s friends from the police department, along with their wives and girlfriends. It’s dark, with only a line of tiki torches casting a glow on everyone. It looks magical and ominous at the same time. Maybe it’s because there are a few zombies and bloody killers with chainsaws.

  I spot Kimberly across the yard, standing with her two friends. I make my way over and accidentally bump into someone. Being the clumsy person I am, I stumble over my feet and almost fall, but the man steadies me.

  “I am so sorry,” I gasp. “I guess I didn’t see you.”

  His fingers trail down my skin as he lets me go. I can’t see his face because it’s hidden underneath a green hood—the same costume Arrow wears. Spine-tingling chills run through my body and I step back. He doesn’t say a word, just steps past me into the crowd. I rush over to Kimberly, my rapid breaths the result of a fear I hadn’t felt since that day I went running, the day it felt like someone was watching me.

  Kimberly touches my shoulder. “Ellie, you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

  I peer out at the crowd of people, not finding the man in the green hood, but I can feel his eyes on me. “Have you seen a guy dressed like Arrow?” I ask, desperately searching her face and the other two women. Their names are Brianna and Lisa and they work as nurses with Kimberly at the hospital.

  Kimberly shakes her head, but Brianna nods and points toward my favori
te Japanese Maple tree in Owen’s yard. “There was a guy standing over there by himself. I think he was dressed like the guy from Arrow. I remember thinking it was odd he was just standing there, not even on a phone or anything.”

  It’s all so strange and I can’t shake the feeling in my gut.

  Kimberly steps in front of me, her concerned gaze on mine. “Ellie, what’s going on? You’re not acting right.”

  The only person who knows everyone here is Owen. I squeeze her arm and nod. “I’m fine. I just need to find Owen really fast.”

  I take off through the crowd, hoping like hell I don’t run into the same guy. Once inside, I breathe a sigh of relief. Am I being paranoid? It could seriously be one of Owen’s police buddies that’s shy and didn’t know what to say when we ran into each other. However, repeating that in my head doesn’t make the feelings in my gut disappear.

  Jake and Owen are still in the kitchen, with Jake and whatever story he’s telling being the center of attention. I grab a twenty-dollar bill out of my purse and walk in. All heads turn my way.

  “Hey, guys, sorry to interrupt.” I turn my attention to Owen and hold up the cash. “Can you help me find someone? I bumped into him outside and I think he dropped this.”

  Owen nods and Jake winks at me before continuing his conversation. I walk out onto the back porch and scan the crowd.

  “What’d he look like?” Owen asks.

  “He was wearing an Arrow costume. Do you know who that is?”

  His gaze narrows, and he shakes his head. “I don’t remember seeing anyone wear that.” He steps down off the porch. “I’ll look around and see if I can find him.”

  “Thanks.”

  I lose sight of him as he disappears into the fray, so I decide to go back inside. Jake holds out his arm and I slide into his side, loving how safe I feel when he’s around. I want to tell him how uneasy I feel about the guy in the Arrow costume, but it’ll only cause problems if it turns out to be nothing.