Chapter 4

CHAPTER FOUR

GEMMA

I would have asked you out. Two weeks later his words are still in my head. Dario seemed serious, but what if he wasn't? He'd gone off with another woman that night. I accepted his apology. The note has taken over the space in my mind. Luckily, there hasn't been another. I'm on pins waiting though. Dario has been sweet and brought me coffee daily into the office. We would briefly chat before he'd give me a beautiful smile and leave.

My thoughts did go to his type of woman. I'm certainly not his type. I've seen skinny girls with hardly any clothes on. They are practically on their knees for Dario Nelson of the Boston Bay Vikings minor league team. Just like Naomi that night.

It makes me wonder why he even looks at me. I'm better off alone, with a book in my hand. I wouldn't call myself shy, but certain people make me uncomfortable.

Accepting the position with the Vikings is a big deal for me, so I'm going to abide by the terms of my contract and deny Dario my desire. I'm sure he regrets talking to me that day in my apartment—the things he said.

Sighing, I return to the present and stare at the cucumbers in the produce section. What is wrong with me that I can't look at an innocent vegetable without thinking of him?

Flushed, I immediately select a cucumber and place it in my cart. I move on to more salad greens.

"Gemma, I didn't know you shopped here," Wayne says as he turns the corner in front of me.

I freeze. "This is my local store." Why did I tell him that? "What are you doing here?"

"I live nearby."

Wayne and I dated in high school, but he became possessive. I could not go anywhere without him showing up. And if I dared to talk to another man, he would not let it go unless I promised never to do it again. That was the end of us.

I haven't paid much attention until now, but I hope he hasn't tracked me down on purpose. This isn't the first time he's shown up somewhere I've been in the last month. Maybe it's time I start keeping track.

"When are you going home?" he asks.

I frown. "I'm not sure what you mean. I live in Boston." While I wait for him to answer, I grab some cereal and then some coffee capsules.

"I'm sure your father would enjoy a visit from

you," he continues, his eyes darting around.

Fear cuts through me. "If you'll excuse me, I have work to do." He and I both push forward.

I don't know how to get away from this man. My heart is pounding in my chest as I think about it. I notice Juniper with her husband, Lake, and another team member, Rhodes.

Without thinking too hard, I run over to them, almost colliding with Lake's cart.

"Hi," I blurt, looking over my shoulder. He's gone. My eyes dart around.

Rhodes approaches, his eyes searching. "Was that guy bothering you?"

"I couldn't get rid of him." I wince. "I'm sorry I interrupted you." I look around again.

"Gemma, don't apologize. I'm glad we were here," Juniper says.

"I'll stay with Gemma and meet you outside." Rhodes smiles at me. "Have you got everything?"

"I do. I really appreciate you doing this." It's on the tip of my tongue to tell him there is no need. That I'm fine. I'm unsettled so I keep quiet.

"No problem. Besides, it gives me something to do and keeps me from missing Rosie."

I put my items on the counter and ask, "Is she away because of her job?"

He nods. "She's back tonight when her assignment with Dodge finishes."

"Does she like the work?" I pay for the groceries, and we move on.

"She's smart. Her IT skills completely amaze me. The same way her mind works." He grins. "I'm proud of her."

"I've met her a few times. She's quite nice. Friendly." I point to my car. "That's me."

"Ah, Gemma, that guy back there, do you know him?"

I wince. "We dated briefly in high school. Didn't go well. He scares me."

He frowns. "If he bothers you again, tell me, okay? I'll have Rosie take a look at him."

"Oh, Rhodes, I can't put this on anyone."

"Hey," he tugs on one of my locks, "you're a member of the team."

I feel tears well up in the back of my eyes as I remember his generosity. "Thank you."

He pauses. "Will you be, okay?"

I nod, force a grin, and get into my car. Rhodes watches me drive away and tears well up in my eyes.

For the first time, I really feel like a part of something.

These thoughts fade as I enter the lobby of my apartment complex. It isn't as secure as I'd like, but it's the best I can get for the price, and the view is excellent. In the mailroom, an envelope has been placed in my box. Hand delivered.

I know what you did, slut!

Fear hits me. The same person sent this as the other. Same handwriting. Same name calling. What does he refer to? I don't have skeletons in my closet.

I take the elevator up to my apartment on the fifth floor. The building is low, with only seven floors and a parking garage in the basement. I don't like parking down there, so I'm lucky to always find a spot outside. My car is an oven until the air conditioning kicks in, but I'm used to it at this point.

I smile as I enter my one-bedroom apartment. I love this place. The walls and floors are white, but the artwork, rugs, and blankets are brightly colored. I enjoy the warm welcome I always receive when I walk in. It doesn't matter if my trip is long or short. It's my place. It's my home. It's my safe haven.

Or is it?

A sinking feeling in my stomach makes me feel a little queasy.

I drop the goods on the kitchen counter and read the note again.

There is nothing in my past or recent experiences to have prompted these notes. I have never been a terrible person.

I pin the note to my fridge on top of the other, and then move to look out the patio doors. There is a small balcony with a table and an Adirondack chair. I do not look at that. I look at the ocean in the distance. I can also see the top of Viking Arena.

My eyes move slowly as I look outside the building and across the street. It makes me nervous after running into Wayne. However, I have a feeling that that was not an innocent encounter. Knowing the man, I think he planned it. I wonder if he's watching. Did he leave the note?

Until today, in the grocery store, I enjoyed the fact that no one in town knew me. I'm not treated with sympathy because I am Julian Michaels daughter.

Then Wayne had to show up and mention my sperm donor.

No wonder I feel uncomfortable.