Free Dare to Kiss (The Maxwell Series Book 1) by S.B. Alexander Page B

couldn’t tell if it was Kade or not. The picture I’d taken didn’t show his license plate. Regardless, I put some energy in my step and practically ran into Darla’s Boutique.
    “Something wrong, miss?” the sales clerk asked.
    “No,” I said, and I swallowed.
    “Can I help you with something, then?” She wore a tight red dress, tons of old-fashioned jewelry, and she smelled like a nursing home.
    “I’m sorry, I was looking for the deli. I must have gone too far.”
    “No, you didn’t. Just one more block down,” she said, pointing to her right.
    “Oh. Thank you.” I didn’t move. I had to wait a few minutes to be sure the coast was clear.
    “It looks like you’re running from something. Can I help?” Her thick mascara lashes stood out over her smooth, pale skin. Her soft tone made me relax a tiny bit.
    “Uh…no. I was just trying to dodge a friend.”
    “Why don’t you look around? Give the friend some time to realize you’re not here.”
    She had a point, but I needed to get to my appointment. I checked my phone. Crap. I had two minutes to run down to Dr. Davis’ office. He charged by the hour whether I was there or not. If I didn’t show, Dad was going to have my hide. “Thanks. I do need to go though.” I’d been in here a few minutes. The truck had to be gone by now.
    She shrugged as I turned for the door.
    Once outside I turned left, and my heart sputtered. The black truck was parked on the street, to my right. I could almost touch it. My pulse started to sprint. Freaking hell . The five hearts painted on the passenger door above the handle— oh, it was Kade . I dropped my head and sped past the vehicle. I was just about to cross the side street when someone grabbed my arm. I spun around. I was ready to swing my purse when the guy let go.
    “Hey, chill, lady,” the blond-haired dude said, holding up his hands.
    “Buddy, if you value your life, I would back off.” I was shaking inside. Alarms were blaring in my head.
    He lowered his hands. “I’m just here to give you a message.” His voice was deep.
    I glanced past him. The black truck was still parked at the corner. “What’s the message?” I asked.
    Flicking his finger behind him, he said, “Kade wants to talk to you.”
    Quirking an eyebrow, I snorted. “What are you? His bodyguard?”
    “I don’t want any trouble.”
    “If you didn’t want any trouble, then you shouldn’t have grabbed me the way you did. Now, tell Kade to eff off.” I had to go. Dad was going to kill me if I didn’t make this appointment. I was about to cross the street when he laughed.
    “He said you would tell me that.”
    I wasn’t angry anymore. I was downright infuriated. I clenched my hands into fists. Who the hell did he think he was to send a message through this guy ? It wasn’t even a message. If he wanted to talk to me he should’ve just gotten out of his truck and said something. Then again, maybe he was afraid of me after this morning in the janitor’s closet. I discarded that thought. He’d seemed to be enjoying himself. “Oh, and I didn’t catch your name,” I said.
    “Hunt.”
    “So, Hunt. Do you go to our school?” This was the guy Becca had mentioned.
    “Nah. I graduated last year.”
    I suspected as much. I’d only been at the school a week, but I would remember seeing this dude. He had a large scar over his left eyebrow that he tried to hide with his wavy blond bangs. Plus he was built like a bear. I’d bet he played football.
    “I’ll tell Kade what you said.” He turned to leave.
    “One more thing,” I called. “Tell him when it comes to me, hunting season is closed.”
    Hunt grinned. I ran down one block, around Dr. Davis’ office, and to my car. I was too worked up to meet Dr. Davis for the first time, and I wasn’t sure if Kade was watching. I didn’t want to take that chance.
    By the time I pulled out of the lot, Kade’s truck was gone. Waiting for the light to change, I spotted a gun shop down the