Page 47 of To Steal a Heart

His expression turned dubious. “What?”

She pointed to herself. “As you well know, I’m a lot to deal with. I have to reel myself in so that I won’t wear people out.”

A look of understanding flowed between them—so alive and visceral that it penetrated her very core. “You never have to tone yourself down for me or anyone else,” he said vehemently.

“Right back at ya. We’re two of a kind, which is how I know that you’re keeping something from me.”

She caught the flicker of shock in his liquid blue eyes, and then he worked his jaw. For one breath of a moment, he looked like he might divulge his secrets. Then, the lead curtain fell over his eyes, blocking her X-ray vision. His voice quivered with intensity. “I promise you. No matter how long it takes, I will become the man you deserve.”

She didn’t so much as blink. “You already are.” She locked eyes with him, hoping the truth of her words was getting through. “The world would chew you up and spit you out without a second thought.” She knew that from painful experience. Tears prickled her eyes as she blinked to stay them. “Despite what you think, you’re enough … just as you are.” Oh, how she wished she could read his thoughts. She felt more than saw his pain and regret. Again, she was reminded that Crew Bronson was a complicated man. Regardless of what he was dealing with, she sensed that he was a good man. Good in all the ways that counted. She offered a silent prayer, asking for help to know how to navigate this. If she pushed too hard, Crew could go the other direction. If she didn’t push hard enough, she might never discover the truth. Arden needed to know that she could trust Crew with her heart. She’d been hurt too many times to travel down a path blindly. The words that came out of her mouth surprised even her. “When you’re ready … just know that I’m here.”

He nodded. “Thank you.”

She happened to look behind him and caught sight of a waiter standing near the open bar where cocktails were being served. She gasped at the familiar face.

“What’s wrong?” Crew went on immediate alert.

“That waiter.” She pointed, her breath coming faster. “I think that’s the man who tried to steal my car.”

As Crew turned to look, the guy averted his face and quickly walked away.

“Which waiter?” Crew asked.

“Him!” Arden nearly shouted, attracting the attention of the people around them. Her feet moved into action as her pulse thrashed a fast beat against her temples. “Let’s go.” She took off after the guy, pushing her way through the people on the dance floor. Crew followed behind. When they reached the bar, Arden scoured the faces. “Where did he go?” Frustration boiled through her as she tried to make sense of what was happening.

Crew frowned. “Are you sure it was the same guy?”

Arden searched her memory. The guy had been lanky with shiny black hair that was long and floppy on top. “Yes,” she punched out and then nibbled on her lower lip.

Crew gave her a probing look.

“I’m not sure,” she admitted. “It all happened so fast. Maybe it was someone who looked like him.”

“That had to be it.”

She rubbed her forehead. “Yeah, I can’t imagine why the same guy would be here.” Her blood ran cold. “Unless he’s targeting me for some reason.” Her heart sputtered and lurched against her ribcage. “What do you think?”

“I can’t imagine why anyone would be targeting you.” He pressed his lips together. “Although you are a well-known author.”

“And a Chasing,” she added with some reluctance.

“True,” he conceded.

She bunched her brows. “Do you think the guy’s stalking me?”

He tipped his head. “Have you felt threatened in any way?”

Her answer was immediate. “Not in the slightest.” Wouldn’t she have felt it if someone had been stalking her?

He jammed a hand through his hair. “Odds are, you just saw someone who looks similar to the thief.”

“Yeah, that had to be it.” In the heat of the moment, she’d been certain that it was the same guy. And yet, thinking back, she couldn’t be sure. She thought of something else. “Why did the guy take off?”

“Maybe he went to the restroom or to get more appetizers.”

“Yeah, maybe.”

“If you’d like, we can go into the kitchen and look for the guy. Maybe ask the other waiters if they know him.”