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“You look absolutely beautiful tonight,” Terrance said.

“Thank you.”

Chelsey had to keep herself from laughing. Of course he hadn’t said anything, he’d been too caught up in talking about himself to probably even notice. But that was okay, the date was almost over, and if she was honest, she’d had worse.

“I like you in short dresses and high heels,” Terrance continued.

The floral print sundress, with spaghetti crisscross straps in the back, molded over her size six figure perfectly. She’d worn the outfit to give herself that extra bit of confidence. After the day she’d had, she needed something to make her feel good inside while showcasing her assets. This dress, combined with the deep-red high-heeled sandals, had done that.

She walked a short distance in front of Terrance and sensed his gaze on her backside. A glance over her shoulder confirmed he was still checking her out, and she slowed to let him catch up.

“And those long, shapely legs…” he said, shaking his head in appreciation.

He didn’t finish the sentence, but he was such a guy and was probably imagining them wrapped around his waist. Something that would never happen. She was positive they weren’t going out again.

Chelsey didn’t hold the legs comment against him. It wasn’t the first time someone admired her legs. Running track in middle school, high school, and then getting a full scholarship to run track in college, had a lot to do with that. With the success of her track experience, she had dreams of working her way up to Olympic status. Unfortunately, after back-to-back injuries to her hamstring, as well as several calf strains, she let the dreamfall away. Despite that disappointment, she still made it a point to jog every day, determined to stay in shape.

As they made their way to the parking structure next door, Terrance linked his fingers with hers. Though she was a hand-holder, it was weird holding his hand. Out of all the men she had ever dated, Parker had been the only touchy-feely one. Public displays of affection were his thing, except around their family and friends. Both, for their individual reasons, agreed that they’d wanted to wait to go public with their relationship. Now that they were done, that decision had been a good one.

Twenty minutes later, Terrance pulled up to the townhome she was renting and parked in front of the one-car garage.

Chelsea glanced at the porch, realizing she hadn't turned on the outside light. Good thing a nearby streetlamp and the single bulb over the garage emitted enough light to see the stairs but not much else.

Now came the awkward part of the evening—trying to get away without having to kiss him goodnight. That was something else he wasn’t that good at—kissing.

Terrance climbed out of the car and hurried around, opened her door and helped her out. One thing she couldn’t complain about—he was always a perfect gentleman.

“Thank you,” she said and headed up the walkway with Terrance close by her side.

The darkness had her taking her time up the stairs to keep from falling. When they made it to her front door, Chelsey stuck her key into the lock but didn’t push open the door.

“Terrance, thanks for a lovely evening,” she said, trying to sound chipper as she turned to face him. “The restaurant and food were great.”

“What? You’re not going to invite me in?” he asked, closing the distance between them. “I was thinking that maybe we could have a nightcap, and then see where that leads.”

Chelsey placed her hand on his chest to stop him from getting any closer. “Not tonight. It’s been a long week, but thanks for dinner.”

He flashed her a smile and slid his hand to her waist, drawing her closer. She didn’t protest, figuring she’d give him a quick kiss good night before sending him on his way.

“I enjoy spending time with you,” he said, and lowered his head and moved in to kiss her.

But a noise and sudden movement to her right made Chelsey freeze. Then she gasped when the muzzle of a 9mm gun came into view and pressed against Terrance’s temple.

Heart practically pounding out of her chest, she didn’t move, but she tried to weigh her options. Could she disarm the person without Terrence getting shot?

“Put your mouth on any part of her body, and it will be the last thing you do.” The growly voice was low and lethal.

Chelsey’s initial panic was quickly replaced with anger when she realized it was Parker. How the hell had he snuck up on them without her seeing him? Then again, with the light out, there was a blind spot in the corner where he could’ve been positioned without being spotted.

Her gaze darted to Terrance, and she cringed at the fear she saw in his huge eyes. His hands were slightly raised in surrender.

“Dammit! Put the gun away,” she spat, and glared toward where Parker stood, though he was still partially hidden in the shadow. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

Her pulse pounded loudly in her ear as she forced her heart rate to drop down to normal. This man had clearly lost his mind. What pissed her off even more was that he didn’t lower his weapon.

“Pa…” she started to say his name but stopped herself. Though Terrance had a right to know who held a gun on him,he wouldn’t get that information from her. “Would you please lower your weapon?” she said.

Instead of doing what she asked, Parker said, “How well do you know Mr. Terrance Burton?”