Page 57 of Perfect Together

So many people had come back for seconds or to inquire whether she’d be carrying the various items she’d prepared once she opened the store.

But this man didn’t answer, merely studied her intently.

In the wake of his long silence, she grew increasingly uncomfortable. She didn’t like being alone in the alleyway with a stranger who’d stopped her but was less than chatty.

“I enjoyed the cream puffs,” he said at last.

“Well, I’ll definitely be making those a staple in our new place. I hope you’ll come try them again. If you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to get back to the booth.”

She’d stepped around him when he spoke again. “You’re Nicole Farnsworth, yes? You used to be engaged to Tyler Stanton.” He didn’t ask.

Heknew.

Every warning instinct Nicole had told her to flee, but he held her there with that hard stare.

“You should get back together with your fiancé,” he told her. “If you’re smart and don’t want—”

“Nicole!”

Sam’s voice interrupted the man, and she gratefully turned toward the sound.

“I’ve been looking everywhere for you!” He came toward her from the direction of the parking lot, reaching her with quick, deliberate strides.

Her heart was racing so fast her chest hurt. She glanced back to see that the stranger had disappeared.

Relieved beyond words, she threw herself into Sam’s arms.

As he enfolded her in his strong embrace, she realized she was trembling.

“Who was that guy you were talking to?” Sam asked.

She swallowed hard. “I don’t know. He approached me in the alley. At first I thought it was about the bakery, but he knew who I was. He knew about Tyler.”

Sam’s hold on her tightened. “Call your ex. Tell him to meet us at your place now.”

Nicole pushed out of his arms. “No! I can’t do that. I have to work the booth. Besides, why—” Her voice trailed off as she looked into the eyes of one very pissed-off man.

“That guy who cornered you? He’s a Russian art dealer,” Sam informed her.

“Oh my God.” Nicole’s knees went weak, and Sam bolstered her with an arm around her waist.

“You and Stanton have pussyfooted around each other long enough. And whatever you two are hiding? I want that information too, or I can’t keep you safe.”

Nicole’s breath caught in her throat. “You know? Tyler knows?” She couldn’t begin to process how or why or even when either man had found out.

“I don’t know nearly enough,” Sam muttered. “But I’m going to find out. Now grab your phone and call him.”

Normally Nicole would balk at taking orders, but her old life was closing in on her and at that moment, she accepted that she didn’t have a choice.

As per Sam’s instructions, Nicole called Aunt Lulu and explained she had a family emergency and wouldn’t be able to make it back to the booth. She was riddled with guilt over not being able to help for the rest of the afternoon or with the cleanup, but Aunt Lulu claimed that was what family was for, and she’d have plenty of hands to pitch in. She wished Nicole well, and Nicole promised to keep in touch.

***

Nicole drummed herfingers on her thigh. Sam stewed the entire ride back to her place, and she didn’t offer anything in the way of conversation. Until she knew how this whole situation happened—how Sam came to be involved, and what exactly Tyler knew about... everything, Nicole wasn’t talking. She still had her own family’s knowledge or lack thereof to worry about too. Not to mention what she’d do now that the Russians were definitely involved. She grew dizzy just trying to figure out all the angles and implications.

They finally arrived at her house, and Tyler pulled up in his Porsche a short time later.

Sam’s scowl deepened. “Could he be any more conspicuous?” he muttered.