Trusting the Enemy

Twenty-Nine

Taylor stared at her vanity mirror as she pulled the brush through her damp hair. Changed into a dry, warm nightshirt, her body had finally stopped quivering but her heart wouldn't thaw as fast. She couldn't stop thinking about her daughter and how Meggie could have been in the vehicle with them. It was by pure luck she and Cory weren't hurt in the accident. It could have been worse.

Her stomach rolled and she clutched her middle. Why would Zack do this? What reasons did he have for wanting to hurt her or Meggie? Could Cory have been right when he suggested he wanted more money from her father? Could he have become bitter because she never loved him that way? None of this made sense, and until Zack was caught, she'd never know his reasoning.

It hurt more than she could possibly imagine, thinking Zack could be her stalker. He'd always been the one she turned to whenever she needed a shoulder to cry on. He'd been there to talk to her and share secrets. He'd teased her like a big brother would have. She thought he loved her like a sister...

She sighed and rubbed her forehead. Why Zack? Why her big, loveable Teddy bear? Didn't he realize he'd put Meggie in danger, too?

She'd already called Uncle Stephen just to hear Meggie. Her little girl's sweet voice eased Taylor's frazzled nerves, if only slightly. She didn't dare tell her uncle what had happened. No reason for him to worry. Yet.

In the reflection of the mirror, a white color from the doorway pulled her attention in that direction. Leaning against the frame with a sheet wrapped around his middle stood Cory, more handsome than she'd ever seen him. He looked like the hero she'd always imagined... the loving man who would sweep her in his arms and take care of her and her daughter for the rest of their lives.

"Hey," he said.

She turned around and faced him with a smile. "Hey, yourself."

He stepped away from the wall and held his hands away from his body. "What do you think? Do I look like I'm going to a toga party?"

She laughed. "Very close."

When he stepped near, her heartbeat hammered faster. She gazed over his bare chest, sprinkled lightly with hair, but all muscle. And his six-pack. She sighed. He looked better now than he did four years ago. His body still held a few scratches and bruises, but they were mostly healed.

"I noticed your frown a minute ago." He stood beside her and stroked her cheek. "Were you thinking about Meggie?"

"Yes. I called Uncle Stephen and they arrived at his place safe and sound."

"Good." He caressed a lock of her hair, still a little damp from her hot shower. "How are you holding up?"

"I'll survive."

"Yes you will. I'll make sure of it." He winked.

"But I can't go on much longer like this. If the stalker really is Zack, we have to stop him. I want my life back to normal."

He walked behind her on the chair and massaged her stiff shoulders. Closing her eyes, she let her head lag forward. His magical fingers were like Heaven to her exhausted muscles. Yet, a different kind of burning started in her body. With his subtle touch, passion awakened inside her like a blossoming flower.

A few minutes passed with no words between them. The more his fingers delved into her muscles, the faster her heart skipped. Could he hear it knocking against her ribs? Did he detect how quick her breaths were now, knowing it was all because of him?

"Taylor?" His voice came out deep and sensual.

"Yes."

"I want to know..."