Page 24 of Double Obsession

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Arkansas frowned at the wrapped packages. It was that damn Doug’s fault that she’d forgotten the bows.

What was this world coming to? Rude sales clerks, dodgy elderly, nosey neighbors, and skeptical doctors were everywhere. Thank goodness her grandmother wasn’t around to witness how quickly society had deteriorated.

She looked to Jesus. “Tell Grandmommy she is better off.”

Jesus hadn’t spoken since she’d glued his lips shut two days ago. And he could no longer run away since she’d lopped off his feet. He just hung there, dripping black blood.

She exhaled. How was she to get the presents to Hunter since he hadn’t sent his address? The poor man was so busy dealing with all of the perverts who ogled him that he probably didn’t have time to respond. If only she could help him. With her beautiful penmanship and attention to detail, she would do a fabulous job. Plus, she would protect him from the scandalous path he was on.

She knew all about subscription platforms. George White, her favorite newscaster, had done an expose´. This recent catastrophe was Hunter’s agent’s fault. Arkansas’s research had turned up a photo of the skinny, Botoxed women.

There was no doubt in her mind: her beautiful man was being forced to do sick photos on FollowMe. Well, she hadn’t seen the pictures since it required a credit card to sign up. But she wasn’t an idiot. She’d listened to George, and she could put two and two together and imagine the scandalous things the poor man was being forced to do. Even though credit card information was sent to terrifying individuals, maybe she should apply for the evil plastic so she could protect Hunter.

She held her index finger in the air. Problem solved. She’d simply give the bank a fake name and address. She chortled. They’d be so easy to outsmart.

A moment later, she clenched her fists. Why wasn’t Jenna Gibson responding? The woman didn’t have an excuse since she hadn’t put out a book in over a year. If the author wasn’t careful, her fans would turn and hate on her the way Lori Clement hated on Hunter.

She was tired of the disparaging remarks that Lori made about Hunter all over social media, and if she ever got ahold of his trouble-making ex, she’d cut out the trollop’s heart. However, the woman did have one redeeming quality. She always responded to Arkansas immediately. Although she’d called Arkansas anobsessed nutball,a crazy cat lady,anda delusional fooland the malicious insults boiled her blood, at least Lori didn’t ignore her.

Thank Jesus she’d dumped her meds down the drain. Not only could she move without pain, her genius ideas again bombarded her nonstop. And this was the best one ever.

She sat at the table, organized her workspace, and powered on her computer. She ran through her usual routine before heading to Lori’s Instafriend feed. The newest post made her cringe. The slutty witch wore a red dress that revealed way too much stomach and exposed non-existent boobs.

Arkansas told her as much, then asked her a question. She received an immediate reply.

Oh yeah, I know his address. And he absolutely loves when his fans show up at his door. If you visit, tell him Lori says Hi.

Arkansas hadn’t had a chance to finish her response before Lori sent Hunter’s address.

She rubbed her hands together. She could bake a puppy birthday cake and take it directly to Hunter and his furbabies.

Someone or something had left another headless mouse on her pillow earlier that morning. It might be that damn toeless Persian. Or it could be any number of her enemies. She’d stuck it in the freezer alongside the other rodents. She’d place the freshest one in the middle of the cake as a surprise for Lizzie and Buddy.“Oh, Jiberty!” Then she’d deliver everything on the birthday girl’s special day.

Hunter would surely appreciate her attention to detail. And once he discovered how loyal she was, he’d finally confess his feelings for her.

Chapter Eleven

Jenna stood in the foyer surrounded by four suitcases, a diaper bag, her computer case, and Ethan’s backpack full of weapons. Amidst the clutter, she clasped Lisa and gave her the third hug in less than five minutes.

“The kids are going to be fine,” Matt insisted.

“Please spend time with them. Don’t just dump them with your parents. They want to be with you.”

His glare singed her corneas. “Could you stop the nagging?”

Jenna would have given him the middle finger if her baby wasn’t watching.

He held out his hands, and Jenna reluctantly released Lisa into his arms. Instead of moving away, he leaned toward Jenna and sniffed. “You’re wearing that perfume I used to buy for you?”

Guilt and panic settled in her gut. Digging the perfume from the back of her bathroom closet in preparation for a meeting with a young model she barely knew was insane.

Matt’s breath blew across her cheek. “I miss your sexy smell.”

Like a reflex she couldn’t control, she breathed him in. Cedar and bergamot. Instead of backing away, she moved closer.

Matt’s voice came out as a raspy rumble. “In fact, you look sexy as hell.” His lips parted as he stared at her mouth.