Page 29 of A Perfect Target

It felt like connection. It felt like warmth and brightness. Finally, it felt like family. Then there were the times she’d inadvertently catch Seth’s gaze filled with the flames of desire as he gazed at her. It was a flame that lit a smoldering fire deep inside her.

We’re both rational adults, she thought. What would be the worst thing that could happen if she and Seth actually followed through on the obvious physical attraction they shared? And why was she even considering such a thing?

Her feelings toward Seth were so confusing, and with those perplexing thoughts whirling around in her head, she decided it was time for her to go home.

“I’m glad you had a happy birthday, Sammy,” she said as she got up from the sofa.

The little boy looked up at her with a winsome gaze. “Do you really got to go now?” he asked her.

“It’s past time for me to get home. It’s already dark outside,” she replied.

“What else do you say to Mrs. Michaels?” Seth asked his son.

“Thank you for the books,” Sammy said. “I can’t wait to read them.”

“You’re welcome, Sammy.” She walked to the front door, acutely aware of Seth by her side.

“I’ll walk you to your car,” he said. “Sammy, I’ll be right back in.”

Together she and Seth walked out into the chill night air. “Ooh, the weather has definitely changed,” she said. “I wish I would have thought to throw my coat into the car.”

“Does this rental have a good heater?” he asked as they reached the driver door. “I’ll be glad to loan you one of my jackets,” he added.

“Thanks, but that isn’t necessary. The car heater is quite good, and in any case, it won’t take me that long to get home.”

He smiled at her. “Thank you for your cleanup help and company today.”

“I really enjoyed the day, especially seeing Sammy finally get his dog.”

Seth laughed, as always the deep, pleasant sound wrapping around her and digging into her heart. “Yeah, I finally broke down. As you know, Sammy has been doing much better in school. His outbursts are coming less and less frequently, and I know he’s really trying hard.”

“I agree and I think your dog choice is perfect,” she replied.

“Thanks, I gave it a lot of thought before settling on that particular breed. Now get in the car before you freeze.”

“I’m going, I’m going,” she replied with a laugh. She slid in, but before she could close the door he leaned in, bringing his attractive scent with him.

“Say you’ll have dinner with me at the café on Friday night,” he said.

“I’ll have dinner at the café with you on Friday night,” she said.

“Great, then I’ll call you sometime during the week to confirm the plans. Now get home safe and sound.” He closed her car door and stepped back.

Once again confusing thoughts about Seth whirled around in her head. There was no question that she enjoyed spending time with both him and his son. Was it only loneliness that made him so appealing to her?

No, it wasn’t that. It couldn’t be. If it was just a case of loneliness then she would have gone out with Boone or Ray when they had asked. There was just something special about Seth, something that drew her in, and she looked forward to having dinner with him on Friday night.

She felt guilty in desiring another man when she’d believed memories of Davy would sustain her for the rest of her life. The one thing she wouldn’t do was remarry. Davy would forever be her husband, and she would never take another. But surely that didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy another man’s company.

As she came to the dark stretch of road where her accident had occurred, all her muscles tensed up, and she kept looking in her rearview mirror for anyone coming up behind her.

It was going to take a very long time for her to be completely relaxed when she drove this dark, narrow part of the road. Finally, she reached home. She pulled up in her driveway with a tired sigh.

It had been a long, albeit wonderful day. But now she was exhausted and ready to get inside and relax a little bit before bedtime.

She parked her car and then got out. A figure dressed all in black and wearing a ski mask came out of the shadows of the night and rushed toward her.

It took Suzanna a moment to realize what was going on. The person reached her, and it was then Suzanna saw the flash of the large knife the person held.