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Tulip:Why not? The world is full of dangerous creeps. Trust no one.

Bullseye:Then why r you on a dating app?

Tulip:Weeding out the creeps.

I didn’t know why I said that, but if he were truly a creep, that statement would have made him more cautious.I had to protect my Kaylee.

Tulip:How did you find out about this app?

Bullseye:A friend told me about it. You?

Tulip:Same.

Bullseye:The app says we could be friends.

Tulip:But you could be a sixty-year-old, lonely creep trying to lure young girls.

I had no idea why that thought kept flashing in my head.

Bullseye:Could say the same about you too. Are you a serial killer?

Tulip:With a dental drill as my weapon. (scared face emoji)

Bullseye: Evil. So evil.

I didn’t realize talking to a stranger about random things would relieve the stress I’d been carrying.I’d never chatted with an online stranger this much. But if he were a creep, I had to ensure he wouldn’t get near Kaylee.

Two hours later, I yawned and texted.

Tulip:Gotta go. Past my bedtime.

Bullseye:Okay. Good night, Dental Drill.

I grinned at the ridiculous nickname.The device was actually called a dental handpiece. I logged out of the app, unsure when I’d be back on.

As I closed my eyes, Arrow’s face splashed across my mind. What would it be like to date someone that intense? Someone who demanded attention without saying anything. Someone who seemed to follow a strict chart, not missing a single step? I’d probably be bored to death.

Then my mind wandered to Bullseye. What did he look like? For all I knew, he could be a grumpy old man who showered once a week, had an STD, and only came online to defraud people.

I’d never gone to bed with two men occupying my mind. For now, the distraction gave me the reprieve my mind desperately needed.

CHAPTEREIGHT

VIVIAN

My last appointmentfor the day had called to reschedule. My back and neck had been bothering me, and it was because I hadn’t been working out. The stress had taken its toll on my body.

I left work early and went to Martial Arts Studio for a good workout. Even though the studio had increased its space, it had maintained the boutique-style atmosphere with cream-colored walls, daylight bulbs, and pretty potted plants everywhere. You could tell it was owned and managed by women. The three T’s: Tina, Tammy, and Tabitha. All were close friends. They reminded me of my girls.

When I’d first signed up, there were only a handful of male members. Now, the number of men and women was about equal.

“Hi, Tina.” I waved to the adorable front desk receptionist. She looked like a brunette version of Reese Witherspoon.

“Hey there!”She rounded the counter and gave me a welcoming hug. “Haven’t seen you in a while. How are you? The students were asking about you the other day.”

“I’ve been busy. Can’t keep up. I heard you hired a few other instructors.”

“We did. But they missyou. No one teaches the tiger and snake formations like you.”