Page 26 of Lock

It’s a date!

Although it’s probably not the best idea I’ve ever had. After a full bottle of wine, it won’t take much for me to confess my biggest secret to my best friend.

A part of me begs to tell her, but “oh, by the way, a random man has been sneaking into my house and fucking me on Halloween for the past four years” isn’t really the type of thing to drop into a conversation.

Plus, what if he stops? Would he call it off if everyone knew? Is he married?

My smile starts to slip, my stomach twisting.

Why can’t I know who he is?

“Shelby!”

I spin, tripping over the step. Staggering, I reach out to steady myself on the wall.

Large, warm hands envelop my waist.

Straightening, I come face-to-face with my neighbor.

“Thanks,” I breathe.

“What had you so preoccupied?” Leo asks.

Rolling my eyes, I lift the hand holding my cell. “Just making a date.”

Something dark flashes over his face.

“With Sam,” I rush to add.

“Oh good.” He nods.

Our awkward silence is interrupted when a small body wedges between ours. Wrapping her little arms around my legs, Riley grins up at me. “Hi, Shelby.”

“Hi, muffin.” I chuckle.

Scrunching my face, I check the time. “Shouldn’t you be in school?”

“We’re running late,” Doc says sheepishly.

“Daddy was late,” Riley snitches.

“I had a late night.” Her dad shrugs.

“We’d best get going. Is Samantha staying the night?”

Wiggling Riley’s braid, I smirk. “With how much I plan on drinking, probably.”

Doc tilts his head, his look disapproving. “Drink water before bed, not apple juice.”

Something in his tone makes me nod.

“I mean it,” he doubles down.

“Okay,” I whisper. I shouldn’t like him being so bossy.

I can’t believe he remembers that I drink juice before bed.

“Daddy, I’m telling Miss Lucy that it’s your fault we’re late.”