Page 4 of Lock

My eyes roam his body. Red polo shirt with a thick black belt running through the loops of white dress pants.

Oh!

A smile splits my face.

“Don’t you dare laugh.” He points.

I hold up my hands. “Never. It’s cute.” I smile. “Where’s Riley?” I ask about his daughter.

“Bathroom.” He nods back to his house. Doc’s eyes roam over me again. “How are you?” he asks.

“Good.” I smile.

“You’re staying at Kaleb’s again?” he questions, his voice light, but the accusation is loud and clear.

“No, it was just for Halloween.” I shrug. “With the break-ins and everything, I didn’t want to be here alone.”

I watch his cheek twitch at the mention of the holiday.

“You should have stayed with us,” he reprimands.

I shift from foot to foot. “I know,” I whisper, remembering his previous offer. “I just . . .” I shrug, again. “Sam didn’t want to be alone, and I didn’t want to be alone. Made sense.”

Strong fingers pinch my chin, forcing my gaze to meet his through his black-rimmed glasses. “Next time, you stay with us.”

My tongue feels swollen and dry. Unable to talk, I nod.

“At least Kaleb took care of the problem. They ruined Halloween.” His face darkens.

I frown at his grumbled words.Took care of.As if Kaleb didn’t kill two intruders. He’s right about one thing, though. They did ruin Halloween.

Did they?I cringe at the thought. Without the break-ins, I would have been home, but I wouldn’t have been alone, at least not all night.

I haven’t been alone for the past three Halloweens.

One night, once a year, hidden in the darkness of night and sleep, he visits me. Uses me.

Nameless, faceless, he leaves me with no memory of the night before and only his essence between my legs as proof he was ever in my room.

Feeling my cheeks heat, I step back from Leonard.

“At least you get a redo,” I point out, gesturing to his costume.

Doc looks at me, confused. “What do you mean?”

“Tonight is this year’s Halloween. The kids are trick-or-treating, and the parties are happening later, so it might as well be.”

“Tonight is Halloween,” he mumbles before his face splits into a smile. “I like it.” He nods.

“Shelby!”

We both turn to see a very excited Riley running out of the house. My grin matches her father’s.

The little yellow body slams into my legs, fuzzy arms wrapping around my thighs in a tight hug.

“Hi, muffin,” I greet. Pulling away, I crouch to return her hug. “You are the cutest Pikachu ever!”

I feel her stiffen at my words. The little girl pulls away, wearing a solemn expression.