Page 15 of Something Like Sugar (Pine Forest Something #2)

SHANA

PRESENT DAY

M emories flood me, until all I can see, hear or think, is Dustin.

Dustin kissing me.

Dustin fighting for me.

Dustin watching me.

My stomach drops like a freefall, because I knew it. Dustin Campbell is my watcher.

I race to the bathroom and slam the stall door behind me. The lock slides into place with an audible click, and finally, I can think straight. But the more I contemplate this new scenario, I come to terms with only one possible explanation.

Dustin and my secret creeper have always been the same person. Now and then.

It explains the flowers.

He knows where I live and could see me cry from his shop. It explains Dad recognizing him.

And it certainly explains how he was in the right place at the right time to crash my date. To the actual ground.

My heart soars further than I’m proud of.

I was having a panic attack back there with Lawrence, and Dustin saved me.

Because he was watching.

…is he always…watching?

It shouldn’t make me want him more. Why would he push me away as himself, but draw me in as the watcher?

Dustin and Watcher.

I want them.

Even if they are the same person. I want each of them separately and both of them together, and I know that makes zero sense, but that’s how screwed up I am.

My body hums with electricity, nipples tight against the dress as I slide the lock and emerge from the stall, making my exit and my plan.

Dustin won’t let himself have me.

Will the watcher?

I slip out the back before anyone can follow. I assume so at least. If he’s a decent stalker, he already knows where I’m headed.

I have a plan.

All it took was one date on Flinger to know what’s not for me.

I’ve been using this app all wrong. It’s time I started watching.

“Lem, it’s me. I need your help.”