“Right, sir,” the beach stalker said. He took Connor’s arm and led him to the van.

Mark straightened up, smiled as he held the car door while I got in, then walked around to the driver’s side. As soon as he sat in his seat, he stared at my mouth, hanging open so far, I was sure bugs were burrowing into my gums.

“What’s the matter?” he asked.

“What was that? Who were they?” I pointed toward the black van. “That one guy was the one following me yesterday at the beach and another guy was the man at the bank who I was sure was a bank robber.” I leaned in closer. “What’s going on and I want a real answer.”

“All in due time.” He leaned over and kissed my cheek. “You’re adorable, by the way.”

My hand flew to the hot spot on my cheek where he kissed me. “I don’t like that answer and kisses aren’t going to do it, buddy. Who are they and who are you? You are friends with a chaser. You lied to me!”

“No, I’m Mark Dallas, games programmer for Madcap.” He sighed. “We went over this yesterday and last night. Don’t you remember?”

“I remember that part, silly. That’s not what I’m referring to. All I remember after our little innocent field trip was arriving at the restaurant last night and seeing the roses on the table. Then you handed me a glass of wine and that was it. I’m talking about—”

He just laughed, then leaned in for a kiss, which was very hot. He was hot, and intrigued me. I knew I should’ve gotten out of the car and walked out of the relationship that I was barely involved in, but I didn’t. I couldn’t. I was suddenly very attracted to him, and, at the same time, wanted to hit him for it. What game was he playing, and what type of person had bodyguards? But most of all, why were they following me?

“Who’s Larry?” I asked, moving from his lips.