Anonymous(3)

I finish eating my salad and put my plate in the sink. “Actually, I think I’m just going to stay home and go for a run. Maybe light a few candles and take a bubble bath afterward.”

A deep growl rumbles in his chest. “I’ll make sure to be back in time then.”

Once he’s gone, I change into a pair of shorts and a tank top and head outside. The weather is perfect for an evening run. Being in the North Carolina mountains has its perks, especially in the spring. One thing I love is that our neighborhood is tucked away on a mountain with the perfect streets to run on. It helps clear my mind when I know I have a busy schedule coming up.

Before I slide my phone in my arm band, I read the anonymous text messages again, then delete them all and block the number. This way, it’s erased from my life, like nothing ever happened. Unfortunately, my cell phone provider only blocks numbers for ninety days. I know this because I called today and checked. I’m just hoping it’s enough to get my message across if Mr. Anonymous decides to text me again.

That’s who he is to me . . . Anonymous.

A part of me feels like I should tell Jake, but then the other part thinks it’ll just cause problems. Shaking my head, I take off down the driveway, my feet pounding on the asphalt. It feels good to run, to feel my heart race. Woods are all around me and I usually hear birds chirping, but today, there’s nothing but silence.

A tingling feeling runs up my spine and I freeze. Either it’s my imagination running wild, or I’m being watched. I look around and see nothing out of the ordinary, but in today’s time, there’s no telling who could be lurking in the woods. Turning on my heel, I run back to my house and lock the door. I’m not taking any chances today.





Two





Ellie





Three Months Later





“I really hope the buttercream doesn’t melt before we get there.”

Jake chuckles and pats my thigh. “It’ll be fine. The AC is blasting, and you have it surrounded by a fuck-ton of ice packs.”

I look back at the cake and sigh. It’s three-tiered and round, with each layer being a different flavor. The bottom is vanilla, the middle chocolate, and the top is strawberry—all encased in a rich, buttercream icing. I even made the colorful, fondant flowers that cascade down the side. “As much as I love my baking, there’s something not fair about having to make my own birthday cake.”

Jake bursts out laughing. “Blame your family on that one. I can’t help it they like to have a cookout the week of your birthday.” It just so happens there are a lot of us in the family with August birthdays. My family likes to celebrate by having one huge pool party. Jake swirls his fingers on my bare thigh, making me shiver. “I’ll make it up to you tonight.” I look over at him and he winks. “I can eat my piece of cake off your body.” His gaze dips down to my breasts. “Maybe even spread some of that buttercream on your nipples.”

A snicker escapes my lips. “Sounds like a plan to me.” In fact, it sounded like a great plan. With me being a baker, there’s always some kind of sweet treat in the refrigerator. It’s fun to incorporate it into our sex life. It keeps things interesting.

When we get to my parents’ house there are cars lined down the street, but they saved a spot for me and Jack in the driveway. All my aunts, uncles, and cousins are here. It’s pretty much the only time of the year I see them. When my grandmother died, it’s like it killed the spirit of getting together.

My father is at the grill, wearing his red apron. He waves his spatula in the air and smiles. “Hey, honey,” he yells as I get out of the car. “Happy birthday!”

I laugh. “Thank you.”

“What’s up, Roger?” Jake shouts as he comes around to my side of the truck.

My father looks down at the grill. “Trying to cook up some hamburgers and hot dogs. Would’ve been nice if my son-in-law could’ve helped.”

Jake squeezes my shoulders. “Your daughter has me on cake duty right now. I do what she tells me.”

That earns a smile from my father. “Smart man.”

“He’s just trying to stay on my good side, since it’s my birthday.” I open the rear car door for Jake and he reaches in to grab the cake. “Whatever you do, don’t drop it.”

He smirks. “I’ll be sure to do just that, cupcake.”

“You’ll be limping home if you do,” I tease, slapping him on the arm.

Chuckling, he walks around the side of the house, holding the cake with his tanned, muscular arms. I can already hear my two nieces squeal as they fawn all over him. They love him to death. And why wouldn’t they? Jake has always been good with kids. In fact, everyone keeps asking me when we’re going to have some of our own. I have no doubt I’ll be hearing the same damn question when I get to the back.

My father pulls me in for a hug and kisses the side of my head. He smells like Old Spice cologne and I love it. It’s what he’s worn for as long as I can remember. “How’s work been, sweetheart?”

I step away, so he can flip the burgers. “Busy. Vikki and I have been coming up with new recipes. I’m going to try them out next week.”

His grin widens. “Can I be your taste tester?”