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Felicity walked into the house with a sigh, not noticing Brody as she dropped her things on the table with a loud thud.

“Everything okay?” came his voice from the living room.

She jumped with a startled squeak, clutching her chest. “Brody! Oh my God—you scared me.”

Brody stepped into view, bare-chested, a brow arched in concern. “Didn’t mean to startle you. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you that rattled before. You’re usually... composed.”

Her gaze flicked to his torso before she quickly looked away, cheeks warming. “I’m fine. I don’t know why I reacted like that. I should’ve known you were here. It’s just—” she hesitated, “I thought someone was following me today.”

That got his attention. Brody stepped closer, running a hand through his hair. “Following you? Who?”

She moved to the fridge, trying to shrug it off. “I don’t know. I went out for lunch and noticed a guy hanging around near work. I’m pretty sure he’s not an employee. Then I saw him again at the pastry shop… and again on my walk back. Could be coincidence, maybe I’m just being paranoid.” She pulled a fruit bowl from the fridge.

When she turned, she nearly dropped it—Brody was right there, his chest inches from hers as he reached past her.

“Just getting water,” he said, lifting the bottle slightly.

His nearness was dizzying. Heat radiated off him, and her pulse kicked up. He didn’t back away, and his height made her feel both small and strangely safe. She swallowed hard as his gaze dipped briefly to her chest before meeting her eyes again.

“I don’t think you should dismiss this,” he said. “Creeps are out there. You should tell the police. At least be on alert. I’ll take you to work and bring you back—just in case.”

“Oh no, Brody. I don’t want to bother you. My dad didn’t hire you to be my driver.”

“What didn’t I hire him for?” Her father’s voice cut in as he entered the room.

Felicity’s eyes widened slightly in warning. Brody stepped back quickly, slipping on a neutral expression.

“She wanted me to go with her to pick up some potted plants she ordered,” he said smoothly.

“Yeah,” Felicity added, grateful, “my car’s acting up again. I’m gonna have Timothy check it tomorrow.”

Her father frowned. “That car’s always giving you trouble. It’s time for a new one.” He gave her arm a gentle squeeze as he headed upstairs. “Oh—and I like petunias.”

And just like that, he was gone.

Felicity turned to Brody, who was watching her with amusement.

“Thanks,” she said softly. “I just didn’t want to make a big deal out of something that might be nothing.”

He shrugged, pulling on his shirt. “Well, I guess we better go collect those plants you didn’t order.”

She rolled her eyes, smiling in spite of herself, and headed to the door. His gaze lingered on her a moment longer before he followed.

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