“Hey, sweets!” Katie beams as she walks behind the counter to join me. “Busy day today?”

“Not too bad.” I shrug. “Just our typical Saturday. It’s been up and down, so I’ve been working on a cupcake order all day.”

She shoves her purse and keys beneath the counter and grabs her apron. “That must be why you look so exhausted.”

I peer at her over the cup of coffee in my hand. “Is it that obvious?”

She winks. “Well, you have frosting on your nose, for starters.”

“Oh, God.” I wrinkle my nose and see a faint dusting of pink frosting. “I wonder how long it’s been there.”

Katie ties her apron around her waist and props her hip against the counter. “Are you okay? Have you been sleeping?”

“I’m fine.” I wave off her concern. “It’s just been one of those weeks.”

“Well, I’m sure it doesn’t help that Brad has been lurking around here every day this week.”

I shudder at the mention of his name but try my best not to let it show. Katie already worries about me enough, and I don’t want her putting herself at risk to try to help me.

“Isn’t there anything else you can do?” she pushes. “Have you talked to the police again? Maybe I could help. If they heard me validating your concerns, then—”

“It’s really okay,” I cut her off. “I’m fine, I swear. They told him to back off, and for now, that’s all they can do. At least he’s stopped coming into the shop.”

She frowns. “Yeah, but he’s still lurking around outside. I don’t like you coming in here so early by yourself. Have you managed to get anywhere with the security company yet?”

I untie my apron and use it to wipe the excess frosting from my nose. “Next week. They are busy this time of year, so that’s the quickest I can get them out here. It’ll be fine until then.”

Katie doesn’t look convinced, and I don’t blame her. Inside, I feel sick about the prospect of Brad coming here when I’m alone. But this is my livelihood. This bakery means everything to me, and I can’t quit doing what I love just because some creep won’t take no for an answer.

“You know what you need?” Katie grins.

“Ugh, please don’t start in on this again.”

She shrugs her dainty shoulders and pours herself a cup of coffee. “I’m just saying my cousin is single and he really likes you. Maybe it would do you some good to blow off a little steam. And besides, if Brad saw you with a man, he might finally get the message.”

I toss my dirty apron into the wash basket and wipe my hands with a clean towel. “We’ve been over this, ad nauseum. I don’t need a man in my life. I’m happy with the way things are. Besides, this place keeps me more than busy.”

“Yeah.” Katie snorts. “Because you’re always inventing things to do.”

“Speaking of which, I have plenty to do right now. So if you’re all set here, then I’m going to head out and run some errands.”

Katie plucks a donut from the bakery case and licks the sugar from her fingers. “I’m good here. I’ll just be eating my weight in your delicious baked goods that I can’t resist.”

“Just save some for the customers.” I wave as I head for the back office. “And make sure your boyfriend is here when you close up.”

“Will do boss,” she singsongs.

I spend a few minutes tidying the back office and writing my list of tasks for tomorrow before grabbing my keys and jacket. It’s a beautiful day on the Oregon coast, but that doesn’t mean anything. In the Pacific Northwest, it’s always wise to be prepared for rain.

When I walk outside, I’m greeted by the fading sunlight of the day, and I intend to enjoy every second of it on the way to my car. We have limited parking in the back of the bakery, and what space we do have is reserved for deliveries. So it isn’t uncommon for me to park in a different location every day. Basically, I park wherever I can find a spot. I had hoped that would deter Brad from leaving notes on the car, but he’s left one every day this week.

I’m honestly exhausted of his stalkerish tendencies. After turning him down a bazillion times, I don’t understand how he could possibly think I’d ever want to go out with him. At first, it was somewhat flattering when he would come into the bakery and say hello every day. But then his visits started getting longer and more frequent. He was hanging around even after he finished his coffee and donut, and I began to feel uncomfortable. Eventually, it escalated to the point where I had to ask him to leave, and he really didn’t like that.

Roll on three months, and he’s still chasing me. Katie was right when she guessed that I wasn’t sleeping. Every time I try, I think about the possibility of him figuring out where I live. The stress of the situation keeps me up at night and affects everything good in my life, so something has to change. I just don’t know what to do anymore. The police can’t help me without solid proof of intent to harm, and I’m running out of options.

The thought nearly chokes me. But it’s only compounded when I finally get to my car and find what’s waiting for me. Today, there isn’t a note. Today, there are key marks down the side along with four slashed tires.