She walked Evelyn to the door, saying goodbye to the federal agents as well. “I look forward to meeting Admiral Rice,” Caitlyn said. “And don’t worry; everything will be perfect for your anniversary party. Call me if you have any questions.”
“I’ll be sure to,” Evelyn said as the women said goodbye. “Thank you so much!”
Caitlyn went back to her desk, checking her emails and fielding a couple of other calls about events. She took down some information about a conference a restaurant group was planning in San Diego for the following year, making a note on her calendar. It was amazing how booked up she was getting. She’d have to look into hiring an assistant at this rate, but what a problem to have. She was thrilled to have more events than she could handle.
Standing up, she stretched. Even though her cast was off, her ankle was still a bit sore from time to time. She certainly wouldn’t be prancing around in stilettos anytime soon. Not that she wore those to events anyway. Running shoes would’ve been most helpful given the amount of hustling she typically did, but she did try to always look professional.
She should probably try to carve out some time and go to physical therapy to build her strength back up. Maybe they could give her some stretches and exercises so she didn’t lose any mobility in her ankle. She was relieved not to be hobbling on crutches anymore. The anniversary party would be her biggest event since getting her cast off and a true test of how she’d healed.
Looking over, she did a double take as she saw a man peering in the front window of her office. He had a full beard and was wearing dark clothes and dark sunglasses. With his broad shoulders and tall stature, he stood out more than most people might have. Her heart pounded as she realized she was totally alone in her office with the door unlocked. If she wasn’t expecting a client, she typically locked the front door for security. Customers walking by could always ring the bell, and she’d buzz them in.
But to have no more appointments today and a strange man watching her?
Fear crept down her spine.
The man saw her looking at him and quickly turned and walked away, darting around pedestrians as he rushed down the block.
Her pulse pounding and hands beginning to sweat, Caitlyn moved to the front door and locked it. It seemed strange there’d just been two federal agents here earlier and now a strange man who gave her the creeps. The other two men had been clean-cut, with short, buzzed haircuts. This man didn’t look military at all. And if he was with the others, he would’ve left when they did.
Looking out the window onto the busy street, she began to feel a bit silly. Of course, she was fine. It was the middle of the afternoon for crying out loud. Her office was in a safe area. It wasn’t like she was here early in the morning with all the stores and businesses around shut down. People walked down the block all the time.
Still, the man had given her a strange vibe. Why had he rushed away when he realized she’d seen him? A potential customer might want to come in or at least get a business card or something. This guy had practically taken off—almost like he’d been caught doing something he shouldn’t.
She went back to her desk, trying to concentrate on the tasks she needed to finish. It was a little silly to get worked up over nothing. Maybe he was lost or had to rush off for a meeting or something. Maybe his hurrying away had absolutely nothing to do with her.
Her cell phone buzzed, and she jumped, relieved to see Harper’s name on the screen.
“How’d it go with the admiral and his wife?” she asked.
“The wife came alone. Actually, not entirely alone. She had two NCIS agents with her, which was a little strange. They hovered by the doorway while we met and then all left together when we were done.”
“Huh. And I don’t suppose you name-dropped Troy to any of them?” Harper teased.
Caitlyn rolled her eyes. “Enough about Troy. We both know I probably won’t ever see him again. If this event goes well, maybe they’ll recommend me to some of their military friends. I need to worry about my business, not my nonexistent boyfriend.”
“He’s probably mad that you never called him. I know—I’ll come with you to the anniversary party. It’s in two weeks, right?”
“Come with me?”
“Yeah, to help you. Someone will have to deliver the cake anyway. And I’ll ask around and see what I can find out. There will be a lot of military guys there. Plus, their wives. Someone has to know who he is.”
“Harper,” Caitlyn said, growing exasperated. “If you come, we’ll be busy making sure everything runs smoothly, not gossiping with them.”
“I’m still coming,” Harper insisted. “What time are you finishing up today? My meeting ended early, and I’m taking off. I’ll be baking all day tomorrow. Want to meet up for drinks?”
“A drink sounds perfect,” Caitlyn admitted. “I’m feeling a bit frazzled at the moment.”
“I thought you just said the meeting went well.”
“It did. I just freaked out because a weird man was looking in my window. People walk by all the time, but I got a strange vibe.”
“Was he cute?”
“No, he wasn’t cute. It was creepy,” Caitlyn stressed. “He saw me looking at him and bolted. I’m sure it was nothing; it just
