Arizona hugged her cell phone to her ear while she flipped through her tablet, studying the latest trends in the construction field. "I don't know how to explain what I feel around them, Vera."

Vera Landers had been her best friend for the past two years. They'd met soon after the worst time in Arizona's life had left her reeling from the loss of her best friend. A friend that, if it hadn't been for her, might still be alive.

It had been Vera, a girl who lived down the street yet she had never spoken to, a girl who had been bullied by others as an outsider and loner, who had shown up at just the right time, ready to help Arizona through those dark days. From the first moment they'd met, Arizona knew Vera would be in her life forever.

"You know what? I don't think you should try to understand it. For once in your life, try not to overanalyze every emotion you feel. If you want my opinion"-Vera's laugh came-"and even if you don't, I'd say go for it. They sound like terrific guys."

Arizona didn't bother pointing out that Vera had never had a steady boyfriend, much less three men who wanted her at the same time. "They are."

"So what's the problem? Don't you believe Collin? Or do you think he's playing you?"

The thought that he'd made a fool out of her had crossed her mind. After all, it wouldn't have been the first time he'd played games with her. Yet her gut told her he'd spoken the truth. "No. I think he was on the up and up."

"Then, like I said before, I'd go for it."

The silence that hung between them clued Vera in.

"What the matter, Arizona? Why are you hesitating?"

Vera had always been great at reading her, even when they weren't face to face. "If they're so into me, why haven't they called?"

"Do they have your number?"

Well, hell. "If you're asking if I gave it to them, then no. But I've given my number out all over town. It wouldn't take them five minutes to get it. And it's been three days since we-"

"Got it on in the alley." Vera's laughter, light and airy, rang out.

"I knew I shouldn't have told you. I haven't told anyone else, by the way, so if it gets out, I'll know who couldn't keep her mouth shut." She kept her tone light, telling her friend she trusted her to keep her secret.

"Oh, no you don't. I don't live in Fate. If word gets around, it's the men who spilled the beans. But from what you've told me about them, about how they're solid, stand-up kind of guys and run their own ranch, I doubt they'll say anything."

"They won't." She relaxed, secure in the knowledge that none of them would talk. "But that still doesn't answer the question. Where the hell are they?"

"Beats me. I'd give them a few more days. They'll turn up."

A loud thud jolted Arizona into dropping her tablet. "Did you hear that?"

"Yeah. It must've been really loud on your end. What was it?"

"I don't know, but whatever it is, it's right outside my window."

"Do you think you should call the cops?" Vera's voice was strained, worried for her.

"There aren't any cops in Fate. At least not the kind you're talking about." She eased off the side of the bed. "Listen, Vera, I'm going to go check it out."

"Are you sure you should? I mean, isn't this where the girl in the movies always gets killed?"

Arizona stopped in her tracks. "No. This is the part where the girl's best friend gets killed."

"Not if she's in another town, she doesn't. Please be careful."

"I will. I'm going to hang up now. If I don't call you back in fifteen minutes, call out the National Guard."

"Shit, Arizona, you've really got me spooked."

"Me, too. Just do what I said, okay? Bye." She ended the call without waiting. Putting the phone down on the bed, she reached into the nightstand, found the gun, and pulled it out.

She hated having had to buy the weapon, but after Duke, she'd felt the need for one. Although she'd had a few lessons and knew how to shoot it, holding the gun still didn't feel right. But a girl, especially a girl living alone, had to do whatever she could to stay safe.

Gripping the gun with both hands, she made her way slowly to the back door. Her heart pounded so loudly she was sure anyone could hear it. If anyone were around to hear it. Praying the noise was nothing, she opened the door, peeked out, then stepped over the threshold.

"Who's there?"

Nothing but the chatter of crickets answered her.

Moving her head side to side to abate the tension in her neck, she moved toward her bedroom window. Was it a neighbor? Maybe the landlord checking in on her? But, of course, neither of those made any sense. A neighbor and the landlord would've come to the front door.

Right then, she found herself wishing she'd stayed at the local B&B. But at the time, the house had seemed perfect for her. It was close to town but far enough that the nearest neighbor was a half-mile down the road, giving her the privacy she'd craved after living in Atlanta. She'd been thrilled to find the rental home and even more thrilled when the owner had agreed to trade rent for fixing up the place in her spare time. Had she made the right decision?

Carefully, scanning the yard, she made her way to the window. She searched, carefully checking behind the bushes next to the house. And found nothing.

She frowned. What could have made that noise? Breathing easier, she lowered the gun, thankful she hadn't had to use it. Could she have shot an intruder? A Peeping Tom? She wasn't sure, and she was happy that she hadn't had to find out.

Taking another look didn't help. At least, not until she looked down at her feet. Leaves were scattered on the ground near one bush, but not around the others. Having raked the yard earlier that day, she knew she hadn't left any leaves behind.

Her gaze slid from the leaves to the bush and then to the window. Her throat tightened as she realized what had happened. Someone had looked in on her, brushing against the bush and dislodging some of its leaves. Had that someone perhaps tripped and fallen against the house? Was that the sound she'd heard?

Alarm pricked at her nerves as she backed away. Keeping her attention on the yard, she hurried back to the house. As soon as she could, she closed the door behind her and flipped the dead bolt lock.

Someone was spying on me.

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