Predator - Part 5

She had enjoyed the night.  She felt energized and a bit powerful.  Her mystery man had given her a fresh lease on life.  She worried less these days -- taking a chance on Orion had made her brave.

She pushed her cart through the store absently reciting the recipe in her head as she picked up the ingredients and singing a bit of the christmas music over the speakers.

She couldn't wait to get home and get online again.  She checked out and began to push her cart out of the store when she received another text.

Smiling that happy smile reserved for girls who are totally smitten she stopped in her tracks to read his message

Lorena, I need you to pick something up for me before you go

"What can I do for you?", she answered

Go to the Pharmacy

She paused and after a moment of measuring risk and benefit - moved towards the pharmacy with her cart.

I've left you something on the top shelf of an endcap 

Her eyes widened.

"He's here -- NOW -- in the store with me"

her heart raced.....she looked around -- all of a sudden the store seemed to be filled with single men shopping!  No one looked in her direction -- none of them and all of them seemed to be prospects.

Then she calmed herself a bit -- the curiosity to find this treasure was too much for her -- she had to find it.  She was determined.

She was more than determined - she was dripping wet with excitement at having him so near.

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He had to move quickly to avoid being spotted as she pivoted around - instinctively searching for the animal stalking her.

but as if hearing her thoughts -- he could tell that she relaxed, finding comfort perhaps in the bright lights of the pharmacy.

She moved around slowly - -pushing her cart -- peaking up on tip toes to peer at the tops of the end cap displays - up and down the aisles.

methodically searching

You're getting colder, He texted.

She froze in her tracks upon reading the message.  He could imagine how hard her heart was pounding and he treasured the glimpses of her as she moved around.

A dangerous game for him as well - her twists and turns were unpredictable -- he could be caught at any moment.

He danced around her, keeping her always in view while avoiding detection

She moved towards the location - he backed away to his vantage point hoping to see her face and was not disappointed at the flush of her cheeks and the widening of her eyes as she found her waylaid book.

and the realization that he had been stalking her masterfully all night long set in.