When the first note shows up at the restaurant where he works -- when he isn't designing costumes for a local theater -- Jim Foster laughs it off. When the notes keep coming, he doesn't find the fact that he might have a secret admirer quite so amusing. Alan North, a lonely, bookish customer at the restaurant, is too shy to even think of talking to Jim -- as much as he wants to. Then the killings begin. Two of Jim's friends are murdered in what appear to be muggings. However, the detective in charge of the cases believes they're more than that, and that Jim is either the killer ... or being stalked by one. When Jim and Alan finally connect, can they help find and stop the stalker, or will Alan end up dead before their budding relationship can become more than friendship?

His Secret Admirer

The music changed, the tempo a bit faster but still something Alan could handle. Following Jim’s lead was easy, he discovered. The swinging around, not so much so. But he managed to deal with it better than the last time they’d gone dancing.


“Time for a break,” Jim said when the band began playing a fast song. “Before you say anything, I’m not babying you. I’m thirsty, and there’s not enough room out here to really show off my moves.” He winked at Alan, taking his hand as they left the dance floor.


He showed off plenty of moves, whether he thinks so or not. Five more minutes and I’d have been putty in his hands. Hell, I was by the end of the first dance, although there’s no way I’d admit it. It’s just him, I think. He loves to dance and for him, I suspect it’s seductive, no matter who is partner is. Alan had the feeling that was the truth, and he wasn’t at all certain he liked the idea. In fact, he knew he didn’t.


Chapter 36