Twenty Six

Sebastien Deville did not smile back.

Oh dear.

"Thank you for your help." She nodded and started to step backward along the path.

"Going so soon, Caroline?" He stalked her step for step until she bumped a tree.

"I need to change before the next game. Shouldn‟t you be resting, Mr. Deville?"

"I should." He rested a hand against the red maple looming over her. "But all of a sudden, I was gripped by an eager desire for another look at the obstacle course."

She waved her free hand. "I believe this is it. Good luck."

She tried to step away. He pushed against the stout trunk so that he was directly in front of her again. One hand ran down her arm, around her back, across her fingers, then slowly pulled the stake from her grasp.