K8 kept her face averted from Adam’s questioning glances. She was confused and ashamed although it was difficult to explain why. It was hard to concentrate on what was going on around her, but she was certain it had something to do with the wine she’d consumed. She kept telling herself she didn’t have much. Just a glassful.   Was the wine the reason why she felt the way she did? A bit of clarity wafted through her. Was the wine the cause of what had happened between her and Bryent? Was alcohol the reason for the way he acted toward her? She tried to recall scenes from past TV shows and movies where a character had been inebriated. But what little she could remember either had the person enjoying a glass and showing no signs of being incapacitated, or they were flat-out weaving unsteadily on their feet. Or passed out on the ground. Nothing resembling middle ground, and none of those scenarios reflected how she felt at this moment. She chanced a look over at Adam and found him frequently checking on her. He was worried, and she wished he’d pull over and take her back into his arms. He was like a comforting blanket, keeping her safe from harm. Keeping her warm. “Do you feel like you’re gonna hurl?” K8 frowned at him. “I’m not going to throw anything at you.” A corner of his mouth lifted. He was laughing at her, and proved it with a snort. “I meant, do you feel like you’re gonna throw up? Vomit?” “Oh. No.” She bowed her head, closing her eyes. Something the sheriff had said floated in and out of focus. Something about… “Adam?” “Yeah?” “What did Sheriff Biggs mean?” “I don’t understand what you’re trying to ask me.” Opening her eyes, she continued to keep her head down. It didn’t make her as dizzy if she did. “He said you were…keeping an eye on me?” “Yeah.” Now she raised her head and was immediately sorry she did. The world went in and out of focus somewhat until Adam laid a hand on her shoulder. His attention remained fixed on the road outside the windshield. She could tell they weren’t traveling very fast, but she understood why. “You were keeping an eye on me?” she repeated. “Yes.” “Where?” “At the restaurant.” “Why?” “Why not?” “No.” K8 tried to clarify. “I mean, did Sheriff Biggs send you to…” Taking a deep breath, she straightened. “Were you spying on me?” “I wasn’t spying.” “But you were at the restaurant.” “Yes. Yes, I was at the restaurant where that Carter guy had taken you.” “Why were you there?” she pressed. “Why were you spying on us? Because you’re jealous?” He made a derogatory sound. She blinked. “You are. You’re jealous of him. You’re jealous he took me there.” “I was worried for you,” Adam countered. “I was worried about what might happen to you. Dear Lord, K8. You know practically nothing about the real world, much less about dating.” “So you think spying on me is the answer? You and Sheriff Biggs? If he was so worried, why did he send you? Why did you follow us to the restaurant and not one of his deputies?” “Because I care about you!” he nearly yelled. “I didn’t want that Carter guy hurting you!”