minutes away.
“I was at the gas station when you called.”
“Oh.” How lucky and coincidental that both he and Jace were nearby at this time of night.
“You sounded pretty freaked out on the phone.”
“You mean panicked.” I laughed at my own expense. “My car wouldn’t start, and I thought I saw something in the alley. Then the lights went out and Grisou went to battle with a mouse.” I rubbed my forehead. “I think the superstition in this town is contagious.”
He laughed. “Or you’re just human. It’s normal to be scared of the dark and things that go bump in it.”
“I’m a grown woman. I should know better.”
“I’m a grown man who still puts milk and cookies out on Halloween for ghosties and goblins. Santa gets spiked nog and special brownies.”
“Now you’re making fun of me.”
“Never.” He put his hand over his heart. “Just saying we all have our quirks.”
“Yeah. Mine is being a coward.”
“Far from it.” He reached for my hands, and I didn’t realize how cold I was until his warmth penetrated. “You moved to another country, started a new life, are about to open a business. Sounds to me like you’re plenty brave.”
“A brave person wouldn’t have imagined monsters in the alley and invading her store.”
“You’ve been working hard. Maybe you should take a break.”
My lips pursed. “I can’t. Not yet. I have to get the shop running.”
“Well then, how about a good night’s sleep so things don’t feel so grim in the morning.”
“That sounds awesome. Do you think you can fix my car?”
“Maybe, and even if I can’t, I’ll make sure you get home safe. Keys?”
“Sure.” I unclipped the car keys from my set so I could lock up the shop.
Before I followed him into the alley, I collected my cat, snuggling Grisou close to murmur, “Good kitty, catching the bad mouse,” before putting him in the carrier. I couldn’t figure out how he kept escaping. I might need to get a piece of string for added security.
I took a deep breath of hesitation before exiting the shop. The alley light shone once more, making me wonder if the power problem extended farther than my store. Perhaps it was a supply issue to this block.
Darryl sat in my car, the engine running. The headlights added even more light to the alley.
“Thank you!” I exclaimed as I put my cat in the back.
“For what? All I did was turn the key.”
“And it started?”
“On the first crank.”
“You’re kidding. Dammit. It wouldn’t work at all when I tried. Just kept clicking like it was dead,” I grumbled, glaring at Betsy. The car had made me look even more the fool.
“I believe you,” he hastened to say. “While your car seems fine now, old cars can be finicky. If it’s having intermittent issues, you should have it checked out. I can take a look at it tomorrow if you’d like.”
“I’ve already imposed enough.” My manners meant I had to decline even as I wanted him to be the one helping.
“It’s not imposing if I’m offering.” He got out of the car, meaning he loomed over me.
I thought about stepping away; he was in my space. But at the same time, I kind of tingled. He’d not hesitated to come to my rescue. Chased off Jace like a jealous cock in a hen house.
“Then, in that case, I’ll drop it off at the gas station sometime tomorrow?” I could walk from there to the store if needed. It was only about a mile.
“Sounds good. I’m glad you thought of me when you were in trouble.”
“I—” Didn’t know what to say. That I liked knowing I could call him and he’d come. That he made me feel safe.
He looked down at me. I gazed up at him.
Our lips moved closer. Closer.
The light overhead glitched. The flicker and zing of power broke the spell.
I pulled away. “I should get home.”
“I’ll follow to make sure you get there safe.”
“You don’t have to.” A lie. With all the weird things happening to me lately, I didn’t mind at all.
What surprised me was he didn’t pull into my driveway. He’d stuck close to me the entire way, his truck behind a steadying presence that had me spending the whole drive home calling myself a ninny for once again ruining what might have been a kiss. Maybe it wasn’t too late.
I’d invite him in for a drink. Maybe with alcohol in it so I could muster the nerve to kiss him. A great plan. I practiced what I’d