job after school, telling me I’d have my whole life to work, and that my studies were more important so I could secure a better future. Anyway, we moved. It was one of the happiest days of my life. The house was only 900 square feet with five of us living in it, but to me, it was a palace. I was able to get a scholarship that paid for most of my college tuition and living expenses. Once I started making real money, Hayden and I helped Mom get a better place, but I already told you that.”
“You’re a good daughter.”
She laughed. “Not always, but I try to be. My mom is the best. She’s my hero.” She popped a chip into her mouth and chewed slowly. “I have a secret to tell you.”
“What is it?”
“I work my ass off because I’m scared—deathly scared—of being poor again. The idea of losing everything stresses me out. That’s why I took up yoga and cycling. I needed a way to get out of my head and evade my fears.”
A rough and calloused hand reached out and touched hers. Her gaze moved to his, feeling an unexpected jolt of need and desire roll over her.
“I’ve never met a woman like you,” he said in a thick voice. “Don’t worry about returning to the hell you were in. Remember—you’re a survivor, and don’t ever forget it.”
The ring of her phone startled her, and she quickly rummaged through her purse.
“What a coincidence—it’s Brady.” Accepting the call, she put the phone to her ear. “Hello?”
“Hi, this is Brady. How are you?”
“Okay.” Shrugging, she glanced at Smokey, who suddenly looked pissed. She had no idea why.
“You have a shift tonight, right?”
“I do.”
“I was thinking we could go out for a drink afterward.”
She hesitated. “I can’t, but thanks.” The scowl across Smokey’s brow deepened. “I’m in the middle of something, so I have to go. Thanks for the reminder call about my shift.”
“Wait—that isn’t why I called. I want to take you out for a drink. There’s no harm in that.”
“I just told you, I can’t.” She swore she heard Smokey growl. “I have to go.”
“What about tomorrow?”
“I’m swamped with work right now. I have several big projects going, and I don’t have time for anything outside of work and volunteering.”
Smokey scowled. “Tell him to fuck off.”
“I hope you understand.” What the hell’s going on with Smokey?
“Frankly, I don’t. I’m a nice guy, I have a good job, and I’m fairly attractive. Is it because you think you’re better than me?”
“No, not at all. I’m just really busy with my workload. I have to go now. Bye, Brady.” Before he could answer, she ended the call.
Smokey put his fork down and glared at her. “What the fuck’s going on between you and Brady?”
Anger pricked at the back of her neck. “What do you mean ‘between me and Brady’? For your information, the guy creeps me out. He’s always around when I’m at the shelter, and the last time I was at the grocery store, he just so happened to be there too. I know this is a small town, but I’m starting to think he’s following me or something.”
“He’s got the hots for you. I picked up on that when we were talking yesterday. Have you gone out with him?”
“No. I just told you he creeps me out, not that I’m interested in him. I think he’s trying to find a mother for his kids.”
The phone rang again.
“If it’s Brady, give it to me.”
Looking at the screen, she groaned. “It’s not him. It’s weirdo number two—the handyman, who also creeps me out.”
“Why?”
“Hang on. I have to answer this.” She sighed. “Hello?”
“You didn’t know it was me?” Mark said.
“Huh?”
“I saw you plug my number into your cell phone the day I gave it to you.”
“I wasn’t looking at the screen. What can I do for you?”
“I thought Gabe and I could come by and finish up some stuff in the house since we’re in the neighborhood.”
“I’m not home. And anyway, it’s Saturday.”
There was a sharp edge to his voice. “I’ve already told you I work on Saturdays.”
“As I said, I’m not home. If you needed to come by, you should’ve given me a heads-up.”
“You entitled city people are all alike.”
This guy’s a fucking nut.
“Not true. Call me on Monday to set up a day and time to finish up. I have to go.”
The line went dead.
“Hello? Mark?”
He’d hung up on her.
“What an asshole,” she grumbled, shoving the phone