Page 57 of Just Let Go

“No, I really was going to sleep in my car.”

“Not about that. About helping me.”

“Why not? We’ll take care of the carnival stuff, but mostly that’s work we’re going to do the week of, isn’t it? I’ll help you paint. I’ve never refinished a floor, but how hard can it be?”

“I think it’s very hard, actually.”

He laughed, shaking his head. “I’m offering you my help, Collins. Do you want it or not?”

She wasn’t so sure. Somehow she felt like she was walking into a trap. “What’s the catch?”

“No catch.”

She watched him through narrow eyes.

“Okay, I was hoping maybe you could put in a good word for me? With your dad and the judge?”

She felt her shoulders slump. So he wasn’t offering just to be nice. That shouldn’t surprise her. Of course he had an ulterior motive. What did she expect? He wasn’t going to fall in love with Harbor Pointe in a few days’ time.

“I help you out, you tell them how much extra work I did.Maybe I get out of here early on good behavior. Catch a couple more races.”

“You’re really worried about these races you’re missing.” Quinn studied him.

He looked away. “Just trying to give myself the best possible chance.”

Maybe you should’ve thought of that before you got in a stupid fight.

She looked away. “Well, I don’t think the good behavior thing works like that.”

“I think that’s exactly how it works. That judge makes up the rules as he goes.”

She straightened two small, hand-poured soy candles on the shelf. They didn’t need to be straightened; she just needed something to do with her hands.

“What do you say?”

She faced him. “I’ll think about it.”

“What’s to think about? I mean, I know you can’t stand me, but I’m a strong guy. I can move shelves and use a paintbrush.”

“I never said I can’t stand you.”

“You did, actually. Last night. When you were talking to that cop.”

“I don’t remember that. I don’t even know you.”

“That’s what I’m saying,” he said. “Get to know me. Give me a shot. And then tell your dad I’m a good guy, and I don’t need to learn some great lesson about life by being trapped in your charming little town.”

He said “charming little town” as if it were a swear.

She pressed her lips together, fully aware that her brow was both serious and furrowed. “I’ll consider it on one condition.”

“You want me to tell people we’re dating?”

“Are you insane?”

His face lit into a cocky grin. “I’m just kidding. What is it?”

“Do you remember that kid Jaden? From the diner a few days ago?”

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