Page 37 of Beyond the Stroke

“Taking photos for evidence. For the police report.”

“No, don’t do that. I just want to put everything back.” His photo taking suddenly feels more violating than the break-in.

He doesn’t stop, though. I know he’s only trying to help, but the more he documents this moment, turning my clutteredbelongings into evidence, the more it sinks in that someone I don’t know was in my space and the more anxious I become.

My hand wraps around his forearm. “Rory. Please. Stop.”

Slowly, he drops his phone into his pocket, then holds his hands up.

“Okay. Sorry. I thought I was helping.”

“Well, you’re not.” I clear my throat. “It’s been a long day, you should go.”

His warm eyes attempt to catch mine, but I can’t look him in the eye or I’ll break. “Summer, I’m not going anywhere. Your van was broken into. We don’t know who did it or why and your door is still broken.”

I bite my lip. I know he’s right, but that doesn’t stop me from hating the situation.

“Summer, please. What can I do to help?”

“You want to help?” I ask.

“Yes. I’ll do anything you need me to.”

“Go home.”

He bites the inside of his cheek.

“Summer—"

“I’m tired. Please go.” My tone is clipped, that’s all I can manage at this point.

“I hate the thought of you staying here alone.”

“I’ll be fine. I have Edgar.”

With a soft smile on his face, Rory scratches Edgar underneath his chin. “Nothing personal, buddy, but you’re not exactly a guard dog.”

I ignore his comment but I know Edgar won’t scare anyone away. He already failed once.

“You could park your van in my garage for the night? I’ve got plenty of room.”

I give him a withering look. Something about this man tells me he gets everything he wants. Gold medals. World records. And any woman in his bed.

He must read my mind with that last one.

“You and Edgar can have my bed. I’ll sleep on the couch.”

“We’ll pass,” I say, at the same moment Edgar whines in my arms.

Rory motions toward the door. “I can call a locksmith first thing in the morning.”

“You don’t have to. It’s not your problem.”

“It’s not a problem. I know a guy?—”

My sardonic laugh cuts him off. “Of course you do. You know everyone.”

Rory Shields has a ton of friends, connections, and fans. He’s got roots in Coral Cove which is just another reason to keep him at arm’s length.

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