Page 22 of Fade With Me

Our secret handshake was nothing short of ridiculous: a thumbs-up, followed by a quick finger wiggle, then a mini fist bump. But the best part came at the end. We both threw our hands up in the air, palms facing each other, and made the most absurd “exploding” sound effect with our mouths. It was a masterpiece of goofy gestures, and it was ours.

As we parted ways, Zeke shot me a look of satisfaction. “We’re definitely the coolest people I know,” he said, his voice full of pride. “I’ll catch you later. We’ll have to plan our next adventure soon.”

“For sure!” I called after him, watching as he slid behind the wheel and pulled away. I remained rooted to the spot for a moment, my gaze lingering on the now-empty road, the low hum of his engine fading intothe distance. And for some reason, I felt lighter than I had in a long time. Like maybe this new friendship was exactly what I needed.

eight

Aweek had passed since Zeke and I last met, but the ache of disappointment still thrummed beneath my skin. Had I made a mistake asking about the woman he loved? Or was the bond we had more fragile than I’d thought? The questions swirled, persistent and heavy, weaving through my thoughts like an unshakable fog.

“Snap out of it!” Sal’s voice cut through the haze, sharp as the staccato beat of his fingers snapping in front of my face. “I’ve asked you three times already toout this trash.”

I jolted, blinking rapidly to clear the static from my mind. “Sorry, Sal. I’m just…distracted, that’s all.”

The bell above the door chimed, and I looked up, momentarily hopeful. But that optimism evaporated the instant I saw who’d walked in. Reggie. Of all people.

I stifled a groan, forcing a smile as I pushed myself up from behind the counter, my posture stiff. “Hey, Reggie. What brings you to this neck of the woods?”

He strolled up to the counter with an air of entitlement, his hand resting casually on the edge as he leaned forward, inspecting me with a touch of possessiveness. “Can’t a husband stop by to check on hislovelywife?”

Before I could respond, Sal cut in, his interruption as rude as ever. No surprise there. “Good thing you’re here, Reg. Brynie’s been a little off today. Maybe you can help us figure out what’s going on.”

Reggie’s eyes narrowed, a smug grin curling his lips. He took a step closer, leaning toward me with a calculated tilt of his head. His finger traced a path down my arm, cold and unnerving. “Is that so, Brynie girl?” he purred. “What’s been going on in that pretty little head of yours?”

I shot a sidelong glance atSleazySal, then turned back to Reggie, flicking my wrist dismissively. “Oh, nothing. Just some insomnia, that’s all.”

Reggie ran his tongue slowly over his teeth. “I think I can help you with that, love,” he said, his voice syrupy and smooth. “You’ve been overthinking again. That neverleads anywhere good. How do we fix that?” His eyes lit up, like he’d just come up with something brilliant. “A good book, perhaps? Non-fiction, of course. I’ve always found it…more enlightening.”

My eyes darted to Sal, who was barely holding back a snicker, his shoulders shaking slightly with suppressed laughter.

Reggie, still wearing that smug expression, scanned me for a reaction. Finding none, he glanced at Sal, his eyes narrowing in calculation before he straightened. “I’m here to discuss some business. Shall we confer in your office?”

Sal gestured toward the back room with an exaggerated sweep of his arm, the grin on his face widening. “After you, boss man.”

Reggie leaned in and tapped his cheek, a silent demand I knew better than to ignore. I closed my eyes, braced myself, and pressed a controlled kiss to his skin. His scent clung to me, sharp leather and faint musk. It smelled good, which only made me hate it more. He slid a slow hand through my hair, dragging the curls into his face as he inhaled deeply, like he was trying to claim the scent for himself. I fought the urge to pull back. He winked, mocking as always, and strode off after Sal.

As the door to the office clicked shut, I exhaled, my head dropping to the counter with a dull thud. Had Reggie told Sal about the book incident? Or was Saljust relishing the spectacle of Reggie being his usual insufferable self?

And if one more person called me “Brynie,” I’ll lose every ounce of patience I have left.

I gathered the trash, my arms straining under the weight, and leaned back against the door to push it open.

I trudged across the parking lot, frustration building with each step as I neared the dumpster, muttering curses under my breath. Just as I was about to reach it, an engine roared to life, pulling into a nearby spot. The towering pile of garbage in my arms blocked my view of the vehicle’s arrival.

I heard a car door slam, followed by a smooth, deep voice. “Let me get that!”

The dumpster lid creaked open, and in an instant, the heavy bags were lifted from my grasp.

That’s when I saw him—Zeke, his electrifying gaze anchoring me where I stood.

“Thanks,” I said, warmth rising in my cheeks as I glanced down at my now-empty hands. “I probably should’ve made that two trips.”

He flashed a dazzling smile, his perfect teeth gleaming in the sunlight. “No problem,” he replied, his voice smooth as velvet, effortlessly disarming. With a sly wink, he added, “Seriously, though, that was impressive.” His brow arched, genuine approval softening his expression. “Like I’ve said before, you’re not someoneto mess with. Anyone who underestimates you is in for a rude awakening.”

I smoothed my apron, a nervous flutter stirring deep within me. Then I stepped back, suddenly aware of the possibility that I might smell like garbage.

“Smart man,” I said, sarcasm heavy in my tone as I pointed a finger at him.

Zeke’s gaze flicked to the entrance, and I followed it, catching a glimpse of Reggie hastily exiting. He didn’t spare me a second glance as he left. When I returned my attention to Zeke, a storm seemed to churn in his eyes, the fury there almost tangible. Did he know it was Reggie?

---