Page 17 of Sofa King Wanted

“I thought you were taking me along for that day.” Oh, right.

“This is kind of it, really. I mean, after Rhodes realized Quinn wasn’t in her shop and Boss was still there?—”

“Boss?”

“Her cat. Did the state police not put that in the report?”

“They did not. I bet if you got a four-legged deputy, they would have put it in there.”

I snap my fingers. “You’re right. You’re totally talking me into this deputy thing.”

“Glad I could help, but keep going. After Rhodes realized Quinn was gone, then what?”

“The town rallied, obviously. All of us were searching for her. It was scary, you know? We don’t get a lot of crime, as you can see.” I motion with my hand around us. “I got one call last week, and it was from Ms. York needing help taking in her groceries and then setting up her new alarm clock.”

“You set up her alarm clock?”

“Can you believe I had to google it? Who still uses a traditional clock on their nightstand to set an alarm?” I say and then huff a laugh. “Well, not you obviously. We know what you’ve got on your nightstand.”

“That wasn’t my fault.” He shrugs.

“How is that not your fault?” What, did someone break into his room and leave a bottle of lube next to the bed?

“I don't know, babe, you tell me.” I scrunch my nose thinking about it, but he chuckles. “I didn't have much of a choice. Not after the state you put me in. I couldn't have let myself stay that way.”

My mouth falls open in silent shock.

“You'll catch flies that way,” Jenny says as she passes by.

I quickly snap it shut, making Neil grin.

“You're trying to seduce me, aren't you?”

“I'm not trying to do anything.”

“Oh.” Well, that's a bit embarrassing since I assumed he was.

“I’m not trying, babe. I'm doing it.” His expression is no longer teasing, and there’s heat behind his eyes.

“Can I get the new lovebirds anything?” Jenny asks.

“You want anything else, babe?” Neil’s attention is still on me.

“Nope, I’m all good, honey.” I do it right back, but it slips off my tongue way too easily.

“I think we’re good,” Neil tells Jenny. She brings the check, and he reaches for it. “Allow me.” He pulls out some cash, dropping it onto the counter. “Are you ready?”

“Yeah.” I hop down from the high-top chair, and Neil's hand goes to my lower back as he guides me outside.

“So the whole town is searching for Quinn?” Neil circles us back around to our conversation. It's probably better to have it out here anyways.

“All of us.” I let out a breath because it was scary and I was freaking out. “He stalked her here. Do you know that?”

“I do.” He gives me an apologetic smile.

“Did you know her mom was murdered? Her mom's boyfriend killed her. Then she had to live through a man stalking her across the country.”

“Shit, I didn't know that.” There’s a sadness in his eyes as he looks at me.

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