Page 78 of Shadows of You

She grinned back. “Freaking awesome. I got some really great shots. But it’s cold as hell when you get higher up in elevation, even just a little bit.”

I nodded, heading behind the counter. “It doesn’t take much. You want something warm to drink?”

“Please. I’d love some tea, whatever you recommend. You never steer me wrong.”

“Anything to eat? Zeke is gone for the afternoon, but we have a few pre-made sandwiches.” I inclined my head toward the refrigerated section of the bakery case.

Elsie perused the options. “I’ll take that chicken salad.”

“Coming right up.”

As I worked to gather her meal, Elsie watched me closely. The focus made me twitchy, and I braced for whatever was coming.

“You doing okay?” she asked softly.

I stiffened but didn’t allow myself to stop moving as I plated her sandwich. “Oh, yeah. I’m fine.”

Elsie toyed with the corner of the counter. “What did they want? I know you said it was a family issue…”

Her words trailed off, but I heard what she didn’t say. Elsie knew I wasn’t telling her the whole truth.

I focused on keeping my breaths even. In for two, out for two. I did it over and over as I searched for words that wouldn’t be a lie but also wouldn’t reveal the whole truth. “They wanted a statement on a case my family was involved in years ago. I didn’t want to give one.”

Elsie’s jaw went slack in surprise. “They were reporters?”

“Podcasters.”

“And you’d already asked them to leave you alone,” she surmised.

I nodded. “They haven’t been great at taking no for an answer.”

Elsie’s expression hardened. “I’m so sorry. If you ever want to talk about it or need me to give someone a knee to the balls, just let me know.”

I snorted. “I appreciate it. I wouldn’t mind taking the asshole one out.”

Her lips twitched. “The stocky one, right? He seemed like a real piece of work.”

I slid the sandwich and tea across the counter to her. “Understatement.”

Elsie pulled out a twenty and handed it to me. “Guys like that are the worst. But I guess it just makes us appreciate the good ones, right?”

Heat hit my cheeks as the memory of Roan’s thumb stroking my neck flashed in my mind. “Right,” I mumbled.

A smile stretched across her face. “You’re blushing.”

“I am not.” I totally was.

Elsie laughed. “Is it the chief of police?”

“Lawson?”

She nodded.

“No. He’s just a friend. Our kids are the same age and best friends.”

“Gotcha,” Elsie said. “Then who?”

“No one, I swear. I guess I’m just wishing I had that.” Not a lie. Nothing had happened with Roan, and I wasn’t sure it ever would. Or if I could go there even if he was willing.

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