Page 111 of Chasing Shelter

I stepped back out of the shed and latched the door. The little slits I’d put at the top of the shed would let plenty of air in, but the solid walls would keep Bumper warm. Gremlin let out a sound of protest, and I bent to pick him up.

“I know. You’d have her cuddling inside if you could.” Heading back into the house, I set Grem down, and he went straight for his fluffy bed in the corner. It had been a full day for both of us.

A shift at the bakery, running around town to find all the accessories I needed for Keely’s wacky hair day at school, Anson coming by to grab some additional information for the security system parts Anchor Security was ordering, and starting to map out a mural in the kitchen.

I was slowly making this place a home. I was making itme. And that felt good.

After quickly washing my hands, I moved to my coffee maker and pressed the button for hot water. I placed a tea bag inside the mug and waited for it to brew. Just as I was reaching for my construction pencil, my phone dinged.

I grabbed it from the counter and smiled when I saw the name on the screen. Trace and I had been ships passing in the night for the past three days. The last image I had of him was his hands struggling to braid and the heated promises he’d left me with—promises neither of us had made good on.

The truth was, I missed him. But it was because of a lot more than a few stolen kisses. I missed time with him and Keely. I missed his scent and his feel. I missed the groundedness he gave me when it felt like my life was spinning out of control.

He checked in every day, usually multiple times, and I hadn’tmissed the fact a sheriff’s department vehicle was still parked outside my house each night. But it wasn’t the same as havinghim. In my space. In my life.

Trace

Miss you.

Me

You a mind reader?

He sent an emoji of a crystal ball, and I chuckled.

Me

Lolli would argue she has a pot strain that could give you that gift.

Trace

Don’t give her any ideas.

Me

I’ll try to refrain.

Trace

I’m sorry things have been so crazy lately. Between Keels and work, I’m struggling to keep my head above water.

I frowned down at my phone, suddenly feeling more than a sense of longing.

Me

Everything okay?

Trace

Mostly. Just some turnover at the station. Don’t love that it’s keeping me from seeing you.

That had warmth taking root somewhere deep and blooming through every part of me the way I hoped those bulbs would from the ground come spring.

Trace

I left you something on your front porch. Open it, then call me.

My mouth quirked, curiosity spurring me into action. I crossed to the front door and unfastened every lock. Opening the door, I saw a small box on my doormat. It was a sleek, matte black tied with a black ribbon.

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