Page 11 of Denim & Diamonds

“Uh-huh.”

“You didn’t answer my question. Why am I silly?”

“Because only a silly woman would put herself in the situation you did last night. I could be an ax murderer for all you know.”

“No, you couldn’t, with your little acts of kindness. You justlooklike one.” I scratched my chin. “Actually, if you murdered those animals on your wall, maybe you are.”

“I didn’t kill those animals. I just wanted you to think I did.”

“Someonekilled them.”

“It wasn’t me. I inherited those heads.” He frowned. “Why did you read mynotebook?”

“Because I’m nosy.” I tilted my head. “What’s the deal with those entries anyway?”

He placed his hand on my arm, leading me away from the road. “There’s a car coming. Come sit over here, off the road.”

We moved to a rock in a grassy area a few feet away. The dog rested on the ground between us.

“Those notes are personal,” he said. “But since you chose to butt your nose into my business, I record one good deed a day, yes.”

“Why?”

“It’s something my grandfather taught me. My mother’s father. My dad wasn’t around much growing up. Gramps helped raise me. He used to keep a record just like mine in a similar notebook. He’d always say, if a person could perform one good deed a day, that would cancel out any bad things he might’ve done.” Brock shrugged.

“So it’s like a superstition?”

“Maybe a little. But that would besilly,wouldn’t it?” He winked. “Anyway, I figure there’s no harm in making an effort to contribute to society one bit at a time. Recording one good deed a day helps keep me accountable. That’s all.”

“Well, that’s impressive. Although, from what I hear, you have enough fans around here as it is. You’re big shit around these parts. You have panties dropping left and right.”

He arched a brow. “You have the nerve to bring up panties dropping after what you put me through this morning?”

When he smiled, it made my heart flutter. But soon enough Mr. Grumpy returned.

His forehead crinkled. “Where are you getting this intel about me, anyway?”

“I have my ways…” I teased.

“Spill, Red.”

I laughed. “Hank the Gossip Bank?”

Brock growled. “Great.”

He suddenly stood and pulled on the dog’s leash. “Come on.”

I thought he was talking to Oak, but then he turned and gestured for me to get up. “Let’s go.”

“Go where?”

“To my truck so I can drive you back to your place.”

“No way.” I shook my head. “I’m done playing damsel in distress. And I don’t need a big lug to climb tonight since I made sure George was gonna leave me the ladder.”

“It’s not safe for you to be walking home this late.”

“Ifyoucan walk out here this late, so can I.”

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