Page 25 of Before the Night Falls
“I happen to like people who are rough around the edges.” His eyes hinted at a sparkle.
“And why is that?”
“Because I think anyone who’s honest with themselves will admit they fall into that category.”
His words were unexpected.
She wanted to know more about this man than she wanted to admit.
And that thought terrified her.
* * *
Tyson was curious about Olivia and her questions.
She hadn’t ceased to surprise him.
But beneath her cheerful exterior, he sensed someone who was broken.
He didn’t judge her for that. He was also broken in his own way.
But her jumpiness concerned him.
He hadn’t mentioned to her the fact that someone was threatening him. His home was gated, and there hadn’t been any real danger.
But still . . . the facts were unnerving.
He feared that by telling her, she’d only become more uptight. Instead, he’d asked Hobbes to be extra vigilant.
Tyson didn’t want to concern her.
Before they could talk more, he pulled up to a small, simple church building outside of Charlotte.
Being here was exactly what he needed.
CHAPTERELEVEN
Olivia soakedin the preacher’s words, hungry to hear what he had to say. Appropriately, his sermon was about not living in fear. That was a lesson she had to put into practice over and over again each day.
After the service ended, Tyson put his hand on her back to lead her outside. They didn’t get away without a few people stopping Tyson to chat about their week. He talked to everyone as if he were one of them and not a successful multi-millionaire.
When they climbed inside Tyson’s truck, Olivia realized just how refreshing the service had been.
“What a great church,” she told him. “Thanks for letting me come with you.”
“Of course. Any time.”
The truth of the matter was that even though she’d become a Christian, she often felt like someone who didn’t know how to swim yet but was thrown into the deep water anyway.
For the moment, she didn’t feel quite as alone.
“Want to grab a bite to eat on the way home?” Tyson’s voice pulled her from her thoughts.
“I thought you’d never ask.” She sighed. “I’ve fantasized about what I want to eat on my cheat day all week.”
“In that case, where would you like to go?”
“Wherever I can get a burger. With cheese. And bacon.” She was already salivating.
