Page 20 of Mine to Hold
He could relate to that.
The only deep connections he had with anyone were with his family and a few close friends whom he’d known since childhood.
Thanks to Edwina and fucking Tessa, opening his heart to a woman had become impossible.
And yet he wanted Rumor like he hadn’t wanted another woman in years.
However, there was a black shadow that clung to her like thick fog on a stormy night, daring the ships to try to pass.
She was hiding something and he was desperate to know that secret and why she was so compelled to keep it tucked away in a vault.
“I have to be concerned about that because you could get four grand a month for this place just because it’s on the water. I could only swing a grand. That math doesn’t add up.”
“I’ll accept a thousand dollars a month.” He smiled.
“That’s ridiculous.”
“Not for me. Not when it’s a three-month lease and I’m doing it as a trial run to see if I even want to continue renting the place. Hell, we can go month to month or even week to week. If you don’t like it here, you can move.”
“Why are you helping me?” she asked, holding his gaze with questioning and untrusting eyes.
He had to ask himself, would he trust the situation? Would he look at himself the same way?
What were his motivations?
He couldn’t honestly answer those questions without looking like an asshole.
The reality was, he wanted her close. He didn’t know why. It was about the craziest thing he’d ever done, outside of moving in with Tessa.
That had been one hell of a mistake.
But Rumor wasn’t Tessa. Rumor was a girl with a shitty past.
Fuck, and a chick with a secret.
He sure knew how to pick them.
“Because I want to and because I can,” he said. “Let me show you how this bed works, and then I really have to go.” He turned and reached for the Murphy bed over the desk. “It’s really simple. All you have to do is pull on the handle and it folds down. The sheets are clean and the pillows are in the drawers in the coffee table.”
“That’s convenient.”
“Here are the keys.” He dangled them in his hands. “Call or text if you need anything or have any questions. I have no idea if I’ll be back before you have to leave for work. If I don’t see you before that, I’ll stop by at the diner,” he said. “Oh, and I do need you to make an official statement and talk to a sketch artist. We’ll set that up tomorrow.”
“Ugh. Do I have to?”
“Unfortunately, yes. Whoever that man was that you saw, we have no idea who he is or where he is. If he killed that girl, he’s still out there, and he’s dangerous. Lock the doors behind me. I have security cameras outside. I’ll be alerted if there is movement.”
“So, you’ll see me coming and going?”
“I’m not going to spy on you.” He arched a brow. “And there are no cameras inside here, so you don’t have to worry about that.” He curled his fingers around her biceps. “You’ll be safe here.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek.
She didn’t jerk away.
But she did tense up.
Damn.
4
