Page 25 of Make Me Trust Again
“I would be better if you would finally get to the point. I don’t have a whole day.”
For one long heartbeat, there is only silence.
My fingers grip the phone tighter, expecting her to probe further, but she doesn’t.
“There has been a leak in the kitchen at Reading Nook. Can you go and check it out?”
Her request has me rolling my eyes. Of course, something in the Reading Nook casually needs fixing, and she needs me to go and check it out.
“Can’t Miguel do it? It’s the off-season, and I’m kind of busy.”
This isn’t the first time she’s trying to get me out and into town because she needs my “help” with something.She left her phone at the house, or she needs me to pick up something from the store because she forgot to grab it, or there is one thing or another that needs fixing.
“Miguel is out at the ranch helping Aaron with something, so no, he can’t help.”
Of-fucking-course.
Because that’s just my luck.
“This better not be one of your little games,” I mutter, pinching the bridge of my nose.
“I’m not playing games. There is a freaking bucket under my sink that has to be emptied every so often, and my kitchen is full of different pots scattered around any and all available surfaces.”
I sigh, giving in. “I’ll go and check it out.”
“Thank you,” she says sweetly, just when there is a loud wail coming from the background. “Shit,I have to go. But, by the way? You should definitely think about Rose moving in. We both know that you don’t need the cottage; you’re just being a grumpy asshole.”
With that, she hangs up.
Groaning, I let my hand drop.
I should have known she wouldn’t give up just like that. Becky was pissed after I told her no and walked away the other day, leaving her and Rose on the porch. But what did she expect? I stayed away from everybody for a reason. And allowing Rose Hathaway and her son to move into the cottage on the ranch goes against every cell in my body.
Then why can’t you stop thinking about her, Williams?
Shadow’s ears perk up, her dark gaze meeting mine, and I swear she’s giving me a matching accusing look.
“Don’t look at me like that.”
The dog lets out an unamused huff. Why are all the females in my life such hotheads?
Go figure.
I pull open the door. “C’mon, we’ve gotta get on the road.”
The curious looks start the moment I step out of my truck in front of the Reading Nook. Mrs. Timothy is standing in front of her flower shop across the street, talking to two older ladies, their wide eyes following my every move.
I give a curt nod in their direction, which earns me a wave back, but before they can say anything, I turn my back and go toward the café, Shadow matching my stride.
Becky has always been a bookworm and talked about owning her own bookstore, and one thing about my sister is that she’ll do whatever she sets her mind to. So I wasn’t surprised when she informed me in one of her letters a few years back that she bought this open space and remodeled the whole thing to make it into a bookworm’s dream—her words, not mine.
The bell chimes as I push the door open and step inside. My back stiffens as a few people glance toward me. Their reactions vary, from surprise to curiosity to revulsion. Dismissing them, I shift my attention to the counter, only to come to a stop when I see the familiar blue eyes staring at me from across the counter.
Rose’s smile falls when she spots me. Her hair is lifted in a ponytail, a few dark brown strands curling around her face and her nape. Her cheeks are slightly pink, and there is a little smudge on her face as if she just wiped absentmindedly over her cheek in a hurry. And then there is a black shirt with a Reading Nook logo on it.
Fucking hell.
I was set up.
