Page 77 of My UnTrue Love
“But I want to helpmore.”
Bill was never a man to miss an opportunity. Her brother had given him an idea and here was the perfect chance to see it through. “Would you consider sleeping in my bed tonight?”
Her lips parted.
“Just to sleep.” He assured her swiftly. “I promise.”
“Would that help you feel safer?”
“You know, I really think it would.” With her tucked in beside him, nothing could steal her away. His life and heart would be much more secure.
Not that coyotes had hearts.
She chewed on her lower lip. “I sleep with a light on. I’ve been scared of the dark, ever since the mining accident.”
Maybe hehadbeen the lucky one to have useless parents. Maybe it was better than losing loving ones. Needing them and having them ripped away must have been a horrific blow. No wonder it still haunted her. “How about we bring your nightlight into my room?”
“That would work. If you’re sure it’ll really help you to have me there.”
“Darlin’, I’mpositive.”
Chapter Sixteen
“Coyotes cursed to solitude,
For all the days commenced,
‘til a woman with assertitude,
Teaches them some common sense.”
Lyrics from the folk song “Crossroads Coyote”
Clem watched the horses run along the ceiling.
Her nightlight projected the glowing images of the animals racing in an endless circle, their shapes created by light and shadow. She hoped Bill didn’t think her fear of the darkness was childish, like Johnny always did.
She sent a quick look his way. “Um… are you busy tomorrow?”
Bill was standing by the side of the bed, plugging in his phone. “I got to get up early and run a bothersome errand.” He said casually. “But I’ll be back under the covers, before you even miss me. Then in the afternoon, I got a real important appointment.”
Right. That phone call he’d received before Rosalee arrived at their house. Clem refused to ask about his “important appointment.”Refused. He should tell her without her having to probe. That was obviously what any normal person would do: Explain all their important appointments, with no prompting, so their roommate wouldn’t freak out about why they weren’t invited along.
Really, he should just invite her along.
“Well, in the morning we can work on your music.” She decided, pointedly ignoring the mystery. “It’s vital that we capitalize on tonight’s triumph.”
“Is that what we’re calling it?”
“Yes! You were the best performer on stage, by a huge margin. I’m sure you would’ve had an encore in the finale, if it wasn’t for the brawl.”
“Guess it’s lucky I got arrested, then. I didn’t practice any other songs.”
She ignored his negativity. “Andalsotomorrow, could you speak with Luke?”
“Oh, I’ll be speaking to that boy.” Bill promised and set his phone on the small, wooden table he used as a nightstand. “Just as soon as I possibly can.”
“Good. I’m so worried. He’s not in his apartment. I think he’s hiding.”
