Page 54 of A Very Merry Mistake

Once she sits upright, Claire lifts her arms and stretches. She’s not at the part that will break her yet, but I look forward to watching her holding back emotions. She’s tried to convince me she’s tough, but I know better. I saw through that act the first day we met.

Just as I get up to make some more coffee, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out and see Hank’s name on the screen. I’m almost surprised to see him calling, but I answer.

“You two kiss yet?”

“Shut up,” I say, but I can’t hold back my grin.

He hoots. “By the sound of your tone, it’s a lot more than kissing.”

I ignore him, knowing if I say too much, he’ll get the truth out of me, and I’d love to keep us to myself for now. “Whatcha want?”

“The power should be on any minute,” he announces.

“Really? That’s good news.”

“Yeah! Downtown has electricity. Glenda’s been cooking all day for all the electrical workers. Many of them are camped out because there ain’t nothin’ open anywhere else.”

“Damn, I might take a drive down there if that’s the case,” I admit, wishing I can get one of her renowned chicken pot pies or some potato soup. When the temperature drops, it’s usually my go-to. “Thanks for lettin’ me know. Was that it?”

“Just one more thing. I got an update on the truck you had me tow back to town. But I want an update from you first,” he says.

“There ain’t nothin’ to talk about.” I put a pot of water on the stove and let it boil.

“That’s great news, then. Been thinking ’bout all the places I’m gonna ride that Harley to over the summer.”

I shake my head, not wanting him to get too cocky, but also not wanting to play this game. I’m hyperaware that Claire is within earshot. “Oh, I nearly forgot to mention she’s stayin’ until January seventh, so if you’d needed more time on the vehicle, it would’ve been fine.”

“Really?” His voice goes up an octave like he’s perplexed. “I thought she wanted to fly back to New York ASAP.”

I chuckle. “You almost sound disappointed.”

“No, I just didn’t think you’d have a chance in hell with that one.”

“Boohoo. Just bein’ my usual self,” I tell him.

“Isn’t this fuckin’ great? Playboy Jake is back in action. Hot damn.” He lets out a whoop. “Let the games begin.”

“I don’t know what you’re talkin’ about. Anyway, the update?”

“Oh yeah, about that. There was nothing wrong with the truck.”

My brow furrows, and I freeze. “What?”

“Yeah, just conveniently ran out of gas.”

“No way.”

“Mmhmm, so now I’m back to my original thought. Are you sure this woman isn’t here to scam ya out of everything you own?”

I think about his question, and then my mind replays what Claire and I have shared over the last few days. It is real, but I keep my answers neutral. “Nah. I don’t think so.”

“She seems smart, though. She could’ve set the whole thing up and ran out of gas on purpose to help her find her next victim.”

I shake my head, refusing to entertain the idea. “I think all the reality TV you’ve been watchin’ has given you brain damage.”

“Whatever you say, man. Just be careful.”

“Always am,” I admit, glancing at the back of Claire’s head.

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