“Sorry,” I grumble. Probably should have warned him.
Dallas leans back in his chair. “I’ve never been more afraid of another man in my life.”
I chuckle. “Wish I could’ve seen it.” I reach for a stack of old invoices that don’t need my attention. “Not sulking. I’m working.”
“You’re hiding. And seein’ as how Ginger is giving Rose busy work in the front office, I take it you ended it.”
I shake my head, avoiding eye contact.
“Can I ask why her brother finding out about you two made you walk out on her?”
“It’s none of your business.”
He stands. “Well, I know better than to try to get anything out of you when you’re like this.”
“Where you going?”
“Pick up Rose. Got to put good talent to useful work.”
“Leave her alone. She’s leaving early today,” I snap.
He grins. “I know.” He tips his head. “Said she’s got ideas for Ellie’s room. We’re going to go to the hardware store, then back to the new house. Figured you wouldn’t mind.”
I shrug as my teeth clench and my heart sinks. “She’s as much your employee as she is mine. But if she falls off any ladders, I’llpersonally break every bone in your body.”
He stands, lifting his black hat off the table. “Ladders. Good one. Better than that B.S. story about Rose’s arm you told her brother.”
My eyes snap to his. “What do you know about that?”
“I know you were lying. Those scars weren’t fresh. Noticed them that night she took care of mine.”
I lower my gaze. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
At the end of the day Wednesday, I stop at The Shack to talk to Wes.
I haven’t been able to get over the things those two said to each other outside. How he’d never taken the time to listen to her.
Howmuchsheneedshimto.
We’re not quite closed yet, but it’s the end of the day and he’s usually the last one here, taking inventory and working on the menu.
As expected, I find him behind the bar, closing out the register. He eyes me as I lock the door and flip the sign on the door to Closed.
“Can we talk?”
He glances at the sign. “Doesn’t look like I’ve got much of a choice, boss.”
“I’m not here as your boss. I never am. Just want to make sure we’re not interrupted.”
He scoffs. “Explains all the locks on Rose’s door.”
“No, it doesn’t,” I snap.
He jerks at my tone. And I’m not sorry for it because he doesn’t know why I put them there.
And he needs to.
“Look, I know you’re not ready to talk to me or even see me. And I know from experience, you don’t forgive easily.”
