“Are you available this morning or not?” I’m not engaging in their useless chatter.
“If my meeting doesn’t run too long, I’ll stop by and help for a bit.”
I tug open the fridge and grab the container of leftovers for lunch.
“Or, I could go grocery shopping so we actually have food,” she says as if I’m still supposed to stock the house.
“There’s food in the pantry. You just have to make it.”
She scoffs like that’s a ridiculous concept.
“If you move out, you’ll have to cook.”
We trade making meals, but Krissy conveniently has plans pop up on her assigned nights.
“Nah. I’ll just be strategic about lining up dates.”
“Didn’t go well with the doctor?” I ask, but I’m not really sure I want to know the details.
“I didn’t say that.” She pushes away from the counter and stops at the bottom of the stairs. “Will you go with me to look at apartments?”
I turn in her direction, thinking about what the guys said.
“Please,” she begs softly.
“Not Trig’s apartment.”
“Deal.” She smiles and climbs the stairs. “Good thing. Otherwise, you’re gonna have to be cool with me bringing the hot doc back here.”
I run a hand over my face. She wears me out.
I shove the plastic container of chicken and rice in my lunch box and swipe my travel mug from the counter. I grab my hat and coat, needing to get to the shop and sort out the schedule. If I have time, I’ll run payroll, check inventory, and review statements to see if I can bring on another mechanic.
I back out of the garage, and Brandon stands in the middle of his yard, staring at me while his mini dog shits in his front yard. My next-door neighbor spends his days walking his wiener and watching what everyone else does.
When I moved in, he complained that my truck was too much for his noise sensitivity. Then, I caught him eyeing Krissy and told him if he didn’t want to be blind, he should keep his eyes on his side of the fence.
At the end of my street, I proceed to turn right. As I approach the bus stop, I notice a woman sitting on the bench that’s usually empty. I roll closer, and my head swivels, seeing—
My foot spontaneously stomps on the brake, sending my coffee flying off the center console. “Dammit.” I rip the tumbler off the floor. Thankfully, the sliding lid was closed.
I stare out the window at Sarah sitting in a skirt, her long, slim legs covered with black tights and heels. It’s forty-some degrees, and she’s wearing a thin sweater with a collared shirt underneath. Her long, shiny brown hair hangs in waves, shielding her face. She’s focused on the open book across her lap.
All common sense screams to roll on past, but my stupid ass finger goes rogue and pushes the button to lower the window. “What are you doing?”
Her head snaps up, and those tantalizing eyes spear me. One as blue as the morning sky. The other, like warm amber. Both are enhanced by a light layer of makeup.
She glances right, then left, looking up and down the street before focusing back on me.
“Did you look up my address? Are you stalking me?” Her head falls to the side, and she crosses her arms over her chest, her brow scrunching.
My shoulders slump as my eyes roll. I have lost my damn mind. Krissy has finally driven me to complete insanity.
A car approaches in my rearview mirror but proceeds around my truck. My gaze travels back to the woman on the bench as she shoves her book into her bag.
“Stalking you?” I have to hold back a scoff. “Has that been a common occurrence that would make you believe I’d spend my time hunting you down in hopes of catching you alone and off guard?”
One dark eyebrow arches as she zips her bag closed. “That question was a bit detailed, don’t you think?”
