“Yeah,” he says, like it’s nothing.Like what we did was nothing.“I’m better than…” he starts.“I mean… Are you okay?”
“Sometimes.”
He nods.“Good.Keep a bat under the counter.”
“I’ve got pepper spray on my keyring.”
He smirks.“Cute.”
His words shouldn’t sound like affection, but they do.Humbug’s fighting a smile as he leaves to join his brothers.
I look to Ginger who shakes her head.She’s refusing my silent plea.So, I strut over, pour their drinks.When I slide Humbug’s glass across, his fingers brush mine.All accident, except neither of us moves away fast enough.Then he grabs my hand and doesn’t let go.Heat jolts through me, quick and mean.
“You shouldn’t be here,” I whisper.
“Neither should you.”His mouth curves.“Peppermint.”
Before I can answer, the door jingles again.Blake’s back.Walks in, crisp, wool coat, gloves, that practiced smile that never reaches his eyes.
“Carol.”He waves, bright for the crowd.
Perfect timing.I steal my hand away from the biker.
Humbug straightens.Blake notices him, of course he does.Evervale may be sweet, but it isn’t blind.Everyone knows what kind of men the Executioners are.
I head to the bar as Blake crosses to take a stool.He leans over and drops a kiss on my cheek that feels like performance art.“We’re grabbing dinner after you finish.”
“I’ve still got a half hour.”
“I’ll wait.”He sits, orders a coffee black.
And we have company.Humbug takes a seat beside him.
Turning his head, Blake gives the big biker a once-over.“Friend of yours?”
“Customer,” I say too fast.
Humbug laughs under his breath.“Sure.Customer.”
Blake reaches out his hand, polite as ever.“You’re the man from the robbery, right?Carol said you helped.”
My eyes narrow.Blake’s quicker than I thought.I’m surprised he cares.
Humbug ignores his hand.Stares at it like it’s a snake in the grass.“Helped myself to trouble, mostly.”
“Well, thanks,” Blake says stiffly.“The town owes you.”
“Town’s not payin’ what I want.”
I drop the rag I’m holding.“Humbug…”
He raises a brow at me.“It’s the truth.”
“Stop.”
“What do you want?”Blake reaches for his wallet.“Money?”
Humbug shakes his head.“Nope.”
