“Not even close.”
“Anyone told you you’re annoying?”
“Nope.”
I scoff. “Right.” I run a hand over my face again. His heart is in the right place, and he was there for me when I fell apart. Without him and most of the people in this town, I don’t know where I’d be. Even though the townsfolk can be up in your business most of the time, they keep their prying eyes away and gossip to a minimum. “Appreciate it.”
Even I can admit tonight was pleasant. Despite my family telling stories and being embarrassing, they mean well. My mom would invite complete strangers into our home in fear they’d be alone for the holidays. Like Sadie.
I think about what George said and brush it off. His words resonated and made sense, but I don’t want to think about it right now.
By the time I drive Bailey and Sadie home, Bails is asleep in the back of my truck, snoring like a grizzly bear.
“She could wake the dead,” I say, taking the mountain road slowly. Even in my truck, these roads are slippery at this time of year.
“I can hear her through the walls,” Sadie giggles. “I invested in some earplugs.”
That somehow makes me chuckle ever so lightly.
Now is probably as good a time as any to approach the impending elephant in the room. “Listen, I tried to find you a room to move into, but everywhere is booked. If anythin’ comes up, I’ll be the first to know. For now, looks like it’s my place.”
“I hate the thought of imposing on you,” she says. “But I promise I’ll stay out of your hair, though I can’t say the same for Mindy, she’s needy, and she loves cuddles.”
“I can’t wait.”
“Yeah, I hope you’re not allergic?”
I shake my head. “I’m kiddin’. Animals love me, remember?”
“Thanks for doing this.” She’s looking straight ahead when she continues, “Like I said at the interview, I had a shitty time of late, and I did love my job before they fired me.”
I pique a brow. “I’m sorry they let you go, they sound like assholes.”
“I worked hard,” she goes on. “But corporate don’t care. You’re just another ass in a seat, ya know? I don’t know… maybe being here has made me realize my worth. After being here and feeling like I’m part of something bigger, it feels... I don’t know,different.”
“That’s what small towns do to you.”
She gives me a little chastising slap on the bicep, more like a tap, and my body reacts. My jaw sets, my hands grip the steering wheel, and my dick hardens. Fuck, I love her touch, even when it’s a slap on the arm. I’ll take it.
She notices. “Zane, are you okay?”
I nod. “I’m fine, the road is slippery.”
“You look so tense.”
“Like I said, the mountain is dangerous at nighttime.”
I swallow hard as she stares at me. “I’ve had a bit to drink,” she confesses. “And I probably shouldn’t be saying this, but you’re a good boss.”
I frown. “I am?”
“Yep.”
I laugh into my fist, pressed against my mouth. “How do you figure? Most people won’t work for me in this town.”
She shrugs. “You’re set in your ways. Most of us are. You’re not a big grump, you’re just who you are because you self protect.”
My heart races in my chest. Then I realize Bailey probably told her about my past. Fantastic. Just what I need — more sympathy.
