No.He’s not gorgeous. He’s nosy and he shouldn’t be here.
“Mind if I look around?”
Spinning to face him, I growl, “Yes.” Is this guy for real? “Seriously? I don’t know you. You could be the Return to Zodiac Hills serial killer for all I know.”
You see what I did there? Since there’s already a Zodiac Killer, I created a new one. Except, honestly, I’m not sure why I said that. He’d never get the reference. The show hasn’t even aired yet. That happens tomorrow night. It’s going to be a big deal around here, trust me. They’re even doing a special viewing in the high-school auditorium. Bella and I contemplated whether to watch with everyone else or watch it the way God intended—in pajamas with margaritas. The high school option won, sadly. Too bad, really, because margaritas would really hit the spot.
The guy chuckles. “I’m not a serial killer.”
“That’s what they all say.” I roll my eyes.
“Who says that?”
“Serial killers.” I feel like slapping myself on the forehead over this entire conversation. Because he looks confused, I clarify, “Serial killers always say they aren’t serial killers.”Duh.
“That’s plausible,” this guy I don’t know says with a chuckle. Holding out his hand, he tells me in a deep, rather raspy voice. “I’m Chase Ryder. And I think we’ve established that I am not a serial killer.”
The verdict’s still out on that.
Wait a second. I know that name. “You’re full of it. That’s the name of the guy from the movieTangled.”
“No, that’sFlynnRyder.”
How does he know that?
“I’ve seen the movie.”
Did I say that out loud? I must have.
“By you telling me your name, I’m supposed to feel okay about you breaking into my house?”
“Yourhouse?” He looks around the place. “You’rethe one renovating?”
Oh, here we go. Another misogynist. Some men can’t seem to help themselves. Assuming a woman can’t do this kind of work… well, it’s old. “My house. My company. Yes,” I snap. Bending down to grasp the now-empty can of stain, I sigh. I didn’t like the color anyway. It looks much better all over this guy. Pointing to the door, I add, “You can see yourself out.”
“Why don’t I stop by during the day?”
“Probably not a good idea.”
“But….”
I point at the door again. “Goodbye.”
I follow him as he steps closer to the exit. He stops and turns. “At least tell me your name.”
He moves over the threshold onto the wraparound porch that needs work. “Vel—” I start to say but think better of it. “Lou Hamlin.” I slam the door in his face and make a point of turning the deadbolt. The sound it makes is distinct and loud. I know he had to have heard it from the other side of the door.
“What the hell was that?” I sigh.
I don’t have the answer, but I know I’ve got to tell Bella. Reaching into my back pocket, I pull out my phone and growl. Broken screen. Again. Working construction is hard on things like cell phones. So is being a klutz. Luckily, I can still make the call.
CHAPTERSEVEN
CHASE
It wasasinine of me to walk in like that. I’m lucky all I got was a pint of wood stain thrown in my face.
Why was she working in there alone? What I mean to say, if she were a friend of mine, I’d be concerned about her being there by herself. She’s lucky it was me and not some… some serial killer, like she said.
