“No.”
“How did they die?”
My nostrils flare at that question. I don’t like to talk about it. I never do.
“My father shot my mother and then shot himself.” I don’t give her any more information than that, and I’m thankful when she climbs out of her seat and straddles me on the driver’s side. There’s barely enough room for us both, but I like the feel of her against me. I cover her ass with both hands and kiss her senseless.
“Now, this is much better.” I moan in her mouth. “Fuck this job. Let’s go back home—”
She opens the driver’s side door and tries to climb off my lap. “I need this job,” she says.
I don’t argue with her. I’m sure she loves what she does, and it’s too early for me to offer to support her.
I help her out of my pickup truck and take her hand.
“You can’t come in,” she says. “You will scare everyone.”
“I need to talk to Oscar.” I start to walk, but she stands there, probably ready to argue with me, so I don’t let her. I lift her off her feet and walk us through the front door.
The waiting area is empty, but the same nervous woman from last night stands behind the receptionist’s desk.
“Oh, goddammit,” she mutters under her breath. She runs to the back of the office like a scared little mouse.
“I hope she doesn’t treat patients,” I scoff.
Then the door opens, and Eden’s mother storms in. She pushes her way between us and hugs Eden. She pulls away, looks her over, and hugs her again.
“I’ve been so worried,” she says. She looks over Eden’s shoulder and glares up at me.
I remain stoic, but I marvel at how judgmental the people in Shadow Cove are.
When Dax first floated the idea of me moving here, I was instantly on board. The small town away from the city appealed to me. I like how quiet it is, and since I’ve always been a loner, it didn’t bother me that no one welcomed me. The residents go back generations, and I’m a stranger, but I’ve done more for this town in the short few years I’ve been here than the people who grew up here.
The businesses are thriving. The school has the best technology, and Shadow Cove is safer than it has ever been. And that’s no thanks to the sheriff or the mayor. Eden was with a man who lied and stole from her, but somehow, I’m the one who isn’t good enough.
“Mom, I’m fine. Rip is—”
“I don’t want to talk about him.” Serena points her index finger at Eden’s face.
“Get your damn finger out her face,” I hiss.
Eden’s eyes dart in my direction.
“Mind your business. I need to talk to my daughter. This has nothing to do with you.”
“Really? What do you want to talk to her about? I bet my name comes up in the first five seconds.”
“Ripley,” Eden warns. “It’s okay.” She mouths ‘chill’ over her mother’s shoulder.
Serena says, “I’ve been so worried.”
“Nothing will happen to her.” I make a note to call the sheriff and to give him one more day to get his wife under control. To prove my point, I’ll have to do something to show him I mean business.
Mrs. Rose’s head snaps up, but she doesn’t respond or seem relieved by my reassurance. Cupping her daughter’s face, she peers into her eyes. “I know sometimes a dalliance with someone like him can seem exciting, but that’s not true, Dandy. You have to work, but promise me you’ll come home tonight so we can talk.”
“Okay, Mom. I promise.”
She hugs her daughter and walks out without a word to me.
