Instead of waiting outside, Greg followed a little too closely behind me. The hair on the nape of my neck stood up in warning, and I could have sworn I heardandfelt him sniffing me.
Mrs. Hewitt chose that moment to open her door. I took advantage of her sudden appearance and put as much distance as I could between myself and Greg.
“Oh good, it’s about time you showed up! I’ve been calling you for weeks now about the leaky faucet in my bathroom!” she barked.
“I told you, Mrs. Hewitt, I’ve got a call into a plumber. He should be coming by tomorrow evening, between five and eight.”
“You’re a man, aren’t you?” she snapped. “Men are supposed to know these things. Go in and look at it yourself.”
I’d never been more thankful for my neighbour than I was in that moment. With Greg distracted, I was able to quickly grab the envelope off my table and thrust it at him.
“Six months of post-dated cheques,” I said, sending Mrs. Hewitt a grateful smile before closing my door and locking it—the deadbolt, the chain, and the knob.
Still, I felt revolted. I shivered and walked away from the door. In instances like this, I missed having Erik around—or at least someone else, to deal with the pervy landlord so I wouldn’t have to. At least I’d bought myself another six months.
Dahmer let out a pressing mewl, demanding my attention. He jumped from the sofa into my arms, and I caught him, cuddling him close to me. As he purred, I relaxed, pushing the icky feelings away, choosing to focus on the good things instead—like the fun I’d had with Alaric and the stray dog.
As if sensing my thoughts—or finally figuring out the strange scent on me was a dreaded dog—Dahmer let out an angry yowl and kicked off my chest, his claws digging in as he pushed off me.
“Don’t be jealous!” I called after him, knowing he’d disappeared under my bed. He’d be mad at me until dinner.
I poured myself a glass of wine and ran a bath, dropping in a bath bomb. I set my phone on the closed toilet lid and twisted my hair up. Climbing into the tub, I let out a sigh of contentment as the hot, fizzing water eased the tension in my muscles.
My cell phone rang, and I picked it up. Kelsey’s photo and number flashed on the screen. I answered and put her on speaker. “Why are you interrupting bath time?”
“Why aren’t you texting me back?” Kelsey answered my question with one of her own.
“Sorry. I didn’t realize you’d messaged me. I just got home. Had to deal with the landlord.”
“Gross Greg came by? Didn’t he come by last month?”
“Yeah, but apparently he wants rent every month,” I teased. “What did the texts say?”
“Not to make any plans next Sunday; we’re going dress shopping!” Kelsey squealed with excitement.
“Oh, yay! Wait…who’s we?”
“Mom, of course. And Elliott’s mom…”
“Ugh.” I scowled. Elliott’s mom was an uptight woman, and that wasn’t a snap judgment, it was the truth. She walked around with her nose in the air all the time, and I rubbed her the wrong way. “Fine,” I sighed.
“Gee, don’t sound so excited!” Kelsey deadpanned.
“I am ridiculously excited to watch you try on dresses,” I said sincerely. “I’m less excited that Judgy Janice will be there, too. But I get it, she’s going to be your mother-in-law soon. My condolences, by the way.”
“She’s not that bad,” my sister said in her defence. I could hear the frown over the line.
“You’re right, there are definitely worse in-laws out there, probably,” I relented, shrugging. “Anyway, I’ll be there, with bells on.”
* * *
I was gatheringmy things after work on Friday when the door to the shop opened, and Alaric walked in, his welding helmet tucked under his arm, and his handsome face covered in metal shards.
It was the first time I’d seen him since Tuesday night. He’d shown up before me and left after me through the shop doors. I’d never minded how little I had to interact with my father’s employees until him, and now it bothered me that it was so hard to catch him alone.
“Is it too late to pick up my pay stub?” he asked, his eyes raking over my body. I was wearing a tight red skirt with an attached navy polka dot top. My hair was up in a twisted bun with some curls framing my face. I knew I looked good, but with his gaze on me, I felt sensual.
“Nope. It’s in that tray on the counter.” I tilted my chin in the direction of the metal tray. I looped my purse over my shoulder, worrying my lip as I watched him. I moved toward the counter. “So, how’s the dog?”
