I shrugged. “Sure. You guys were my final run. I save you for last because I don’t have room for anyone else. If your orders keep getting bigger I’m going to have to rent a U-Haul to get it all here in one trip.”
That got a burst of laughter from Penny. She filled a mug with coffee and handed it to me. I wrapped my fingers around the ceramic cup, the heat seeping into my cold hands. “I fucking hate this time of year,” I muttered. “I never wear the right clothes for the weather.”
“I can relate.” Penny took a sip of her coffee.
“How’d you end up here?” I asked before I could stop myself.
The women exchanged glances. Penny’s expression remained neutral. “The usual way,” she said lightly. “Needed help, found it here.” She glanced up at me, and I could see pain there. “My ex-husband… wasn’t a good person. I actually met everyone through Haven.”
“Makes sense.” I reached out and gripped Penny’s hand. “I’m glad you got away and that you found people to have your back.”
“Oh, they most certainly have my back. When Andrew found us, if I’d been anywhere other than Haven, I’m sure he’d have gotten exactly what he wanted. Me and my daughters would still be in hell.” I thought she’d sound sad or look haunted as she spoke. Instead, she smiled like she was the most contented person in the world. “I can’t imagine willingly living anywhere else. These people are my family.”
“I’m not too proud to admit I envy the happiness you’ve obviously found here. I’ve been on my own most of my life. I prefer it that way, but I’d like to have a companion. You know. Sometimes.” I caught sight of the clock on the wall and straightened. “I should get going,” I said, setting down my mug. “It’s getting late and I’ve got chores to do at home.”
“Of course,” Penny said. “But come back when you’re not working and can stay. We’d all love to bring you into our circle. There’s plenty of room if you ever need a place to crash.”
I blinked. “That’s very kind. I appreciate the offer. And I’d love to come hang out sometime.”
“Great!” Both her smile and enthusiasm were contagious. “I gave you my phone number. Right?”
“Yes. I have yours and a couple of the others’. I’ll text and maybe we can plan something in a few days?”
“If you don’t text me, I will definitely text you.”
Before I could respond, footsteps sounded from the doorway, heavy and deliberate. My pulse quickened as I turnedtoward the sound, somehow knowing who I’d find.
Rancor filled the doorway. He was an imposing figure on the best of days. Probably because he didn’t really talk much. The whole dark, mysterious vibe he had going on worked for him when it might have made other men seem aloof. The dark gray T-shirt he wore strained against his chest, shoulders, and arms. I was certain the man bought his shirts two sizes too small intentionally. His worn jeans and heavy motorcycle boots completed the look. And, Lord, the way his gaze seemed to devour me every time he looked at me turned me on way more than it should have. But Goddamnit, the man was wearing down my defenses with nothing more than good manners and persistence. He always made sure to see me every time he knew I was going to be here. Hannah said he asked her every single day if she’d put in a grocery order. She’d told me to put him out of his misery and give him my phone number already, but I hadn’t worked up the nerve yet.
Penny glanced between us, a smile playing at her lips. “Well, would you look at that timing.” She picked up her coffee mug and shot me a look that spoke volumes. I saw amusement and a healthy dose of encouragement. “I just remembered I need to check on something for the girls.”
“Yep.” Hanna grinned. “I promised to help.
Penny waved as she and Hanna left. “You two… catch up.”
She squeezed my arm as she passed, then patted Rancor’s shoulder. He stepped aside to let her through, then returned to filling the doorway.
And there we were. Alone.
“Hi,” I said, the word coming out softer than I intended. Why I suddenly felt shy was beyond me. I wasn’t one to be coy or play hard to get. If I wanted something, I went after it and wasn’t ashamed. But everything about Rancor felt different. I had genuine affection for him. I liked being around him. Despitehis size and appearance, the man gave off this soothing vibe I couldn’t explain. But not all the time. I’d seen him outside as I pulled inside the compound. I could always tell the instant he saw me because his whole body seemed to lighten. He stood straighter with his shoulders back proudly. When he did that, Rancor was truly a sight to behold.
“You came back,” he said, the words hanging in the quiet kitchen. He always made the same simple statement. I thought maybe he felt as unsure of himself as I did. Maybe I wasn’t the only one who thought whatever we had between us was different.
I smiled, unable to help myself. “Third week running.”
He moved into the room with slow, deliberate steps. “Finished for the day?” he asked, stopping closer than strictly necessary but not close enough to touch. I found myself wanting to lean into him to close the gap between us.
“Yeah.” I shifted my weight, suddenly very aware of my body and how my pussy clenched at the thought of reaching out to touch him. “Saved you guys for last.”
His gaze remained steady on mine. “I’ll walk you out.”
Not a question. Not quite an order either but pretty close. I had to smile at his gruff exterior. As with a lot of these guys, I suspected Rancor was a marshmallow on the inside.
“Thanks,” I said, gathering my keys from the counter. We moved through the kitchen and out the door into the late afternoon light. The compound hummed with distant activity off in the distance.
Rancor walked beside me, close enough that occasionally our arms brushed. Each touch sent electricity skittering across my skin. He didn’t speak, and surprisingly, I found the silence comfortable. When we reached my car, I turned to face him, leaning back against the driver’s door.
“Why do you keep coming back?” His voice was low,rough at the edges. The question came without preamble, direct in a way that startled me.
