Mabel waved her lighter. “If that creep shows up again, singe his eyebrows.”
Agnes raised the rolling pin. “Or break his kneecaps.”
June held up the colander. “Or dent his skull.”
“I appreciate the… enthusiasm,” I said, trying not to laugh. “But I’m good.”
Trigger whispered, “Take the colander. For morale.”
Wolf pinched the bridge of his nose. “No one is taking the colander.”
He opened the library door for me like a gentleman from another century, and we stepped out onto Main Streettogether.
Even with the sun out, the town felt… different.
Quieter.
Watching.
Wolf walked beside me, gaze scanning rooftops, alleys, parked cars—every shadow like he was cataloguing threats only he could see.
“You okay?” he asked.
“Trying to be.”
He nodded once. Not dismissing. Not patronizing. Just… understanding.
We passed Marlow’s Grocery. Mrs. Kincaid was sweeping the sidewalk, but she wasn’t even pretending to sweep — she was flat-out staring at us.
Athim.
Atustogether.
She gave me a wink so aggressive I nearly tripped.
“Oh my God,” I muttered.
Wolf glanced over. “What?”
“Everyone thinks you’re my… boyfriend or something.”
His brow lowered, thoughtful. “Is that a problem?”
My heart tripped. “No. I mean—yes. I mean—”
I nearly walked into a parked truck.
Wolf caught my elbow gently, steadying me. His hand stayed there a little too long.
Or maybe not long enough.
“Nora.” His voice dropped, softer than I’d ever heard it. “You don’t ever have to explain yourself to me.”
I swallowed. Hard. “Okay.”
When we reached my lawn, he stopped short.
Not dramatically. Not obviously.
