I sure as heck hoped so."Um…probably."
"Well, don't let it gotoolong," she said. "I can't be toddling down to Chicagoeverymonth. Oh, drat! Look at the time. Sorry, gotta run!"
"But wait! I hate to ask, but how'd you manage it? I mean…with the money?" I winced. "And, uh…do I owe you anything?"
"Me?" she laughed. "Nah."
I blinked. "Seriously?" Even factoring in the three thousand she'd borrowed last Christmas, her answer was still a little shocking.
"Tell ya what," she said. "Bring me something sweet from Miami, and we'll call it good."
Wow.Nowthatwas sweet, especially coming from Mom.
As far as bringing her anything from Miami, this would be a tall order, since I was on the opposite side of the country. But I didn't sweat it. Mackinac Island had plenty of things that were sweet, including world-famous fudge that I could claim had come from just about anywhere.
I smiled. "Definitely." Probably, I should've left it there, but as the family worry wart, I couldn't let it go. It wasn't lost on me that she neverdidanswer my question about the source of her windfall. "But hey, can I ask you something?"
"As long as you make it quick."
"Don't get me wrong. I'mreallyhappy, it's just that…I'm kind of wondering…where'd you come up with the money?"
"Oh,that?"she said. "I got it from Delaney."
46
The Shark After Dark
Ryder
The shark was back. I didn't mean on the street. I meant at the bike shop, standing upright behind the decorative fence. It was nestled between the bumblebee bike and another one that resembled a snake.
Main Street was completely deserted – no surprise there, considering sunrise was still hours away.
After walking Tessa to the front porch of a modest two-story house – and kissing her soundly goodnight – I'd returned the long way, taking time to think.
No.Notjustto think.
To act.
Already, I'd sent a text to my best contact in Chicago with four little words.I need your help.
Sure, it was the middle of the night, but if I knew Maddox – and I sure as hell did – he would reply first thing tomorrow when he woke up, which gavemesome time to take stock.
I didn't like how easily Tessa had convinced herself she was overreacting. Fear had a way of doing that – making smart people second-guess their instincts. But I trusted mine. And right now, they were telling me that Tessa was in deeper than she let on.
Shethoughtshe was on her own.She wasn't.Not anymore.
She hadn't asked me for help.Unlike most people, she hadn't asked for anything. And somehow, that made me want to give her everything she deserved – answers, peace of mind, and backup, whether she wanted it or not.
Tonight, walking away had been harder than I'd expected. The feel of her lips, the warmth of her smile, the way we meshed – it all felt right.
I was still lost in my own thoughts when I caught movement to my left. I turned to look and spotted that guy again – Maisie's ex.What was his name?I was pretty sure it began with a D.
Darren?
Dipshit?
Doorknob?
