Still, I couldn’t let Dare see me like that. If he realized I was scared he’d never let me step foot in town again until Victor was gone. If he ever would be.
Gosh, how had I ended up this man’s prisoner a second time?
Dare checked on me with a glance and held the door open for me as we left the store. On our way back to the truck, someone caught my attention.
“Zachary! Zachary!” An elderly Black man said, and his dog launched at me as they approached me.
“Mr. Rogers! How are you?” I said and the dog, Prince, stopped at my feet, looked up, and growled.
I laughed.
“Silly dog. Zachary is a friend,” Mr. Rogers chuckled whole-heartedly, the way only old men could, and put his arms around me. “How have you been, my dear? Terrible business what’s happened to your truck.”
I hugged the old man back and hummed in agreement.
“Where have you been? I haven’t seen much of you since.”
“I…I’m staying with a…” I started and glanced at Dare who was watching us like a hawk.
Goosebumps filled the back of my neck at his towering presence and protective gaze.
“With a friend,” I finished.
Mr. Rogers cocked his head.
“Did something happen to your place? I thought you got an apartment at Chestnut Hill.”
“It’s a long story, Mr. Rogers. Long story.”
One I wasn’t keen to tell any time soon.
“Well, you’re always welcome to stop by or stay. You know that. Luna’s Lodge is always open for you.”
I thanked him and hugged him again before we parted ways.
“I hope to see you back in business soon,” he said as we walked away and I sighed, put my hands in my coat’s pockets and bit my tongue.
I had no idea if that would ever happen again. But I guessed that was why I needed to stop by the insurance broker’s office.
Dare was staring at me when I got back in the truck.
“What?” I asked.
“You know Mr. Rogers too?”
I frowned.
“Yeah, I stayed with him for a few weeks while I looked for an apartment.”
“So did I. Where wasmyhug?”
I couldn’t help it. I laughed. I laughed so loud it gave me an instant headache.
“I don’t know,” I said. “What did you do to him?”
“Nothing. I swear!” he answered.
I narrowed my eyes and hummed, staring at him.
