“It’s somebody else’s kids, so I’m thinking not, but I’d be happy to go out next week sometime. My schedule’s open.”
“Monday?”
“Sure. Where do you have in mind?”
“Nothing fancy.” Ken paused. “Unless you’d like fancy.”
“No, simple’s fine. I’d like to change my clothes beforehand, so I can meet you there, if that’s okay. I prefer to have my own ride.”
“Okay. That’ll work. I’ll text you the location.” He pulled out his phone. “What’s your number?”
Ahri hesitated. Kayn had added a second phone to his plan for her, but that meant his name showed up as her caller ID. That wouldn’t work.
Something niggled at the back of her mind, but it was gone before she could figure out what it was. She’d had no idea that planning a simple date could be so complicated when she was playing incognito. Until she could take back her true identity, she’d have to play it close.
“Send the information to my work email.”
“Okay?” His confusion—and she was sure it was hurt—was plain in that single word.
“I can’t go into detail, but I had a bad experience earlier this year, so I’m overly cautious now. It’s nothing personal,” she said.
“I’m not going to go all stalker on you.”
“That’s good to know.” Ahri put a teasing note into her voice. “If I’m too much trouble, I’ll understand if you want to back out.”
“No. Not at all.” Ken’s voice came out firm this time, and he sounded more like the man who’d sat beside her in the meetings. “I’ll email you.”
“Good. I can access my account on my phone, so send it anytime.” She pulled out her keys.
“Do you have any food preferences?”
“I like just about everything.”
“I’ll be in touch then.” Ken grinned, backing up. “Have a good weekend.” He turned and strode away.
Ahri climbed the steps into Kayn’s behemoth. Her first date in years. She hoped wherever Ken chose to go had good parking for this tank. The little worry from earlier returned, and she tried to grasp it. It escaped again. Irritated, she turned the ignition.
Then it hit her.Kayn’struck. She’d been blithely driving it between Francie’s and the complex. How many people knew he owned the thing? Would they wonder why she was driving histruck? No one had mentioned anything to her. She sent her brother a quick text.
How many people know you own this truck?
Why?
Will anybody connect me with you through it?
Who cares?
Ahri sighed. He was such an idiot sometimes. Maybe she should forward this whole thread to Bill for his take on it.
Do you want people to think I’m your girlfriend?
Gross. Why? Someone talking?
Just answer the question.
I’ve only driven it once, when I first got it. You’re safe.
All right.
