“Don’t worry, I have something that will work. This is not my first rodeo.”
She bustles back around the counter. I leave her to get on with it, looking around the room and taking everything in. In theory, this kind of place shouldn’t work in a town this size. But it really does, so what the fuck do I know?
“How’s Theo doing?” I call out as I make my way over to the counter.
“Good. He’s on the debate team and the football team, so he’s always busy with something.”
“He’s happy, though. That’s all that matters.”
“Exactly. What about you? I’m not going to ask how you’re doing. I know all too well how hard the first few months in particular are. What I want to know is if there is anything I can do? Need a home-cooked meal or two, or someone to watch brain-rot TV with, I’m your girl.”
I smile, my first genuine one of the day. “Thanks, Delphi. A home-cooked meal sounds great. I’ll let you know when I’m not at work so we can figure something out.”
“No pressure. You can just drop by wherever. You’re always welcome. Hell, if you follow Con home, most days you’ll end up at my house.”
“You adopting another one?” I tease. Most of the old ladies have a soft spot for that particular prospect.
“I think I have my hands full with Theo for now.” She smiles back at me before handing over a bag of goodies. “Ooh. I have something else for you. Gimmie a sec.”
She disappears for a moment before returning with a second bag.
“What’s all this?”
“Books for Citi and Star. I don’t really know what they’re into, so there’s a bit of everything in there.”
“That’s sweet. Thanks, Delphi. How much do I owe you?”
She waves me off. “On the house.”
“You’ll go out of business doing that.” I pull some cash from my wallet, ignoring her protests. When she refuses to take it, I shove it in the tip jar, making her curse.
“Dammit, Ambros, I’m trying to do something nice.”
“You did do something nice. Doesn’t mean you gotta go broke to do it.”
She rolls her eyes at me, but I just grin and head for the door. It opens as I reach it. I take a step back and let the guy through.
“Hey, I’m Delphi. Can I help you at all?” I hear Delphi ask as I leave.
“Yes. I’m looking for books on the history of this town. You have anything?”
I close the door. Delphi will have already forgotten about me now. With a chuckle, I peer into the bag of pastries. There’s a flask in there, too. Ravens really do have the best old ladies.
I climb back on my bike and head over to Kruger’s old place, which is where Citi has been staying, and park my bike out front. I see the curtain twitch as I get off and head to the door.
When the door doesn’t immediately open, I knock and wait. I’m about to knock again when the door cracks open, the chain still in place.
“Ambros?”
“Angel, I come bearing gifts.” I hold the bags up for her to see.
She looks behind me and from side to side, making sure I’m alone before pulling the chain back and opening the door wider. “Hi. Come in.”
I take in her ripped jeans, white T-shirt, and bare feet and swallow. There is nothing sexy about her outfit, but my dick doesn’t care. Everything about this woman turns me on.
She locks the door behind me and ushers me into the kitchen. “What brings you by?” she asks, keeping distance between us.
“You okay? You seem a little jittery.”
