“You’ll do.” I set the application down and pick up the pen. “What’s my first name?”
“What?”
I bring my eyes up and lock on to her pretty green gaze. “My first name?”
“You, uh…” She frowns. “You don’t remember?”
“No, I do. I’m just making sure you do. You continue to call me Mr. Castro, though I’m certain I already told you my name.”
“Oh.” She nibbles on her bottom lip and links her fingers together in her lap. “Lincoln.”
“There it is.” I write it on the first line. “Make sure you use it,or I’ll have to call you Ms. Nichols. And that feels really weird, because I mostly only knew Ryan as Nichols.” I study her from beneath my lashes. “Saying that name while thinking about how pretty you are is giving me the heebie-jeebies.”
Her cheeks flame bright red, and her eyes dance with both shyness and humor. She can’t possibly be unaccustomed to being told she’s beautiful. No chance in hell. But it seems she’s unaccustomed to her brother’s friends doing it.
He probably would’ve killed anyone who tried.
I can relate to that sentiment. But I’m not a brother today. Nor a protector. I’m a man whose job is to charm an innocent woman out of something she doesn’t even realize she has, and hope not to break her heart in the process.
“Will you reconsider the coffee thing soon?” I drop my gaze and go back to filling in the application. “I fear loneliness will lead me to naming the rats and conferring with them on what we should order for dinner. Ryan assured me you were nicer than that.”
“No coffee. It’s kind of a rule, actually.”
Curious, I set my pen down and give her my full attention. “A rule?”
“Yeah. Ry would be pissed if he found out I was interested in his friend.” Long lashes kiss her cheeks as she slowly blinks. “Even if I admitted that the friend was charming and annoyingly handsome. Perhaps it’s best you continue to call me Ms. Nichols.”
“Oh, God.” I clutch my chest and groan. “Don’t do it. Don’t make me look at you, but see his face. It’s creepy.”
I like that she laughs even amidst soul-aching sadness. I lovethat I could bring a smile to her face, despite the dishonorable intentions that brought me here.
If I can manage it, I’ll complete my mission without bringing her any pain. But to do that—and keep Tank and Aster out of this sleepy little town—I need to recover the thing Ryan Nichols hid.
Soon.
What does that thing look like?No fucking clue.
Where did he put it?Don’t know that either.
Will I find it without securing an invitation into her home and looking around?No fucking chance.
7
NOVA
TEST IT OUT
Ishouldn’t think about Lincoln Castro in any way except as a customer. And I sure as hell shouldn’t think of him as often as I have in the last twenty-four hours since he stepped into my office at the bank.
But my options, as far as I see them, are to drown in my grief while missing my brother, or focus on the one bright spot in my life—a handsome man who looks at me like he thinks I’m kinda special, and whose words are both complimentary and funny.
It’s a tough combo to come by in a small town. Tougher yet, when paired with a nice package and a prior relationship with my brother.
It’s almost like he comes with Ryan’s seal of approval, in a way. Or at least, that’s the lie I tell myself each time Lincoln pops into my mind and my lips curl into a soft, unfamiliar smile.
If Ryan wanted to stop this, he should’ve stayed alive and done something about it.
After work the next day, I walk through Dixon’s Car Yard and scour the offerings within my price range. In my mind, I’m forced to acknowledge my rebellious thoughts are mine alone. They’re a fun distraction from reality, and not at all in line with my actions.
