“You’re next on my list,” Sam told him.
“For what?”
“For investigations.I’m looking into that threat.”
“A threat?”Jill asked.“What threat?”
“It’s nothing,” Cal grumbled.
“It’s notnothing,” Sam said.
“Nothing enough,” was Cal’s equitable response.“Where’s Glenda?”
“The doctor.Which I should get back to.I don’t want to have to lie to her about where I’ve been.”Jill got to her feet.Even though she wanted to hear about somethreat, it wasn’t any of her business.She’d likely get the details from Aly soon enough anyway.“Thanks, Sam.For now… I want you to keep looking.I’ll talk to my dad and let you know if he has anything to add on those guys or anything else.”
Sam nodded.“Yep, just keep me up to date and I’ll let you know if I have any more questions or find anything of interest.”
“Thanks.Bye, guys.”She headed for the front door, stepped out into the chilly but bright spring afternoon.She was more than a little surprised when Cal followed her out.
“I’ll walk with you a bit.I’m headed to the diner to grab something to eat.”
“Sure.”They walked in uncomfortable silence for a minute or two, Jill sneaking sidelong glances at him.Finally, she couldn’t resist.“I don’t suppose you read it?”
“Uh, not yet.Been a little busy.Bar exam stuff.Threat stuff.”
“Sure.”He wasn’t going to read it.
She had to be okay with that.She had to be okay with it and just… focus on the story she wanted to tell.She couldn’tmakehim understand what she wanted to do.
She couldn’t figure out why she so desperately wanted to.
“Is this threat serious?Do Aly and Landon know?”
“No and no, so I’d appreciate it if you don’t tell them.”
Jill wrinkled her nose.She hated that.But… “You really think Sam and Nate won’t?”
He muttered a curse under his breath, still walking with her.“Fair enough,” he muttered.“Look, what do you care if I read it or not?I apologized for being a jerk, and honestly, it doesn’t matter to me one way or another what you write about.Don’t misplace guilt on me, okay?I’m a big boy.”
She supposed it shouldn’t feel like an insult, but itdid.Still, she tried to keep the snap out of her tone.“Okay.”
He looked down at her.She didn’t meet his gaze, but she couldfeelit.
“Did you learn that martyredokayfrom Aly?”
“I’m not martyring anything,” she replied stiffly.“And you’re being a jerk again.”
He blew out a breath, shoved his hands into his pockets.“Bad habit.”
“Well, change it,” she said irritably.“See you around, Cal.”She turned to split off and head toward the doctor’s office while he stayed on the sidewalk to go to the diner.
But when she happened to look back, she found he was watching her walk away.
And Jill didn’t knowquitewhat to do with the little tickle of reaction that gave her.
Chapter Twelve
Main Street Diner
