“Sorry, no,” she said. “The police have enough to do without concerning themselves with my social calamities.”
“If he needs to be pulverized”—Bray shrugged—“I’d be happy to help.”
“I promise he doesn’t.” Skye grinned. “But if it’s ever an issue, I know who to call.”
Knox opened his mouth—and his phone dinged. He pulled it from his pocket, glanced at the screen, and said, “Sorry, but I gotta roll.”
Frowning, Ford asked, “Everything okay?”
“Yeah. An elderly homeowner just asked if I could come by tonight instead of tomorrow to give an estimate on a new roof. Her husband’s medical appointment changed.” He texted a reply, then glanced up at the sun, which was hanging low in the sky. “I’d better get to it.”
Knowing Knox would always put his customers first, Ford watched him head back to his lawn chair to grab up his shirt and shrug into it.
“Well.” Skye looked at him. “I guess that leaves only you, but if you’d rather not, I promise I understand.”
“I’d rather not.”
Her smile only slipped a tiny bit.
Marcus and Bray glared at him as if he’d just kicked a puppy.
From behind him, Knox growled, “Screw it. I’ll tell the homeowner I can’t make it after all.”
With a roll of his eyes, Ford gave up. “I’d rather not—but I will.” There. He’d be benevolent. He’d play her savior. He’d lend a hand to scare off her nuisance ex. Feeling selflessly smug, he bestowed a smile on her.
But this time, Skye was the one to balk. “I’m not sure Clyde would believe that you like me. You’re a pharmaceutical rep, not an actor.” Heaving a sigh, she said, “I thank you all, but I knew it was a long shot anyway. I promise, it’ll be fine.” She started backing up. “No worries at all. I’ve totally got this.” Going for a look of confidence, she said, “It was great meeting you all. Again, so sorry I interrupted.”
Then she had the audacity to turn around and sashay off. And yes, the woman absolutely did sashay, whether it was intentional or not.
Ford watched as she crossed the yard and reentered her house through the back door. When he realized everyone was staring after her, he said, “Ahem, married men, remember?”
“Go to hell,” Marcus said, looking extremely disappointed in him. “I wasn’t ogling her. I’m worried.”
“I ogled,” Knox admitted. “Not sure I’ve ever seen a supermodel up close and personal.”
“She’s not,” Ford groused. He seemed to remember mention of her being a buyer or merchandiser or something like that.
“She’s model-worthy, and nice, too. Which makes me wonder what’s wrong with you.”
Ford ignored him.
Bray said, “I was watching her, waiting for you to stop her. Now I just realize how bullheaded you are for letting her walk away.”
If Bray wasn’t such an enormous ape, Ford might take offense. “Me, bullheaded? Am I the only one who sees that for the trap it was?”
Marcus and Bray shared a look.
“They’re doing it,” Knox said. “That silent exchange thing that means they’re seeing something we don’t see.”
Well, hell. Marcus and Bray had both come from abusive homes, so they often picked up on clues that others might miss.
Ford, however, wasn’t as intuitive as they.
Was Skye afraid of her ex? She hadn’t seemed to be. Surely a woman as gorgeous as she could have her pick of heroes to hang around and play protector.
Provided she wanted that sort of thing. She’d claimed the ex was only a nuisance. That she didn’t want to get serious. But maybe he’d read the situation all wrong. If she’d truly only wanted a friendly neighbor to lend a hand, then yeah, that made him a jerk. Damn it, now he was starting to feel guilty.
“He’s coming around,” Knox said low, as if confiding a secret to the others. “I know the way his mind works.”
