“Everybody needs somebody.”
“Not necessarily.”
At the odd note in his voice, she glanced his way. But his expression gave nothing away.
“As long as he can trust a human enough to be his leader, he’ll make a good workhorse. That might be as much of a bond as he’ll ever make.”
Charlotte frowned. “That sounds like a sad way to live.”
“Maybe he prefers it that way.”
She wasn’t sure if they were talking about him or Midnight. But Gunner had made it clear he preferred a nomadic lifestyle. Was that just the way he was built, or did something happen to make him that way? And how did a person go through this life all alone? She couldn’t even imagine. Didn’t he get lonely? Were shallow friendships enough for him?
She gave her head a shake. What did Gunner’s lifestyle matter to her? He was temporary. A stopgap. Her only concern should be how she would find another trainer with his skills when he left.
They entered the town of Weaverville, and Charlotte’s pulse quickened even as Gunner slowed the truck. There just ahead was the gas station from the article. She squeezed the shoulder strap.
He pulled into the gas station. “Ready for this?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Want me to stay in the truck while you go inside?”
“Um...” What did she want? And what was she gonna say again? She couldn’t seem to string two thoughts together.
“I can go with you. Or I can turn the truck around and we can head back to Riverbend. Whatever you want.”
“No, let’s do this. Come in with me.” He might have to catch her if her legs melted beneath her.
“Sure thing.” He parked, then came around to her side and opened her door.
Her legs felt like stilts as they walked the short distance to the old-fashioned gas station and garage.
Gunner held open the door and a bell tinkled as she entered. She located the counter but couldn’t see who managed the register for all the items on display around it.
Gunner took her arm and steered her deeper into the store toward the candy aisle.
“Hi there,” a male voice called.
“Hello,” Gunner said.
Then Charlotte caught sight of the man behind the point-of-purchase display. The heavily bearded guy couldn’t have been a day over thirty-five. Her insides wilted like a desert-worn plant.
Gunner stopped in the middle of the candy aisle.
Charlotte couldn’t think beyond the horrible sinking sensation. She didn’t see anything, hear anything. But the weight of Gunner’s hand at the small of her back grounded her. Offered comfort.
And that small, stupid thing made her eyes sting. She pulled in a shallow breath. “I want to go.”
“All right. I’m gonna grab a couple things. Will you be okay?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll meet you in the truck.”
“Okay.” Charlotte made a beeline for the door and reached the outside before the tears spilled over.
***
