He nodded before stepping outside.
She stayed in the doorway, giving him a wave when he reached his truck. He returned the gesture before climbing in and starting it up. As he pulled away from the curb, she started to close the door. That’s when she saw the little red sports car pull away from the curb down the block.
Chapter 18
Tyler
Tyler arrived at the shop fifteen minutes early, which wasn’t unusual. What was unusual was the fact that he’d been awake for hours, lying in bed staring at the ceiling, replaying last night.
Brooke’s kitchen. Her smile. The way she’d pulled him close and kissed him like she meant it.
He pocketed his keys and headed inside, whistling some tune he didn’t even recognize.
“Hey,” a guy said, getting out of the truck parked next to him. “Shop open yet?”
Tyler checked his watch. “You’re a few minutes early, but the lights are on.” He smiled at the man and realized he looked familiar, though he couldn’t place him.
“Mind if I follow you in?”
“Might as well, but you may need to wait a minute or two if Sue doesn’t have the computer up yet.”
“No problem.”
As expected, the front door was unlocked. Robert was behind the counter and gave Tyler a nod and a smile when he saw him. His eyes traveled to the man with him, and his smile faltered.
“Something I can help you with?” Robert’s tone was stiff and more businesslike than usual.
“Yeah, uh . . . ” the man hesitated.
“Henry, isn’t it?” Robert asked.
Tyler looked to the man, putting the face and name together. Henry, the game warden. The one who had worked with Edi and Adam on the day they found Sheila and who, according to Sue and Robert, was also at Sheila’s funeral and used to date her.
What is he doing here?
“Yep. Henry Ayers. I want to order a case of oil.” He fished in his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper, handing it to Robert.
Robert shrugged. “I can order it for you, but it’s just a common grade. You can buy it off the shelf at the box store down the road. Cheaper there too.”
“Okay, then.” Henry took his note back before stepping toward the door. His gaze traveled to Tyler. “Take care of yourself, Tyler.”
Henry gave a short nod and pushed the door open.
“That was weird,” Robert said, shaking his head, as they watched the man walk toward his truck.
“Did he just threaten me?” Tyler muttered.
“Might have,” Robert agreed with a nod.
Tyler shook his head and got to work on the job waiting in bay two. The morning passed quickly, the familiar rhythm of work settling his mind. The thing with Henry was weird, but his time with Brooke last night still occupied his thoughts. Every twenty minutes or so, he’d find himself reaching for his phone.
He’d pull it out, stare at the blank screen, and type a message.
Had a great time last night.
Delete.
Thanks for dinner. I can’t stop thinking about
