Page 36

He was aware of her gaze on him as he opened the book. She must have gotten the message for she picked up her phone and began reading something on it.

He found his thoughts wandering as he stared at the words on the page. Tomorrow they would begin a new routine with her insisting on going back to work. He still thought it was too early for her to return, but he also knew there was no way he could talk her out of going. He could definitely protect her to and from work.

Would somebody come after her while she was in the store? His gut instinct told him no. The store was on Main Street and according to Monique it kept fairly busy. He didn’t think the killer would want to chance going into a public place to get to her.

Was it possible the killer would leave Monique alone now? He’d like to think so, but he couldn’t be sure. And his uncertainty would keep her here and safe. But he had to somehow keep his distance from her. She was far too easy to talk to, far too charming and beautiful, and it threatened the solitary life he’d built for himself.

So the real question was while he was keeping her safe, who was going to keep him safe from her?

Chapter Eight

At eight forty-five the next morning, she and Jacque got into his car and headed toward town. “Hopefully, you’ll have a peaceful day at work,” he said.

“Hopefully.” She gazed at him for a long moment. He looked as handsome as ever in jeans and a short-sleeved mint green polo that really brought out the bright green of his eyes. “And hopefully you’ll have some peaceful hours while I’m gone,” she replied.

She turned her gaze out the window, her thoughts going to the day before. She had enjoyed the funny stories he’d shared about his work over dinner. It was a tantalizing glimpse into his former life and the man he had been before coming to the swamp.

However, immediately after dinner he’d closed himself off, and it had been quite obvious he’d wanted no more conversation. She couldn’t be upset about it. She was a guest in his home. If he didn’t feel like talking, then so be it.

But she couldn’t help but wonder what drove his mood to change. She still sensed pain deep inside his soul. Had he lied about why he’d left police work? Had there been a particularly bad case that hurt him so deeply that for his own sanity he’d needed to step away? Or was it something else altogether?

She wished he would share more with her. Despite his moodiness, she genuinely cared about him. In fact, she cared about him maybe more than she should.

He fascinated and intrigued her. She wanted to know everything there was to learn about him. There was no reason why, when this was all over, they couldn’t remain close friends. She could definitely use one, but she couldn’t be sure he would want that. He was so darned hard to read.

She shifted positions and stifled a groan of discomfort. There was no question she was still in pain, but it wasn’t quite as bad as it had been. Slowly she was healing. The bruising on her legs and chin had changed from purple to yellow, indicating that they were getting better. Even her ribs felt a little better. Although they still hurt a lot, it wasn’t the horrible stabbing and burning she had felt over the last couple of days.

Her sisters had continued to call to check up on her. There was no question they were worried about her, but she had discouraged them from coming to visit. Besides, there was nothing they could do for her.

“By the way, you look nice today,” he surprised her by saying as they pulled up in front of the store.

Thankfully she had put the long navy skirt and a red and navy blouse in her bag when she’d packed. “Thanks,” she replied. “If you don’t mind, maybe after work today we could stop by my shanty so I could grab a few more clothes for workdays.”

“I don’t see a problem with that,” he replied.

“What do you have planned while I’m in the store slaving away?” she asked.

“I thought I’d stop into the police station and see if I can have a chat with Daniel about your attack and then I’m going to go ahead and get some groceries,” he replied.

“Are you going to tell him you used to be a homicide detective?”

“I’m not sure. I haven’t decided yet,” he replied.

“When we stop by my shanty later, I’ll get you some money for the groceries,” she replied. She certainly didn’t intend to be a freeloader while staying with him. He pulled to a stop along the curb in front of the store.

“We can talk about all that later. Monique, if there’s a moment in the shop where you don’t feel safe or you don’t feel well enough to work, call me and I’ll come to you immediately.”

“I will.” She smiled at him. “Thanks for the ride, and I’ll see you at two.” With that, she opened the car door and got out.

He waited to pull away from the curb until she was safely inside and only then did he take off.

She went about the business of opening the store, turning on lights and then flipping the sign on the door from Closed to Open.

While she waited for the first customers, she retrieved the work computer from the back room and carried it back to the counter next to the register. There was a warehouse in New Orleans that sold a particular brand of clothing she’d been wanting to get into the shop. Now that she was officially the manager with buying power, she was going to pick out a few items to bring in and test the waters here.

She quickly got lost in the fashion on screen. She loved seeing new designs and outfits that were fresh and unique. It was only when the tinkle of the bell sounded over the front door that she looked up to see Nola coming in.

“Hi, darling,” she greeted Monique. Her smile faded as she got closer and she noticed Monique’s bruised chin. “Oh, my poor baby,” she exclaimed. “I wanted to come by and check on you sooner, but to be honest I’m a little bit afraid of Jacque.”