Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 111278 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 556(@200wpm)___ 445(@250wpm)___ 371(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 111278 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 556(@200wpm)___ 445(@250wpm)___ 371(@300wpm)
“Like the rumors that went around the town where they live that they’re swingers. And then all those swingers turned up one weekend. The neighbors wouldn’t talk to them for ages.”
“Hmm. That was a good one. But I’m sure I would have done something much worse to them.”
“Yeah, I’m sure you would have.” Maybe. “What about the infestation of rats in their basement?”
“Now, how would I cause an infestation of rats?” he asked.
He sounded way too innocent to her.
“I just . . . I want to leave them alone, Reuben, and forget they ever existed. I don’t think I’ll be talking to them anymore.”
“They never call you anyway. You’re the one who always reaches out to them.”
“You’re right. I am.” Suddenly, it was like a lightbulb went off in her brain. “Reuben, don’t tell me that you were the one who put that ad in the paper. The one asking for a third partner in their relationship because my mom didn’t have the necessary equipment to satisfy my dad.”
Why hadn’t it clicked before? But it had seemed too tame for Reuben. However . . . in a way, it was an excellent punishment because their reputation meant a lot to her parents. They saw themselves as pillars of the community they lived in. Her mother liked nothing more than judging everyone around her.
So actually . . . Reuben had punished them while not pushing too far and pissing her off.
“God, you’re smart.”
“I am. I’m also going to do a background check on Dominic Brand. I know he works for Kent.”
“Kent Jensen? Don’t you like him? Dominic only has nice things to say about him.”
“I’m sure he does. Kent and I had a small disagreement a while ago. Asshole no longer talks to me. He can sure hold a grudge. It’s petty.”
“Says the biggest grudge holder of them all,” she muttered.
“So, I heard you had an eventful night.”
“You heard about that? How?”
“It’s already circulating through the gossip grapevine. The courageous visitor who stepped in to help save one of the town’s residents from being beaten up.”
“Oh God. You’re kidding me? Do people have nothing better to do?”
“In a small town? No. Tell me what happened.”
She relayed everything.
“Any idea who this guy is?” he asked.
“No, but Liv was upset with me for interfering and upsetting him.”
“Liv? So you know her?”
“I met her at the diner the other day.”
“So you didn’t really know this girl?” he asked.
“Well, no.” How would she? She’d only been in town a few days.
“I don’t like you jumping in and putting yourself in danger to save a stranger.”
“Reuben. I couldn’t not help her.”
“Of course not,” he said immediately, surprising her. What was the catch? “But what you should have done was climb in your car, lock the doors, and then call the cops. You don’t risk yourself, Gwen.”
Oops. He was using her real name. Not good.
“Reuben, she needed help.”
“And I need you to be safe. I cannot risk losing you.” There was a starkness to his voice and she knew that was partly due to what happened to her a month ago.
“I’m okay, Reuben. I promise.”
“And you’re going to stay that way. Promise me, no more risky stuff.”
She sighed. “I can’t promise that.”
“Then you need to come back here where I can keep an eye on you.”
Lord, he was arrogant.
“I think you know more about me here than you did back home.”
There was silence on the other end.
Guilty silence.
Well, not really, since Reuben didn’t really do guilt. He always backed himself.
“Reuben, please tell me you didn’t have anyone watching me.”
“Of course not. But that driving service I suggested . . . well, if you used it late at night, I might have had the driver follow you to keep an eye on you.”
Okay, that wasn’t so bad.
“And your neighbor is on my payroll too. He was supposed to call me if anything happened.”
“Oh dear Lord. Are you like the Kingpin of spies? What the hell?”
“Don’t be mad at me, Andy.”
Crap. He knew she couldn’t stay mad when he used that tone on her.
“I’m not mad. I know you’re just looking out for me. But you can’t keep everything bad away from me. What happened last night was a fluke. I’m certain that nothing dangerous will ever happen to me again.”
“See that it won’t. If anyone harms you, I will destroy them.”
24
Gwen stared up at Delicious.
Why did it look so dark and foreboding? What was it about this place that gave her a bad vibe? She glanced around, but it didn’t look like anyone was there.
The restaurant stood on its own in a quiet street. There was a parking lot on one side and an alley on the other side. Well . . . maybe there would be something down the alleyway.
She walked back there. Just a dumpster, and okay . . . this was unexpected. There was a small area out the back of the restaurant. Big enough to fit a few cars.