Page 94 of Smokey's Distraction
Smokey put his fork down and glared at her. “What the fuck’s going on between you and Brady?”
Anger pricked at the back of her neck. “What do you mean ‘between me and Brady’? For your information, the guy creeps me out. He’s always around when I’m at the shelter, and the last time I was at the grocery store, he just so happened to be there too. I know this is a small town, but I’m starting to think he’s following me or something.”
“He’s got the hots for you. I picked up on that when we were talking yesterday. Have you gone out with him?”
“No. I just told you he creeps me out, not that I’m interested in him. I think he’s trying to find a mother for his kids.”
The phone rang again.
“If it’s Brady, give it to me.”
Looking at the screen, she groaned. “It’s not him. It’s weirdo number two—the handyman, who also creeps me out.”
“Why?”
“Hang on. I have to answer this.” She sighed. “Hello?”
“You didn’t know it was me?” Mark said.
“Huh?”
“I saw you plug my number into your cell phone the day I gave it to you.”
“I wasn’t looking at the screen. What can I do for you?”
“I thought Gabe and I could come by and finish up some stuff in the house since we’re in the neighborhood.”
“I’m not home. And anyway, it’s Saturday.”
There was a sharp edge to his voice. “I’ve already told you I work on Saturdays.”
“As I said, I’m not home. If you needed to come by, you should’ve given me a heads-up.”
“You entitled city people are all alike.”
This guy’s a fucking nut.
“Not true. Call me on Monday to set up a day and time to finish up. I have to go.”
The line went dead.
“Hello? Mark?”
He’d hung up on her.
“What an asshole,” she grumbled, shoving the phone into her purse.
“What the fuck’s up with him?”
“I don’t know. Zach hired him, probably because he offered the lowest bid. Anyway, he’s a little strange, and he makes me feel uncomfortable.”
“When’s he coming over again?”
“I told him to call me on Monday to set up an appointment for him and his sidekick, Gabe, to finish up with the house. I can’t wait until I don’t have to deal with either of them. Gabe is pretty quiet, but he’s always looking at me when he’s over. Whenever I’ve seen him around town, though, he acts like he doesn’t even recognize me.” Shrugging, she added, “They’re a couple of looneys, that’s for sure.”
“Zach’s a fuckin’ cheapskate. Text me their names and I’ll check them out. I’ll be with you at the next appointment. And if there’s anything more to be done at the house, my crew will take care of it. I’ll deal with Zach on that.”
The concern on his face made Ashley feel warm, cozy, and safe. “Thanks for caring,” she whispered.
