Page 50 of His to Keep
“You damn sure didn't think,” I agree easily, and then add, “But I understand. We’re gonna fix it though.”
She rolls her eyes as she turns away from me. “I'll order one now.” She leans down and pulls her phone out of her bag.
I watch as she taps on the screen. “Is this a good one?” I nod my head. “Okay, bought. It should be here tomorrow. I'll pay you to install it.”
“No payment needed.”
“Are you sure?”
“Beyond a shadow of a doubt, Princess,” I murmur right as her stomach growls. “You hungry?”
“Yeah.” She tucks a strand of hair behind her hears. “Do you... do you mind if I make a sandwich or something for myself? Obviously, I didn't eat the food on my porch.”
“How about you wait here and I make you one?” I stand back up. “Ham or turkey?”
“I’m fine with either.”
“Oh, you want a Wilder special?” I wag my brows, causing her to smile—just a little. “Coming right up.”
I make quick work of assembling our sandwiches—French bread, garlic mayo, and smoked turkey with pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, and fried jalapenos, plating them up with a handful of chips and some grapes.
“It’s simple but delicious,” I say, sliding a plate her way as I join her back on the couch.
I don't waste a single second, digging in and devouring every bite. Scarlet, on the other hand, picks at it like a bird.
“You sure you're good?” I ask, popping a grape into my mouth, relishing the crunch.
“Honestly?” She tilts her head to side. “No. Not even a little.”
“Didn’t think so.” I glance down at her half-eaten sandwich. “Out of curiosity, what did you do with the letter?”
“It’s in my pocket.”
“Okay. What about the food?”
“Ugh. I left it on the table.”
“That’s good, Scar. Put the note somewhere safe, too, okay? The cops are gonna want to look over all of this. If we’re lucky, they can lift a print.”
“You think?”
“Can’t hurt to try.” I cross my ankles and lean back. “We can also show them all the other notes you kept from me.”
“I wasn’t trying to keep—” She shakes her head. “Yeah, okay.”
“Good girl.”
“I’m not a dog, Ellis.”
“Smartass.”
“Even on the worst of days.” She tries to smile, but it doesn’t reach her eyes.
“Don’t I know it?” I nudge her with my knee. “You’re the type to talk shit to the bitter end.”
She snorts then sighs. “Let’s maybe not make jokes about my death.”
“My bad.” I sit up straight. “You know I didn’t mean anything by, it right?”
