Page 13 of No Need to Run

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I know it’s not someone trying to solicit his business at 11:30 p.m. on a Saturday night. But I don’t call him out on it. It’s obvious he doesn’t want to talk to her.

And even though that pleases me, a flash of irritation curls low in my stomach.

Her.

She’s a problem.

I’ve seen the way he looks after his ex-wife calls. Exhausted. Frustrated. Like he’s carrying a weight he’s no longer responsible for.

She needs to mind her own business and keep her nose out of Drew’s.

Which is ironic, considering I know more about his business than she probably does.

But my intentions are better.

His phone rings again. He stabs the button quickly, then looks at me like he hopes I didn’t notice.

“Persistent.” I take a drink of my wine, staring at him over the rim.

He blows out a breath. “It’s my ex. She’s... annoying.”

Very. She needs to stop.

Or I’ll make her.

Drew has spent enough time trying to save people who don’t want to be saved.

“Is that the person you were arguing with outside?”

He nods. “She’s having a problem with the new guy. Or something like that.” He shrugs, lips curling in a slight smile. “I wasn’t really listening.”

Good boy.

“Ah. Sounds like one of those people who don’t appreciate what they have until they lose it.”

He snorts. “Or at all. I don’t think she ever appreciated anything about me. Too busy trying to change me. Mold me into who she wanted me to be.”

He takes another drink, his eyes on mine. “I seem to have forgotten my manners. I’m Andrew. I go by Drew. Drew Locke.”

I don’t tell him I already know his name. He’d think that’s creepy. Probably scream and try to run away.

I can’t let that happen.

Not after I’ve waited all this time.

I take the hand he holds out, wrapping his larger one in mine. “Violet. Violet Quinn.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Violet.” He releases my hand, his eyes still on mine. “Beautiful name. Matches your eyes.”

And then he blushes.

It’s so freaking adorable.

“Thank you, Drew. Have you lived in Hollow Creek long?”

Six months and twenty-five days.

“A little over six months. How about you?”

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