Page 14 of No Need to Run
“Moved here about three months ago.”
He raises his brows as he takes a drink of beer. “Oh, yeah.”
“Needed a change of scenery.”
And to finally connect with the man I’m destined to be with.
Of course, I don’t say that. It would terrify Drew.
“How do you like living in Hollow Creek?” he asks.
I paste a polite smile on my lips. “It’s... nice. Very small town.”
Drew snorts. “Very. I call it the nosy neighbor affliction.” He leans across the table, his eyes on a blonde woman gossiping with a group of women, all of whom look like they stepped out of 1998. “Have you run into Heather Mitchell yet?”
I shake my head.I’ve been too busy running my business and watching you.
“Oh, you’re lucky.” He nods in her direction. “Heather Mitchell, she’s the leader. She pretends to be friendly. But let her trap you for five minutes and your ears will be bleeding from her fake, high-pitched voice firing fifty questions at you non-stop.” He makes a face. “It’s like nails on a chalkboard.”
“Yikes.” I lean closer, taking a good look at Heather and her band of retro friends. “Noted. I’ll steer clear.”
Drew leans back and takes a drink of beer. “Good idea.”
He winks at me. Actually winks.
I’m deceased!
The door opens and Drew’s shoulders stiffen, then relax.
“Are you okay?”
His gaze drops to mine and he blushes again.
“Yeah.” He runs a hand through his hair. “I might sound like a wimp but... you don’t think Smoke will come in here?”
I shake my head, a smile on my face. “Not after I humiliated him. He’ll be too embarrassed to come inside.” I reach across and grab his hand. “Besides, he’s probably searching for ice for his balls.”
Drew chokes out a laugh. “You nailed him pretty good. That was... impressive. And also...” he squirms in his chair and winces. “Painful.”
“Play stupid games, win stupid prizes,” I say, cheerfully.
“Noted.” He shifts on the chair again. “I won’t be playing any stupid games with you.”
“Good.”
He opens his mouth, but then closes it.
He's about to apologize for talking too much. He always does when he thinks someone's actually listening.
I tilt my head slightly, softening my expression. “I almost didn’t go outside,” I add, like a casual afterthought. “I’m glad I did.”
He stares at me for a moment.
“But it’s loud, and I needed some quiet. A breath of fresh air.”
It’s a lie.
I didn’t hesitate when he got up from the table and gestured to his brother to let him know he was going outside.
