Page 41 of No Need to Run

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I snort.Light up my life?

When the hell did I start thinking poetically?

Stop thinking about her and get back to work.

I grab my phone, checking it like I’m expecting a text from her.

Which is impossible.

She doesn’t have my number.

And I don’t have hers.

Every time I try to focus, my thoughts drift back to Saturday night. Back to the way she looked at me like she saw something I didn’t.

And beneath it all, that uneasy feeling returns.

Like I’m not alone.

I glance toward the patio doors.

Nothing.

Which is ridiculous.

People don’t just stand outside watching other people.

Except Ivy did.

Bad example.

I exhale slowly and scrub my hand over my face.

“This is stupid,” I mutter.

I slam the lid of my laptop and stand. I’m not getting anything done here. Maybe a change of scenery will help me focus.

I grab my keys and wallet and head for the door.

Maybe I’ll drive by the bar again.

Or past her house.

I shake my head, irritated with myself.

Stop this nonsense. You need to forget about her.

I hope this trip to the coffee shop is the miracle cure to get my focus back.

Because I need to find something that will get Violet Quinn out of my head.

10

DREW

Ten minutes later,I’m pulling up in front ofBramble & Bean,the coffee shop everyone in Hollow Creek seems obsessed with.

Warm lights glow through the windows, easing some of my tension.

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