Page 64 of No Need to Run

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It’s ridiculous. I had coffee with her once. I shouldn't be imagining her standing on the porch.

Focus.

My attention is back on the house. I visualize what it would look like if someone devoted their time and attention to it.

Birds chirp from the trees and roof, even as the house itself sits dark and shuttered, like it’s waiting for the right person.

Someone to care for it. Someone who notices what others overlook and chooses it anyway.

I shift my weight slightly, glancing at the darkened windows.

For a second, something in my chest tightens.

That same strange feeling hits, like I’m not alone.

Then it’s gone.

Stop it. You’re overreacting.

It’s just a house.

Yet, there’s something about it that draws me to it.

I pull my phone out and, before I overthink it, I snap a quick picture of the sign.

I look at the picture, making sure I clearly captured the phone number. Just in case.

I slide my phone back into my pocket and force myself to move again, returning the way I came.

As I walk, my mind drifts back to Sebastian and Ivy. The way they look at each other. Like nothing else in this world exists.

I exhale slowly.

That’s not something you just… stumble into.

The ranch house intrudes again, filling my thoughts.

I could fix it up. Maybe get a cat.

I frown slightly.Or a dog.

Something low maintenance.Something that doesn’t?—

I shake my head once, but the thought refuses to go away.

Something that doesn’t make you feel like you’re intruding on someone else’s life.

Later that night,I sit on the edge of my bed, staring at the picture on my phone.

Oh, what the hell.

I open my browser and search.

It doesn’t take long to find the listing.

There are a couple of photos of the outside, and several of the inside.

The yard looks slightly better in them but still needs work.

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