Page 22 of Broken: Taylor

“What happened?” she asked as soon as he ended the call.

“Brian, the owner’s brother is who was killed.”

Brows moving together, her eyes moved side to side. “Oh no. I didn’t know Mindy had a brother here.”

“Seems he was loner. Rarely went anywhere since moving here.”

She placed a toasted bagel before him and he climbed onto the stool to eat. Once his coffee was refilled, he decided it was best to discuss the logistics of the next couple days.

“What time do you have to be here to open the shop?”

“Nine, I open at ten.” She bit from her bagel and narrowed her eyes. “Why?”

“I have to help out at the ranch. So maybe we can go there after you close shop. I can work til evening, we’ll stay there overnight, come here early and you can open your shop.”

“Why don’t you stay here, go to the ranch once I am downstairs and come back for the evening?”

“Because you’ll be alone most of the day.”

“It’s daylight. There are windows on two sides. I can keep the door locked and open only when customers walk up.”

“How will you tell the difference between a customer and a killer? I don’t think the person will be holding a knife up to identify him or herself.”

Allison rolled her eyes, but he knew she considered his question by the way her teeth sunk into her bottom lip. “Crud.”

“Oh, I know,” she said holding up a finger. “I can put up a sign that says “surveillance camera in use”.” A slow smile curved her lips and he almost smiled with her.

“That won’t work.” He looked past her to the digital time display on her microwave. “Shouldn’t you be getting dressed?”

She leaned across the counter and grinned at him. “Wanna guard me while I do?”

Yes, he really did.

Allison had to admit, it was a fun and enticing game to be so close to Taylor, but still not quite within reach. The way he tracked her every move had nothing to do with him guarding her safety.

Both knew damn well that if he continued to stay at her place, they’d end up sharing the bed. Tobias’ presence at the ranch would be a deterrent, but not exactly a guarantee they’d not sleep together. It would happen sooner or later, but being at her apartment made it a surety.

Guilty that she thought more about her attraction to Taylor that morning than what had transpired the night before, Allison said a quick prayer for Mindy and her brother.

Although she didn’t know Mindy well, she’d ensure to call or send flowers that day. No one should lose a family member in such a brutal way.

Finally dressed, she walked out to find Taylor on the phone. He paced like a caged lion, back and forth, head down, his free hand on his hip.

“Yeah, I know.”

He didn’t stop walking.

“All right. Okay. Next week.”

He stopped pacing, turning to face the windows. His broad shoulders lifted and lowered.

“Monday. I promise. You too.”

When he turned, Taylor looked her over. “Ready for the day?”

She nodded. “I insist you go take care of whatever needs to be done at the ranch. I’ll be okay. Just come back some time tonight. We can hunker down after dinner.”

An hour later she repeated the statement. Ignoring her, Taylor went to the door and looked out. “It’s quiet today.”

“It usually is.”

Several customers had come and gone. Most commenting on the murder and discussing what they thought had happened and why. Thankfully none knew she was a witness.

A couple walked in, after greeting Taylor, the woman went about shopping while the man sat at the table and accepted a cup of coffee.

Seeming satisfied the steady flow of customers would be a good deterrent for anyone to harm her, Taylor finally left.

As much as she enjoyed having him around, it was hard to concentrate with him there. Once the day was over, she’d ensure to discuss a better alternative to him being her bodyguard.

There was the idea of closing the shop for a few days, but then she’d still be there alone upstairs, which would be boring and drive her crazy.

Staying at the Hamilton ranch was not an option. She’d go bonkers there too. Perhaps she could return to Billings and spend time there. Then again, she’d scheduled deliveries for a wedding the following week, she had arrangements and bouquets to make.

The murder was affecting her life in too many ways.