Page 86 of The Innocent

He did?

“Did Jekyll mention me?” she blurted and instantly regretted her eagerness.

Hyde straightened, and she craned her neck to look up at him. He was a few inches taller than Jekyll, which put him close to six and a half feet. He wasn’t as bulky and broad as his cousin but definitely fit and muscular. They shared similar features but could never be confused with each other. Jekyll had an overall harsher look, rough and unapproachable. Whereas Hyde had a softer, more youthful appearance. Both were handsome, sexy, and attractive in their own right, just different.

The silence grew a bit awkward after a few seconds. She shifted on her feet, forcing a smile.

“I saw him last night.”

Hyde slowly nodded with a small smile playing on his lips. “Party?”

“Yeah. It was a lot of fun.”

“Bet it was.”

A man of few words. She’d never noticed at the prison because compared to Jekyll, Hyde was more outgoing and talkative. But one on one? He was quiet.

She reached for the cooler door, but his arm shot out, and he grabbed the handle, widening it for her. She grabbed a water and lifted it along with her sandwich.

“Well, got my lunch.” She stepped back. “It was nice seeing you again.”

“Yeah.”

Imogene walked down the aisle, and a chill ran down her spine, pebbling her skin. It was the same reaction she had when she suspected someone was staring at her. Considering they were the only patrons in the store, she assumed Hyde was watching her.

She dumped her sandwich and drink on the counter at the register and eyed the fruit basket beside it. It was probably smart to balance out her meal. She bit her bottom lip, trying to decide between an apple and banana.

“Jesus Christ, just pick one!” The booming voice startled her, and she winced, glancing up at the older man behind the counter. He looked to be close to her father’s age. The stern scowl was reminiscent of her grandfather when he got angry. It didn’t happen often, which made it so memorable. She blindly reached into the basket, allowing fate to choose her fruit.

Banana it is.

His eyes lifted over her shoulder, and she felt a presence dangerously close. Hyde stretched out his arm, placing his drink on the counter. She slyly peeked up and moved to the side. Hyde gestured to the rack of cigarettes, and the man grabbed a pack. Hyde must’ve been a regular if the man knew his brand.

“This together?” the man asked.

Hyde angled his head, looking down at her. He didn’t say a word. Was he expecting her to pay? While she didn’t necessarily mind buying him a drink, supporting his nicotine habit was a lot to ask. His stare was locked on her. Okay, fine, I’ll buy you cigarettes.

“Ah yes, it’s together.” Imogene reached in her pocketbook to pull out her wallet but stilled when Hyde grasped her elbow.

“Put it on the club’s tab,” Hyde said.

Oh…he was treating her? It was a kind gesture but unnecessary.

“You don’t have to pay for my lunch.”

His gaze softened. “And you didn’t have to make us cupcakes.”

He remembered.

She bowed her head, concealing her smile. It was a small gesture. But she’d always wondered if that act had been appreciated. She knew everyone in the class enjoyed them but got the feeling Hyde had taken one out of obligation. Or pity.

“Get your stuff.” He lifted his chin toward the counter.

She smiled at the cashier and grabbed her drink, sandwich, and banana. Imogene started toward the door, acutely aware of Hyde following behind her. She hadn’t had any relationship with him while he was serving time. Much like Jekyll, he’d been quiet in her classes. She had offered some book recommendations when working at the library. But she was never sure if he took her up on the suggestions.

When she turned to press her shoulder to the door, his arm stretched out, pushing it open for her.

“Thank you.” She stopped just outside the entrance and turned toward him. “It was nice seeing you again.”