Page 11 of Only Human in Strangeville

“Ahh, thanks. So, am I ever going to meet them?”

“Perhaps.” One shoulder rose in an elegant shrug.

“Do you want me to pay extra? Pet rent, or something? Or is there anything else I can do to make up for having a pet when I’m not supposed to?” Oh god, I hope that didn’t come across wrong.

Oliver’s smile finally reached his eyes. “No, it’s all right.”

Relief settled the turmoil in my gut, though I had a lot to learn about taking care of puppies.

Nimbus. That was a good name. Though why both Oliver and Katsuro had referred to him as a cloud of some sort or another was beyond me.

My stomach got a little fluttery thinking about Katsuro, and Oliver, if I were being honest, now that I wasn’t worried about getting kicked out of my apartment.

“Thank you,” I said, again.

Oliver nodded. “Have a nice day.” He went back down the hallway, and I went up the stairs. Today, I was heading over to Mayday Hills to see if I could find a job. First stop, Shady’s Readery.

***

I fingered the thick paper and stared at my name on the outside in the fancy calligraphy. I’d pulled it out of my mailbox when I’d checked it out of habit. No stamp, so it had been hand delivered.

Nimbus tugged backward on the leash and grumbled softly. I stopped and looked up. Davin’s truck rumbled up to the curb. I’d been heading for the parking lot, but somehow, I knew he was here to see me. Or maybe that was wishful thinking? I jerked my hand down to my side after I caught myself smoothing my hair. Tall, muscular, blond, powerful, kind. What was not to like?

Maybe there was another store I needed to hit if there was a good toy shop in the city, because holy hell, my body was feeling needy.

“Hannah,” Davin called, getting out of his truck. “Do you have a moment?”

That was incredibly polite and aware, I thought. He didn’t just call my name and expect me to wait, he actually asked if I had time. He got hotter by the moment. My stomach fluttered.

“Yes, of course, Davin.”

He hurried over.

“I didn’t know you had a puppy.” He kneeled and held out his hand. Nimbus cautiously approached.

“Yeah, Nimbus and I found each other last night.”

Davin glanced up at me, raising an eyebrow, but he didn’t question me when I didn’t offer more details.

“Well, congratulations. I wanted to check with you and see how your new vehicle was treating you?”

I grinned. He was totally flirting with me. “You pay personal visits to everyone who buys a car from you?”

He smiled, maintaining eye contact. “No. Just the ones I might be considering asking on a date.”

Direct, too. Confident.

“I might be convinced.” My mouth said it before I even had a chance to think. Was I safe enough here to date? What if I let something slip? In theory, the bad guys were all behind bars or dead, but there was still enough danger that the government had decided to erase my past and transplant me, anyway.

“I sense a bit of hesitation?” Davin’s tone was not unkind at all.

“Oh, I just, uh, have a shitty ex, so I’m interested, but a little hesitant.” Good story. I’ll add that one to my list. I fingered the fancy envelope in my hand, drawing Davin’s attention.

“Ahh, the—” He cleared his throat. “I see you’ve caught Katsuro’s interest.”

A thrill of shock sent electric tingles through my chest, not unpleasantly. “Is this something he does often?” I held up the card.

“No. I just recognize his scent, uh, style.” Davin shrugged. “He’s not a terrible sort, and it certainly wouldn’t hurt to have him as an ally, uh, friend.” Davin frowned and glanced at the apartment with an irritated look on his face before looking back at me with a grin.

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