Page 56 of The Last Close Call

“What? I can do Celtic. I’m a natural ginger.”

Rowan glanced at Lila.

“I think what Rowan means is, you’re not ready for religious ink.”

“What? Why not?”

“Sky, you change religions on an annual basis,” Lila pointed out.

“Oh, whatever.” Skyler threw a Cheeto at her.

Oscar jumped into Rowan’s lap and rubbed his head against her stomach.

“What happened to the peacock feather you wanted?” Rowan asked. “You had it all sketched out.”

“I decided it was trite. Feathers are everywhere.”

Lila snorted. “As opposed to crosses?”

A rap sounded at the door, and everyone froze.

Skyler jumped up and rushed to the window. Parting the blinds, she peered outside.

“It’s Jack,” she whispered, and tipped her head back. “I knew it.”

Rowan transferred Oscar to the floor and stood up. She glanced down at her sweatpants and dusted the crumbs off her shirt as she stepped over to check the peephole.

A flurry of nerves hit her as she saw Jack standing on her doorstep. He wore jeans and his leather jacket, which probably meant he was off duty.

“Open it,” Skyler hissed.

Rowan smoothed her T-shirt and pulled open the door. “Hi.”

“Hi.” His gaze went past her, and something flickered in his eyes. “I probably should have called.”

“It’s fine.”

Rowan opened the door wider and stepped back as Skyler walked up beside her.

“Hello, Jack. So good to see you again.” Skyler smiled, and Rowan noticed the car keys in her hand.

“Hi.” Jack nodded at her, then at Lila.

“We were just heading out.” Skyler leaned over and gave Rowan an air kiss.

“You guys don’t need to—”

“Bye!” Skyler stepped onto the porch, followed by Lila.

“Call me tomorrow,” Lila said.

Rowan glared at her.

“Bye, Jack.” Skyler waved over her shoulder and hurried down the steps.

Rowan watched them cross the lawn to the barn, where Lila’s pickup was parked.

“Didn’t mean to interrupt,” he said. “I didn’t see her car.”

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