Page 37 of In Spades

My foot hit something, and I looked down.

A white Taylor Creek Inn gift bag had been placed at the foot of my door. My name was written in beautiful cursive on a tag attached to the handle.

I picked it up and peeked inside while the door closed behind me. Tossing the tissue packing paper in the trash, I reached inside and pulled out a bottle of cinnamon creamer.

A business card had been tucked into the bag as well. I pulled it out and couldn’t help but grin. It was identical to the one Kristin gave me the first day she cleaned my room. This one, however, had the image of a smiling sun doodled on the back.

And her phone number.

9

KRISTIN

Will

I see the housekeeping elves are back to their sneaking. Thanks for the surprise, Sunshine.

Ichewed my lip as I read the text message over and over. And over.

And over.

“So, like I was saying,” Kyle Kingsley continued, clearing his throat. His voice snapped me back to reality. “You can go the used car route. We’ve got some great ones with decent mileage. But I’d recommend going with a new car if you want something that’ll last you long term. Plus, you won’t have to visit the mechanic as often. It will save you money in the long run.”

“That makes sense,” I said, nodding as if considering my options. There wasn’t much to consider, though. I didn’t have the money for better down the road. I just needed something to take me from point A to point B tomorrow.

Steve couldn’t even diagnose all the things wrong with my old clunker. He just called the time of death. Ignoring my protests, he even paid a professional mechanic for a second opinion. No pulse. Not even worth selling for scrap parts.

The guy at the junkyard laughed when Steve hauled it through the gate.

Chase told me to use his truck for as long as I needed, but that thing guzzled more gas than my wallet could handle.

I had a little money saved up for a new car. The writing had been on the wall for months. Unfortunately, a little just wasn’t enough.

“I should probably stick with something used,” I said to Kyle, trying to hide the desperation in my voice. The thought of spending that much money had kept me on a hair trigger all day. The kids were with me, though, so I did my damndest to keep it together.

Kyle nodded. “Cool deal. Just follow me.”

He led us to the lot filled with used cars parked side by side. He pointed to a few that would be good options. Thankfully, one of his employees needed help, and he left us alone.

“I don’t like that guy,” Logan muttered.

Kylie nodded in solidarity. “I can’t believe Miss Bridget is with him. He gives me the creeps. She can do so much better.”

I shot them a warning look. “He’s being very kind and helping us get a good deal, so zip it.”

“Still a creep,” Hunter mumbled under his breath.

I walked through the row of cars, peering at the information posted on the windows. My phone buzzed again.

Will

You didn’t have to ding-dong-ditch. Could’ve stuck around and had a cup of coffee with me.

Kristin

Sorry, I had to run as soon as I clocked out. I’m car shopping. Any advice?

Will

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