Page 18 of The Rogue

“I didn’t—”

“It cost him revenue. So it’s stealing.”

I release a shaky breath, and he lets me go, stepping back. Then runs a frustrated hand through his hair. But his frustration isn’t with me. It’s like he’s angry with himself.

“I appreciate the breakfast you made for Jackson, but I’d appreciate it more if you said goodbye and left.”

I nod, my voice raspier than usual when I mutter, “Thanks again.” Brushing past him, I make my way to the kitchen with a bright smile. “Hey, Wiggles.”

The kid turns to me with a milk mustache and powdered sugar on hischin.

I ruffle his hair. “Thanks for havin’ me. I’m going to head out.” I avoid sayingI’ll see you soon.

“These were so yummy, Tessa. Did you have powdered sugar on yours too?”

I set my used coffee mug in the sink. “Nah, I don’t eat breakfast.”

Levi scowls, and I already know what he’s grumbling about internally. So I add, “Butit’s the most important meal of the day, so I’ll grab a donut or something at the gas station.”

Jackson frowns. “Dad says you can’t concentrate if you don’t have breakfast. But you finished my pirate ship Lego.”

Levi's head turns back to the living room.

“Only because you did the hard part.”

“How’d you find the missing pieces?”

“Under the couch cushions.” I wink as I circle the counter. “Well, this was fun. See ya around.”

“Will we?” Jackson asks, hopping off his stool. And Levi was right, this kid and his questions.

I’m about to answer when the kid adds, “Because when you left before, Dad said we’ll never have to see you again.”

Yep, that tracks.

With tightness in my chest, I flash him another wink. “You never know.”

Levi walks me to the door. His voice low and annoyed as he speaks, “You’ve been up for hours and haven’t found time to eat anything?”

I don’t bother answering the question that doesn’t concern him. “Thanks again for the bed.”

“It was a couch,” he grumbles.

I run my hand down his cotton-covered chest. “Doesn’t make you any less of a gentleman for letting me stay.”

He swallows hard, averting his gaze. “Goodbye, Tess.”

A moment later, I’m in my car—mentally preparing myself for plan B, which isn’t very thought-out. It involves calling Frank to tell him plan A didn’t work out and that I’ll be at a hotel for a few days until my cash runs out. Then…he’d better have some good news on the men after me so I can go home.

And it sure as hell isn’t going to be Summer Hill.

I twist the key in the ignition, praying for the usual reassuring rumble. I sigh in relief when the engine cranks, filling the air with familiar whirring—but then it pauses.

A sinking feeling grips me as it falls silent.

No worries. We almost had it.Just…try it again.

I twist the key again with the same result.

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