Page 17 of The Rogue

I shrug.

He glances back at the living room. “Did youclean?”

“Calm your horses. Yes, I touched your stuff. Can you wait untilafterI leave to set it on fire?”

“Why?” he practically grits.

“I was up early.”

“Howearly?”

Little footsteps race down the stairs. “Tessaaaa,” Jackson cries as he rounds the corner, zooms into the kitchen and wraps his arms around my waist.

I nearly fall back at the embrace.

What is going on?The stupid question flies out of my mind as fast as it flew in.

He’s hugging you. It’s what people do when they don’t judge you.

“Uh—hey, kid. Morning. Want some coffee?”

“No,” Levi barks.

“I waskidding.” I really wasn’t, but the moment was awkward, and I just wanted to shimmy the little slugger off me.

Plus, I’m used to offering people coffee instead of a glass of milk or juice.

I grip his shoulders and twist him to the counter, where I have a special plate prepared for him.

“Sit. I’ll get you some milk.”

Levi scans his son’s plate with a scowl. “Where’d you find powdered sugar?”

“Far left cabinet behind the flour.”

“I don’t use flour.”

“That’s why you didn’t know you had powdered sugar.”

“Did you check the expiration date?”

I give him a one-shouldered shrug with a wink. “It won’t kill him.”

He focuses on his son and exhales. Then flicks his gaze to me. “Can I talk to you in the other room for a sec?” he grits.

I set the mug down and follow him to the den.

He sweeps his eyes around the tidied-up room. The linens have been folded and set to the side. Tugging my arm, he twists me, his breath inches from mine. “I know what you’re doing and you might as well quit now. I’d be a fool to hire you.”

Ocean-blue eyes roam my face like he’s studying me rather than threatening.

“Yeah, 'cause I’m a danger to society,” I mock.

But he doesn’t laugh. Instead, his jaw tightens, and he pulls me close, his breath hits the tip of my nose. “I know you think your actions in this town are heroic, but they’re deceitful and illegal.”

I swallow.

“My father was kind to you, offered you a job when no one else would. And you stole from him, too.”

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