Page 20 of The Rogue

“Very funny. Evenyoucouldn’t pull something like that.” He squints at the road. “I meant cleaning and…breakfast and all.”

I shrug. “I was bored.”

Another quiet minute rolls by, but it’s not awkward. It’s not comfortable either. It’s just…us. Old rivals in the same space, waiting it out until we’re not.

“So why don’t you eat breakfast?” he asks dryly.

I roll up the window before answering. “I usually wake up nauseous.” It’s probably the most honest thing I’ve said all day.

“Sorry to hear that.”

I scoff.

“I’m serious,” he says casually. “It can’t be pleasant.”

“It’s not.”

His eyes sweep over me. “You uh, alright now?”

“Jesus, I’m not going to hurl in your Jeep, Levi.”

“I was being a gentleman by asking, but you know what—now, I hope you do.”

“The wayyoudrive? I’d be careful what you wish for.”

A hint of a smirk touches his lips before it disappears. “What are you doing back here, anyway?”

Like I'd tell you.

I shake my head with a laugh. “You don’t think I’m on to you?”

“What?”

“I know your angle. I get all distracted telling you where I’m from and why I’m here while you take a detour to the Hideaway P.D.”

He grins like he’s enjoying the fact that I’m at his mercy. “I’m not taking you to the station.”

“Why not? Cause I’ll cost them more money than I’m worth?”

He perks a brow, sparing me a glance. “Depends. What do you think you’re worth?” He sets the car in park, and I’m glad his question didn’t assume an answer. Shutting off the ignition, he stares at the storefront of my longest-running job in Hideaway Springs. “We’re here. Ready?”

I inhale and tighten my jaw.Not like I have a choice.“Yeah,” I mutter and hop out.

That familiar bell jingles as we step into the Inn. It’s quiet and empty—typical for a Monday morning.

Aiden is behind the bar, stopping short when he finds me at the door, then glances at his son behind me.

“Tessa!”

I swallow. “Hey, boss.”

His warm eyes harden, and he checks his watch. “You’re about two months late for work.”

“Six weeks, actually, and—I know.” I wince.

His eyes shift to Levi. “Did you two happen to walk in here at the same time?”

The jerk behind me leans against the doorframe. “Tess ran into some bad luck. First, she got shot down hard for the only job opening in Hideaway Springs, then her car broke down.”

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