Page 26 of The Rogue

I chuckle awkwardly. “I’m glad. Think I could get a cut of that?”

“Oh don’t be silly, we don’t bet cash.”

I frown. “What’d you bet?”

Her eyes flash devilishly. “Can I get you a lemonade?”

“Please.” I follow her to the kitchen. “Is Chase home?”

“Nope. He’s over at the Web.”

“The what?”

“Charlie’s Web?” she says like I know what that is. “The new bookstore opening at the end of the summer. The one Noah had designed and built for Charlie.”

I blink. “Oh. I didn’t know about that.”

She exhales a dramatic breath. “That’s right. That all happened after you left.Onmy wedding day.”

I wince. “I’m so sorry. I’m sure you heard about my sleeping arrangements at the Inn.”

“That no one but you had arranged that arrangement? Yeah, I know. Look, I get ditching the town because you think everyone judges you—” She raises her hand. “Um, been there. But we were really worried about you. A simple text to me or Charlie would have been cool.”

“I guess I didn’t think anyone would notice.”

But not only did she notice, she bet on my coming back.

“Where’d you go?”

The question is so simple, but the answer…too loaded.

“Umm…I was staying with a friend not far from here.” Two hours actually. “She needed my help so I had to go.”

Bessie's given me a perpetual license to use her as an excuse anytime.

Pepper nods slowly. And I know she doesn’t believe me. “You don’t have to tell me where you go. But can you tell me how long you’re staying?”

I’m about to answer but curiosity gets the best of me. “Why?”

“Because I like you and I want to be friends. You remind me a lot of my New York friends; cool, mysterious and a little badass.”

I laugh. “Thanks. I think. So, as a friend…can I ask for a favor?”

“Anything,” She beams, then backtracks suspiciously. “Probably.”

“Can I use your shower?”

A little later, I’m climbing the steps of Levi’s back porch. It’s a wide and welcoming structure that stretches the length of the house, shaded by an overhanging roof. To the left are a pair of rocking chairs that sway in the light breeze. On the other side of the steps is a suitable yet weathered bench swing that could use a decorative pillow or two.

Reaching the door, I try my luck—which is laughable at this point—and turn the knob.

Finding it unlocked, I push it open and step inside.

Well, hedidinvite me to stay the night, so this should be okay.

“Tessa,” Jackson calls excitedly from the living room. Almost like he’s been waiting for me. The T.V. is on and he’s sitting cross-legged on the rug.

“Hey, Wiggles.”

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